Civil Engineering programs at universities in the Mekong Delta region play a critical role in preparing qualified personnel for regional socioeconomic development. However, the quality of these programs has not fully met practical requirements and labor market demands. This study examines the theoretical foundations and challenges of implementing total quality management (TQM) to assure the quality of civil engineering programs at higher education institutions in the region. The study uses a qualitative approach combining a review of TQM literature with an analysis of program self-assessment reports from selected universities. The findings indicate that TQM is appropriate and feasible for managing program quality assurance through a learner-centered approach and continuous improvement based on the plan–do–check–act (PDCA) cycle. The study also identifies three key implementation challenges: limited training facilities and equipment; a shortage of highly qualified faculty members and construction industry experts; and inflexible curricula that are slow to incorporate technological advances and skills required by the labor market. Based on these findings, the study proposes strategic directions for enhancing the quality of civil engineering training programs through TQM.