Civil engineers plan and supervise large construction projects that are usually funded by federal, state and local governments. These include highways, airports, sewer systems, bridges and dams. They conduct much of their work indoors in offices. However, they must occasionally travel to construction sites to monitor work progress or solve problems.
The minimum requirement to become a civil engineer is an undergraduate degree in civil engineering or a related specialty. The program must be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, which typically takes four years to complete. Subjects include mathematics, statistics, fluid dynamics, engineering mechanics and engineering systems. The education normally mixes classroom instruction with work in the laboratory and field. Students may choose to concentrate in such specialties as structural engineering, coil mechanics, environmental and resources engineering or transportation. They must also round out their studies with such elective courses as English, geology and communications.
Students who are interested in becoming managers of construction projects or city engineering departments need a master’s degree, as well as several years of experience. This educational program typically takes at least two years to complete if pursued full time. However, part-time options are also available for working professionals. Students typically specialize in such areas as geotechnical or hydraulic engineering and take subjects related to their concentration. As with a graduate degree in any subject, students must also complete a thesis or graduate project.
All states require licensing for civil engineers who sell their services publicly. This credential is also needed for engineers who supervise or direct other civil engineers, civil engineering technologists or civil engineering technicians. A degree from an accredited engineering program is required. Civil engineers must then pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination to become a civil engineering intern or an engineer in training. Additional state requirements may apply. To qualify as a fully licensed civil engineering professional, engineers must have experience and pass additional exams.
Civil engineers who successfully complete their degree requirements could look forward to mean wages of $39.76 per hour or $82,710 per year as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries could rise as high as $57.51 per hour or $119,620 per year for the top earning 10 percent. Jobs for the profession should grow by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, which is faster than the 11 percent predicted for all engineers and more than the 14 percent rate seen for all professions taken together. A growing population will drive the demand since larger numbers of people require more infrastructure projects. In addition, aging bridges, roads and dams will require repair or replacement during the decade.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Work Environment for Civil Engineers
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Civil Engineer
- University of Delaware: Bachelor of Civil Engineering Curriculum
- Lawrence Technological University: Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Wages for Civil Engineers
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Job Outlook for Civil Engineers
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