Last Updated on December 28, 2022
Civil Engineering is one of the key branches of Engineering, with wide and varied space which could be divided into many specialized fields, that is; Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Construction Management. In this article, you will be able to discover the answer to How To Get A Degree In Civil Engineering .
To become a civil engineer, one must complete a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree program. You will be required to complete core courses that cover the physical sciences, engineering mathematics, concrete design, hydraulic and fluid engineering, statistics, qualitative and quantitative analysis in engineering and project management. The specifics of each course differ based on your chosen engineering specialty such as structural or transportation design, but overall, most courses have a focus on mathematics
About Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewerage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways.
Civil engineering is the most prevalent and, perhaps, the oldest engineering profession. The Greek Acropolis, the Egyptian pyramids, and the Roman aqueducts are only a few of the early feats attributable to the discipline. These days, civil engineers design and oversee the building and maintenance of our bridges, roads, tunnels, buildings, and water supply systems, among other infrastructure projects.
Civil engineering is traditionally broken into a number of sub-disciplines. It is considered the second-oldest engineering discipline after military engineering, and it is defined to distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering. Civil engineering can take place in the public sector from municipal public works departments through to federal government agencies, and in the private sector from locally based firms to global Fortune 500 companies.
Modern civil engineers face different goals and challenges than their ancient counterparts but regardless of the era, civil engineers have contributed significantly to the betterment of community life and culture.
How To Get A Degree In Civil Engineering
To work as a Civil Engineer, you will first be required to hold either a bachelor of engineering degree or a bachelor of science degree from a reputable institution. A civil engineering education also provides a foundation to move into leadership positions in the public, private or non-profit sectors, or pursue careers beyond engineering, like law, medicine, business, and healthcare. Below are some Universities you can apply to;
The University of New Brunswick, Canada – Established in 1785, UNB is Canada’s oldest English-language university. Its two main campuses are located in Fredericton and Saint John, New Brunswick. It also has satellite campuses and programs in other parts of Canada and around the world.
The University of New Brunswick’s Department of Civil Engineering has six areas of specialization, leading to careers in planning and managing infrastructure, supplying safe drinking water, identifying innovative materials that will last for decades, and much more. The university offers both Bachelor and Masters programs in Civil Engineering. Tuition for international students’ costs between $36,617 to $30,709 depending on the campus.
The University of Southampton, United Kingdom – Currently among the top 20 UK universities, The University of Southampton is an award-winning research institution dedicated to providing a world-class education to its students. The university offers a 3-year Bachelor in Engineering (BEng) degree that provides a solid grounding in civil engineering design and application. We’ll give you the skills to design and build creative solutions to real-world challenges. You’ll develop the skills needed to become a successful engineer. Tuition for international students costs $28,000.
Swansea University, United Kingdom – Civil Engineering at Swansea is ranked 10th in the UK by the Times Good University Guide 2020, and 3rd for Graduate Prospects by The Guardian University League Table 2020. They are one of the key centres for research and training in computational mechanics and engineering. Many techniques used in commercial simulation software originated in Swansea. Their civil engineering degrees are designed to prepare you to meet the needs of the civil engineering industry. Swansea University offers a Bachelor in Engineering program to be finished in 3 years (full time), 4 years (with on year abroad), or 4 years (with one year in the industry). The tuition cost for international students is $24,600.
How To Become A CIVIL ENGINEER
STEP 1: RESEARCH THE FIELD
Prior to investing time in the pursuit of this career, aspiring civil engineers should have a solid grasp on the skills, knowledge, duties, specializations, and other important aspects of this field. Here is a brief, authoritative primer on what to know about civil engineering.
Must-Have Skills & Knowledge: The American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge for the 21st Century is a widely-recognized, highly-respected document that defines the field of civil engineering, its methods and principles, and its core knowledge; employers and colleges adhere to its standards. According to the document, civil engineers use math, science, nature’s forces, and materials for the “progressive well-being of humanity.” They create, improve, and protect structures that support community living, industry, and transportation, while simultaneously striving to protect our environment.
Typical Duties: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), civil engineers research and solve problems related to structures, roads, and other projects; evaluate compliance with laws, regulations, or standards; perform data analysis; inspect structures; monitor and control resources; coordinate the work of others; assess the quality and feasibility of projects; draft and specify technical devices, parts, and equipment; and oversee processes and materials, among other responsibilities.
STEP 2: EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
Career InfoNet notes that while most civil engineers have bachelor’s degrees, employers increasingly prefer candidates with master’s degrees. The BLS and the ASCE’s Body of Knowledge also recommend graduate degrees. Whatever their eventual path, students’ journeys begin with bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering or one of its specializations. Common options include the bachelor of science (B.S.) in engineering with a specialization in civil engineering (or another defined civil engineering specialty); a B.S. in civil engineering (B.S.C.E); or a specialized B.S. (e.g., a B.S. in environmental science). Typical admissions requirements to bachelor’s programs in engineering include:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A competitive high school GPA (e.g., >2.75)
- Proof of strong grades in prerequisite classes such as physics, chemistry, calculus, trigonometry, algebra II, and others
- A statement of purpose (500-600 words)
- Official SAT or ACT scores
Civil Engineering Coursework – Undergraduate Level
Bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering establish a solid foundation of mathematical and scientific principles used in the field of engineering, and may also include coursework in areas such as communication and information technology. Electives and specialized civil engineering coursework round out this base of core engineering and general education classes. Typical classes include:
- Introduction to civil engineering
- Fluid mechanics and hydraulics
- Structural analysis
- Structural dynamics
- Structural design
- Geotechnical engineering
- Materials engineering
- Transportation engineering
Personal Qualities: To successfully fulfill their duties, civil engineers must be able to make decisions; lead groups; organize their work and that of others; understand and apply mathematical and scientific principles; solve Problems; and communicate effectively
STEP 3: EARN A MASTER’S DEGREE (RECOMMENDED)
As noted previously, master’s degrees are quickly becoming the entry-level standard of civil engineering employment. Much like bachelor’s degrees, civil engineering graduate degree paths include a master of science (M.S.) in civil engineering or an M.S. in a civil engineering specialty. Unlike bachelor’s degrees, however, these programs are often much more specialized, targeting advanced engineering concepts. Students can pursue on-campus or online degrees in civil engineering. Online programs can be especially appealing to working professionals advancing their educations or satisfying continuing education requirements for credentialing (see below).
Graduate civil engineering program admissions requirements vary, but typically include the following:
- A B.S. in civil engineering or a relevant specialization from an accredited program
- A statement of purpose
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
- Two or three letters of recommendation, speaking to one’s educational and professional potential
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) results
STEP 4: GET PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
To become a credentialed civil engineer, most state and national licensing boards call for bachelor’s (or master’s) degrees plus varying levels of professional experience. The ASCE’s Engineers Guide to Pre-Licensure Experience advises new civil engineers to find internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships that reinforce the following skills and knowledge:
- Business and governmental regulations
- Communication
- Project management
- Professional ethics
- Risk assessment
- Technical savvy
how to become a civil engineer without a degree
Follow these steps to become an engineer without having a degree:
1. Finish high school
Although becoming an engineer without a college degree is indeed possible, you still need to graduate high school to be on your way to an engineering career.
2. Work on specific engineering skills
Although various engineering specialties require different skillsets, there are some core skills that you need to have if you want to become an engineer. Some can be learned in high school, while others require separate research and study. The most important areas that you need to improve on are calculus, differential equations, physics, chemistry, circuits and instrumentation. You also need to learn specific information related to each engineering specialty.
3. Work on your soft skills
Engineering requires both hard and soft skills, so you should constantly work on improving traits like creativity, intellectual curiosity, leadership and teamwork.
4. Choose an engineering discipline that doesn’t require a degree
Although most engineering jobs favor applicants with engineering degrees, some areas of engineering make it easier for those with no degree to become engineers. Some of them are:
- Mechanical engineering: If you want to become a mechanical engineer without having a degree in engineering, the solution is to find a low-level engineering-related job and then demonstrate work ethic and proficiency for several years. Although this may help you get into mechanical engineering, some employers may still require you to earn a degree at some point in time.
- Civil engineering: Although it is a very hard field to enter without a degree, you can still become a civil engineer by working in the construction field and gradually rising in rank as you acquire new skills and demonstrate your qualities. However, due to the high level of responsibility that civil engineers are facing, promotions in the field tend to be relatively rare and the quickest way is still earning a degree.
- Electrical engineering: This is one of the easiest engineering fields to access without having a degree, as it is largely based on experience and proficiency. Most aspects of electrical engineering can be learned through experience and the entire field values experimentation, making electrical engineering the easiest way for someone without a degree to become an engineer.
how long does it take to get a degree in civil engineering?
A bachelor’s degree program in civil engineering normally takes four years. However, as in any degree program, you must take a full-time load in the recommended sequence and pass all classes to complete your degree.
civil engineering salary
- According to indeed.com, civil engineers can make an estimated median salary of $86,000.
- com estimates that Water Resource Engineers make between $55,000 and $96,000 a year, with the median salary being $67,000
- Transportation Engineers make an average of $67,000 according to glassdoor.com
- com estimates that you can expect to make an average of $66,000 as an entry-level Geotechnical Engineer
- According to payscale.com, Structural Engineers make an average of $70,000 annually.
Popular Careers in Civil Engineering
1. Construction manager
Construction managers are the bosses of the working sites. With knowledge on the most basic things, like weather, costs, team and time management, managers have to be the eyes and ears of the person who hired them, and have to see that everything works smoothly.
And, the best part? An average salary for a construction manager is around 62.900 EUR / year. That’s not too shabby.
2. Geotechnical engineer
Geotechnicians have to be on the lookout for everything nature-related and know how to manage waste disposal, flood control, when and where to build a dam or a bridge, and so on. And, once you get the hang of it, then, dam, you will be the best.
A geotechnical engineer can make up to 53.800 EUR / year, and that’s beside the satisfaction of helping shape the infrastructure worldwide. And, honestly, that’s the best satisfaction ever!
3. Environmental engineer
Environmental engineers are the closest we have to superheroes, as they take care of the planet and allow us to keep living here (or simply living, which is nice). You will get to go and restore landscapes and nature from what other people ruin, you will get to explain to other people what a healthy indoor and outdoor environment is, and what to do in the future to stop wrecking our planet.
Also, besides being an awesome person who keeps us safe, you will also earn around 53.800 EUR / year.
4. Public Health engineer
Do you remember that scene in Tim Burton’s ‘Batman’, where there are penguins living in the sewer and even an evil lair? Technically, as a public health engineer, you will be responsible for that never to happen!
Controlling the water supply and sewage system, you take care of people in towns and villages, making sure the water is clean and villain-free.
And, on top of fighting crime, you could also be making around 51.400 EUR / year.
5. Transportation engineer
Do you think public transportation just happens? All those subways, trams, roads, highways, and such don’t just spring from nowhere: top transportation engineers are there, taking care of us to get home on time or not wait in the rain for your bus, like the most tragic figure from literature.
And, besides helping people reach their destination, you can also be making around 54.000 EUR / year.
6. Urban planning engineer
Urban planning might be the closest thing to playing with your childhood legos that you can get: deciding where to put a building, where a road should be, how to circle a park with a fence, how not to put a school next to a prison, and so on.
Besides getting to design your own city, like a mad scientist, you will also get paid 57.700 EUR / year, which is like getting paid to have fun.
