Civil engineers typically manage projects and people, whether they be responsible for overseeing a construction site or serve as a city engineer. Many specializations exist within the civil engineering field, including those related to construction, environment, structures, and transportation. Additionally, there are career opportunities in construction, design, research, and teaching.
Online Education Options for Degrees in Civil Engineering
Because of the diversity of knowledge required, civil engineers must be well-versed in a significant variety of structures, although they will often specialize in a particular type – especially if they are working for the government or a private firm rather than for a city. Because of this and safety considerations, a degree in civil engineering is a requirement for people who want to make this occupation their career. In addition to core curriculum requirements, a civil engineering degree requires upper-level math and science courses like calculus and physics as well as high-end, technical computer classes. The course work is designed to not only give the student a solid foundation in civil engineering, but also to prepare the student to be an effective communicator, problem solver, and analytical thinker.
Civil engineering programs are available in the following areas:
- Online Associates degree in Civil Engineering
- Online Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering
- Online Master’s degree in Civil Engineering
- Online Doctorate degree in Civil Engineering
Please note that while there are no certification programs available online for those interested in civil engineering, certificates are available in the related field of computer-aided design, which is a common entry-level position that provides a solid introduction to the basics of civil engineering.
Degrees in Civil Engineering Career and Salary Information
Typically a bachelor degree in civil engineering is required at minimum for work in the field; however, there are related certification and associate degree programs that lend themselves to the occupation and provide a solid foundation for eventual pursuit of an undergraduate degree.
Typical civil engineers find the best and most available employment in cities that are business and industry centers. Although they might work at construction sites, sometimes they work in rural areas as well.
A civil engineering degree salary can vary widely in the engineering field based on the specific area of specialization (residential, business, etc.) and geographic location; however, additional education and super-specialization will improve salary earning potential. Median annual wages based on years of experience breaks down as follows: 1-4 years, $47,721-$59,729 ($1520 annual bonus); 5-9 years, $56,194-$72,709 ($2055 annual bonus); 10-19 years, $64,538-$89,425 ($3564 annual bonus); 20+ years, $74,639-$105,340 ($4976 annual bonus).
Almost half of civil engineers are employed by entities that provide work related to architecture and engineering that design and implement new construction projects, with almost one-third working in the government sector.