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Degrees and Schools
Many universities and colleges offer four-year degree programs in engineering, although schools that offer programs that specialize in civil engineering are fewer.
Bachelor's degree programs in engineering can be structured in a variety of ways. Here are the most common:
- Typical bachelor's degree - Programs usually last 4-5 years. A general foundation and introduction to engineering are provided during the first 2 years. The remaining years emphasize engineering courses with a concentration in civil engineering.
- Five-year master's degree - Sometimes referred to as "accelerated degrees", these programs allow students to apply for a single program from which they earn their bachelor's and master's degrees sequentially. The advantage is that there is no need to apply to a master's program following completion of a bachelor's program.
- Double degree - Double degree programs require pre-engineering courses which are taken for 3 years at liberal arts colleges, and then 2 years of core subjects are taken at engineering schools. Graduates earn bachelor's degrees from each school.
- Partnership - Engineering programs at a four-year institutions partner with community colleges and vocational schools. Students start at the two-year school, taking engineering courses. They are then automatically admitted into the engineering program where they complete remaining required courses for a bachelor's degree.
- Cooperative - These programs, which last 5-6 years, help students finance their education by combining classroom time with practical work experience.
- General engineering - These four year programs focus on engineering in general. Students are expected to pursue specialty areas on the job or in graduate school.
Engineering technology degrees are an alternative to traditional engineering degrees. Available for both two- and four-year degrees, programs emphasize hands-on learning and preparation for certification or employment.
Employers may not specifically require a degree or emphasis in civil engineering, because it is recognized that the principles taught in most engineering programs can be applied to most fields.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits engineering degree programs. Graduation from an accredited program is typically required in order to be a licensed engineer.
Coursework
Engineering students start out studying physical and life sciences, math, introductory engineering, and humanities. After the first two years, courses specific to civil engineering are usually taken (see the different program structures described above).
Compared to engineering technology degree programs, which emphasize hands-on learning in laboratory courses and preparation for work in design and production, engineering program curricula tend to be more theoretical and scientific, with some laboratory courses.
Online Classes and Programs
Online bachelor's degree programs in engineering are abundant. Most programs are provided by campus-based colleges and universities, while some are offered by Internet-only schools. ABET-accreditation is highly recommended for online engineering degree programs. In addition, the parent school should have accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).
Employment Requirements
The minimum requirement for entry-level civil engineering jobs is a bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering technology. In order to be accepted into an undergraduate engineering program, applicants should be able to demonstrate a background in mathematics, science, English, social studies, and the humanities.
Every state requires that civil engineers be licensed as professional engineers (PEs) if they provide services directly to the public. To get their PE license, civil engineers must:
- Graduate from an ABET-accredited engineering program
- Have at least 4 years of applicable work experience
- Pass a state licensing exam
Recent civil engineering graduates can take Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), the first part of the licensing exam. A passing score allows them to work as engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). Once they accumulated enough work experience, they can take Principles and Practice of Engineering, the second part of the exam.
Engineering technology degree holders are eligible for the same jobs as engineering degree holders, but they do not meet the qualifications for professional licensure. Employers usually consider them to somewhere between a technician and an engineer.
Competitive advantage can be gained through certification from professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers, or specialty associations such as those for structural or transportation engineers.
How to Evaluate Schools
Future civil engineering students who are comparing engineering programs should consider asking these questions:
- Program type - Which program structure suits the student - typical, five-year master's, double degree, partnership, cooperative, general, etc.? Are there specific locations, such as new or rapidly-expanding communities that require a lot of infrastructure development, where attending school would also provide access to lots of job opportunities? Is the program ABET-accredited?
- Degree type - Does a degree in engineering technology best support the goals of the student, or does a degree in engineering?
- Program resources - What research opportunities are available? Do labs offer access to the latest computers and equipment? How varied and plentiful are internship opportunities?
- Financial aid - Are opportunities for financial assistance explained clearly and comprehensively? What resources are available to help students qualify for loans, work study opportunities, scholarships, and grants?
- Career search - Does the school offer job fairs and job placement assistance? What are people who graduated in the last couple years doing now?
Civil Engineer Job Description
The infrastructure of any community - roads, buildings, tunnels, dams, bridges, airports, water systems, etc. -- is designed and produced by civil engineers. Civil engineers are often supervisors or administrators, but some work in design, research, teaching or construction. One of the oldest disciplines in engineering, civil engineering has many areas of specialty including construction, water resources, structural, geotechnical, and transportation.
Job responsibilities usually include:
- Estimating construction costs
- Forecasting the lifetime of a project
- Following government regulations
- Being prepared for earthquakes, hurricanes and other environmental hazards
- Conceptualizing and designing new projects
- Identifying functional requirements and documenting them
- Overseeing production including construction
- Evaluating project designs for cost, practicality, safety and visual appeal
- Maintaining structures and constructing solutions to problems
- Identifying reasons for structural failure
Civil engineers are frequently on project sites for months or years, and therefore move from place to place.
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