Engineering

Civil Engineering Career & Education Information

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67 Programs and 34 Colleges

It’s hard to say which branch of engineering has the most impact on day-to-day life, but civil engineering is definitely high on the list. Our nearby airports, highways, and drinking water (or at least the dam system that brings it to us) are all products of civil engineering. When designing a part of infrastructure, civil engineers take into account both the structural design and integrity, as well as the project’s budget and scope.  Nearly all engineers begin their careers by earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. These programs include courses in pertinent science areas, such as math and  physics, as well as civil engineering techniques. Students are also required to complete general education courses in liberal arts topics. A master’s degree in civil engineering is useful for specializing in one particular engineering area, and a doctoral degree is helpful for launching a career in engineering research or academia. All engineers who offer their services directly to the public must possess the state-issued Professional Engineer license, which requires professional experience and a passing score on an exam, along with a bachelor’s degree.

The average salary for a civil engineer is $77,560 and the job outlook is about as fast as average at 19% (BLS).

  1. Perry Welch is a civil engineer at Axiom Innovative Engineering Solutions, in Boise, Idaho. He earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the University of Washington in 2007, and began his career as a design engineer at Quantum Consulting Engineers in Seattle. Check out this interview with Perry to learn all about the ins and outs of civil engineering.
  2. Civil engineering draws on disciplines like mathematics, physics, chemistry, statistics, and geology. Many schools offer "engineering" versions of classes in these subjects. Students in a civil engineering program learn about materials, mechanics, and engineering design. They also learn to use engineering tools like computer-aided design software.

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