Essential Information
Civil engineers work on construction, renovation, and rebuilding projects. They often work alongside architects, technologists, and other industry professionals. Engineers may alternate time between working in an office and visiting sites. Duties may range from reviewing government regulations and city ordinances to designing highways. A bachelor's degree from an accredited program is the minimum requirement for most civil engineering jobs, and these engineers often need to earn professional engineer licensure.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Other Requirements | State license |
| Projected Job Growth (2014-2024)* | 8% |
| Median Annual Salary (May 2015)* | $82,220 |
Source:*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Educational Requirements for Civil Engineers
Aspiring civil engineers may look to the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for a list of approved programs. High school students may consider advanced courses in mathematics, such as calculus and trigonometry to prepare for college.
Core Courses
Aspiring civil engineers generally begin their college careers by enrolling in chemistry, physics, and advanced mathematics courses. Some programs may include classes in computer-aided design (CAD) as part of the core requirements. Additionally, students may take courses in engineering statistics in order to develop their computational skills. Pre-major courses may also cover fundamental engineering principles and concepts.
Major Requirements
After completing core course requirements, civil engineering students delve into advanced topics, such as thermodynamics and structural analysis. Courses may include the completion of a design project, in which students assess structural integrity of materials. This may require the use of CAD programs to test their designs.
Most programs generally require students to complete laboratory courses in which they analyze substances ranging from soil to concrete. These courses help students identify basic properties of materials, as well as potential problems from using them.
Licensing Requirements
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), civil engineers who provide their services to the public must complete professional engineer (PE) state licensing requirements. Requirements vary by state, but generally include accruing four years of work experience and completing two exams administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.
Career and Salary Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that most states have implemented mandatory continuing education requirements to maintain a license. Credit may be given for attending seminars, participating in workshops, and completing online classes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, civil engineers can expect an 8% percent job increase between 2014 and 2024. It was reported that the median annual salary for civil engineers was $82,220 in May 2015.
Civil engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, and overseeing projects involving buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures.
