Formula derivation is emphasized and case study is neglected in the traditional teaching for the reliability theory, resulting in low teaching efficacy. The teaching technique through illustrative case studies is proposed, and the importance of both case teaching concept and learning promoted by programming is stressed. Four typical case studies, such as the cantilever beam, sea dike, pile foundation, and sheet pile wall, are implemented to explore the procedures and methods for the teaching of reliability theory. Each case study has its own emphasis on the teaching content, leading to key knowledge components from the easy to the difficult, which allows students to immerse themselves in the solution of examples through programming practice. The teaching model based on case heuristics is easy to stimulate students’ enthusiasm for exploring the reliability theory, and it is easy to realize the connection with professional problems.