Higher engineering education in the new era sets down higher requirements for education of application-oriented talents. Based on hydraulic and hydropower engineering program, this paper proposes an idea of reversal design of curriculum system, which is in accordance with basic requirements of National Standards for Undergraduate Education Quality, Professional Certification for Engineering Education, General Specification for Engineering Qualification and Engineering Capability Assessment. On the basis of extensive internal and external surveys, we reviewed the training objectives for the program and developed scientific and reasonable modules and courses, so that our study can promote the development of the curriculum system and provide helpful guidance and reference for program construction.