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Civil engineering training programs are designed to provide key
skills for the design and construction in the industrial sector.
Civil engineers are involved with designing and supervising the
construction of roads, buildings, airports, and water systems
within a city. The design process can be complicated and
requires specific knowledge about the geographical area, as well
as implementing special tools for analysis and reporting. A
civil engineering degree allows graduates to pursue a variety of
careers in construction, research, teaching, and administration.
What Is Civil Engineering?
Many
prospective students of engineering ask, what is civil engineering? Civil
engineering covers a broad range of engineering disciplines, and a civil
engineer may choose to work in a private practice, in a public practice, or
within the academic department to conduct research in civil engineering. A civil
engineer who works in a private practice is usually involved with planning,
designing, and construction of physical facilities used in the public sector.
Civil and construction engineering employees who work in a public practice are
often involved in city or regional planning. This often includes the layout and
construction of highways, pipelines, and other industrial elements within a
city's plans. A civil engineer who works in academia is involved with teaching
the fundamentals of civil engineering, and this may take place at the graduate
or doctorate level. Research in this area is commonly used to make advances in
the fields of civil and construction engineering, and helps with both city
planning and regional developments.
Civil and Construction
Engineering Job Description and Responsibilities
Civil and construction engineering jobs vary depending on skill level,
expertise, and knowledge of the area. General responsibilities for a civil
engineer include:
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Analyzing blueprints and providing comprehensive summaries
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Reporting problems or issues with plans
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Participating in the planning, development, and implementation of various
systems
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Negotiating contracts
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Supervising a staff of civil engineers or training civil and construction
engineering managers
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Developing systems for new projects
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Learning and adapting new techniques to implement new programs
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Solving problems and putting ideas into action
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Helping to improve the environment
Civil engineering college can best prepare students interested in civil
engineering careers, and a civil engineering degree opens up many opportunities
for long-term advancement.
Typical Civil
Engineering Careers
After completing a civil
engineering degree, the most common types of civil engineering careers available
include:
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Construction Management
Engineer
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Geotechnical Engineer
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Public Works Engineer
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Research Engineer
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Structural Engineer
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Transportation Engineer
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Water Resources Engineer
Structural engineers are
involved with designing steel, concrete, or timber structures such as tall
buildings and dams. Wastewater treatment engineers are another type of civil
engineers that specialize in water treatment plants. They are often involved
with treating domestic waste and working on processes at waste treatment
facilities. Transportation engineers are commonly involved with designing and
analyzing highways, airports, parking lots, and traffic control signal systems.
The majority of civil engineering degree graduates work in construction
management. Construction managers are involved with reviewing contracts,
ordering materials, hiring and scheduling subcontractors, and implementing
processes for quality control.
Enrolling in Civil Engineering
College
Civil engineering college
provides the foundational education and skills needed for a long-term civil
engineering career. Civil engineers need to develop decision-making skills,
along with key communication skills and the ability to be creative. They can
best meet the challenges of a career in civil engineering by focusing on
advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry, and trigonometry in high school.
Civil engineering technicians
typically require only a two-year degree, and technicians are responsible for
conducting basic tests, analyzing data, and providing cost estimates for a
specific project. Those who continue their education can work on larger
projects, supervise teams, and move forward into research if they choose to do
so.
An accredited college that
offers a civil or construction engineering program is the next step. Some
students can enroll immediately into a civil engineering degree program after
high school, while others require completion of a two-year junior college
program. Enrolling in civil engineering college may take time, but there are
plenty of courses and degree programs available to make the transition.
A civil engineering degree
online offers an alternative for students who may want to enroll in civil
engineering college from a distance. Online programs provide flexible study
options, and can still provide the key skills and training needed for many civil
engineering careers.
Civil Engineering Degree
Accreditation
Civil engineering degree
programs at the majority of U.S. colleges and universities are accredited by the
Accreditation Board for Education and Technology (ABET). This organization is
responsible for monitoring and certifying various civil and construction
engineering degree programs. They are commonly involved with accrediting civil
engineering degree online programs as well.
Earning a Civil Engineering Degree Online
The
best program for civil engineering degree seekers depends on the student, and
some colleges offer five-year programs to ensure that all areas of study have
been covered. Still, earning a civil engineering degree online is becoming a
valuable way to complete or supplement a civil engineering education. Since the
program may involve an internship or cooperative study agreement, it becomes
easier to complete courses online while working in the field. In most cases, the
first three years are based in sciences and math, while the last year focuses
specifically on civil and construction engineering programs. Many students
choose to specialize in their field so that they can gain further knowledge and
skills.
Future Employment Prospects and Earning Potential for Civil Engineering Careers
With
the advances in technology and the growing urban sprawl across the country, the
demand for skilled civil and construction engineering graduates is rising.
Long-term research and development projects are also growing in size and scope,
and many civil engineering degree students who choose to further their education
will enjoy promising job prospects. Earning potential for civil engineering
careers varies depending on the field of expertise and skill level obtained.
Civil engineers are expected to see average employment growth through 2014, and
the most desirable area will be in infrastructure security. Employment
opportunities vary by geographic area, and construction in major cities will
likely provide the most opportunities.
Median
salaries of civil engineers with a bachelor's degree were $43,679 in 2005, and
$48,050 for those with a Master's degree. Related occupations include:
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