This particular part of engineering is a science that relies heavily on mathematics such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Chemistry and Physics. It will also require computer science and drawing skills. Formal training through a university can range from an Associate’s degree to a Master’s degree in civil engineering. There are steps that need to be taken in order to become a civil engineer.
Steps You Need To Follow To Become a Civil Engineer
There are so many students who want to be a civil engineer but don’t know the exact procedure how or what they need to do. So the step by step process that one need to follow to be a civil engineer is given below.
Step 1 – High School Diploma
Since engineering requires high education in the form of college degrees, a high school diploma is essential. Generally, colleges and universities that offer engineering programs will look more favorably upon applicants who have a college preparatory diploma. They will also look more closely at applicants who have a basic high school diploma over those who have a GED. Students with a GED will more than likely have to start at a community college and then transfer to an engineering school after obtaining an Associate’s degree.
Step 2 – Choosing a School of Engineering
Several students will opt to obtain an Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology and then move up into a four year college or university that offers a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. An Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology is a two-year degree program. Those with this degree will work as an assistant to the project lead. People who have only an Associate’s degree will not be a project leader, no matter how much experience they have.
A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering is a four-year degree. A person with this degree will generally have a specialty within one of the civil engineering disciplines. By having this degree, a person can be chosen as a project lead, if they also hold the correct certifications. Students can choose to by-pass an Associate’s degree and enter directly into a four-year program. They will have to apply for entrance directly out of high school and must have the discipline to study and succeed within a more intense curriculum.
Step 3 – Post Graduate Studies
A Master’s degree in Civil Engineering is a degree that allows them to teach at university level and also as a developer in new engineering technologies as this is a field that is constantly evolving. Those who wish to reach the top of their field or to possibly teach at an engineering college will be required to have a post graduate degree. Once the Master’s degree is obtained, a person can then earn a Doctoral degree in engineering.
Step 4 – Obtain Appropriate Certifications
An engineer that desires to become a project lead or manager must first go through a certification process. States within the United States will require that an engineer obtain a Professional Engineering License. This will require that a person enter into an internship program to gain on-the-job experience. After the internship has ended, then the engineer can apply for certification by taking the Practice of Engineering or PE exam.
Once all these steps are taken, a civil engineer must still continue their education throughout their career. Codes and regulations are constantly changing and it is the responsibility of the engineer to stay on top of them. This ensures that the structures that are being built are safe and up to code.
