Civil engineering is a branch of engineering which involves the study, design, construction, maintenance, and repair of public buildings, roads, bridges, canals, and dams. There are a number of sub-disciplines involved in this field which include (but are not limited to) environmental engineering, forensic engineering, urban and municipal engineering, construction engineering, and biomechanics. Civil engineering takes place on both public and private sectors.
Civil engineers are educated and trained individuals who oversee these large construction projects. A few of their duties include analyzing survey reports, maps, and data related to projects; budgeting and examining construction costs; testing various materials which are used in projects such as concrete and asphalt; and using design software for the planning and design of roads, bridges, buildings, etc...Read More
Students interested in pursuing a career as a civil engineer should encompass a number of skills and qualities essential in this field. Civil engineers must have exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills. Since they work at the highest level of design, they must be able to effectively plan large infrastructure projects and determine the most efficient use of their budget and materials, all the while ensuring to stay within government policies. Civil engineers must have positive leadership and managerial skills. They must be able to motivate and lead others in projects and provide an environment where everyone can effectively work together. Civil engineers must have project management skills since project management is their main responsibility. They must ensure that the project is progressing and tasks are being completed by the scheduled deadlines.
Civil Engineering Degree Levels Available
Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
The bachelor’s degree program in civil engineering provides students with a broad introduction to this discipline's concepts and practices as well as a strong foundation for continued education in civil engineering. This four-year program includes courses in areas such as advanced mathematics, engineering principles, technical communications, economics, construction management, hydrology, waste management, and structural design. Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering may obtain entry-level positions such as a civil engineer or further advance to a master’s degree in civil engineering.
Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering
A master’s degree in civil engineering prepares students to become leaders in the civil engineering profession. At this point in their academic career, students will have chosen an area of specialization in which to focus on throughout their program such as water resources engineering, transportation systems, environmental engineering, or construction management. Reputable colleges and universities offer a thesis program along with an intense research-based curriculum taught by faculty members who have extensive knowledge and experience in civil engineering.
Admission Requirements
Although various colleges and universities may vary slightly, students can expect fairly standard admission requirements when applying to obtain a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Successful completion of high school or an academic equivalent (such as a GED) is required along with high school transcripts displaying grades obtained in completed courses. SAT or ACT test scores are almost always required as well. If a student fulfills all of these requirements, then an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend must be completed and submitted along with an application fee, which of course varies depending on the institution.
Admission into the master’s program requires a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related field. Colleges and universities require a transcript from the institution where the bachelor’s degree was obtained, displaying the student’s GPA which should be at a 3.25 minimum (on a 4.0 scale). Students must have successfully completed the GRE (Graduate Records Exam) and received a score at or above the 80th percentile. A statement of purpose, which states the student’s career or research goals in the civil engineering field, must be submitted. Two or three reference letters from faculty members is also mandatory. If a student fulfills all of these requirements, then an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend must be completed and submitted along with an application fee.
Tuition and Accreditation
Tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering may vary from $ 15,918 to $ 32,617. Tuition fees for a master’s degree in civil engineering may vary from $ 8,763 to $ 20,368. These figures are only estimates; college and university tuition fees may vary drastically from one institution to another since there are a number of factors which affect tuition such as public versus private institutions, online degrees, federal student assistance programs, etc. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
Colleges and universities which offer a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in civil engineering must be aligned with ABET (Accreditation Board forEngineering)standards. Most employers only hire students who graduated from an ABET-accredited institution. EAC (Engineering Accreditation Commission) is a commission under ABET which undertakes specialized accreditation.
Average Annual Salary Range for Civil Engineers
A civil engineer’s salary is based on various factors which include (but are not limited to) their level of education, the extent of their experience, their field of specialization, and who they are employed by. Earnings may vary drastically from person to person. However, $ 74,140 to $ 94,140 is the average range of annual earnings for civil engineers (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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