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What is a Civil Engineer?

As the oldest engineering discipline, a civil engineering degree deals with the built environment and can be readily seen in all aspects of our lives. Examples of visual works credited to civil engineers include high-rise building, wastewater treatment facilities, highways, water wells, bridges, airports, international space station, dams, levees, subway systems, hydroelectric dams, and public utilities.

A civil engineer is a vital professional that works as part of a collaborative team to bring large and small projects to life.  In the automotive industry, civil engineers work with mechanical engineers, designers, project managers, and management to help cars achieve the optimal weight to power ratio, meet national safety ratings, construct the load-bearing capacity of a chassis, fabricate vehicles with ideal metallurgic properties, and help optimize fuel efficiency.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$89,730

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

58.69%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

287,800

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Civil Engineering Degree

The Department of Civil Engineering at Princeton University offers three graduate degrees: the master of science and engineering, master of engineering and doctor of philosophy. Individualized tracks of graduate study that are aligned with their research areas are offered by the department. For productive working relationships between students and their advisers, the student-faculty ratio is kept small in the department. Close interaction between students and faculty is maintained in their department so that students may totally benefit from the experience and knowledge of their advisers while solving important engineering problems. 

Acceptance Rate

5.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The Department of Civil Engineering at Columbia University focuses on two broad areas of instruction and research. They aim to provide students with technical foundation that is anchored in theory and with the breadth needed to follow diverse career paths. Classical Field of Engineering deals with the design, planning, construction and maintenance of structures and infrastructure. The science of mechanics includes the study of the mechanical properties of materials, dynamics and vibrations of complex structures, stress analysis of stationary and movable structures, micro-and nano-mechanics, aero- and hydrodynamics and mechanics of biological and energy systems.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Students at Stanford University under the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering make a lasting impact in the world as they launch careers that design and apply innovative solutions fostering sustainability both in the natural and built environments. They offer three graduate degree programs: degree, masters and doctoral of engineering, with four distinct focus areas. The master’s Program’s leading purpose is to give students the knowledge and skills that are necessary for a professional career or doctoral studies. They also offer undergraduate majors in Architectural Design, Atmosphere/Energy and Civil Engineering and environmental Systems Engineering. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The degree in Civil Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is dedicated to providing human services in a sustainable way. They balance the society’s need for long term infrastructure with environmental health. CEE has an essential role in solving some of humanity's most pressing problems. Concerns about energy and environment are also included the the curricular design.  Both graduate and undergraduate students can thrive within the MIT system as their top-tier faculty and research departments are second to none.  

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Duke’s CEE provides a thriving interdisciplinary environment that bridges engineering, management and science. Their civil and environmental programs claim to feature strong collaboration with biomedical engineering, computer engineering, Duke’s School of Medicine and Nicholas School of the environment. Duke CEE also provides outstanding financial support which is verified through their full funding offer for their PhD students and generous scholarships for their master’s students. Students are also able to advance their particular interests while meeting academic requirements through the flexibility in choosing their coursework. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Civil Engineering research and study are provided through the Department of Civil Engineering at CalTech (California Institute of Technology).  They also offer the degrees of Master of Science and doctor of Philosophy. Graduate program in civil engineering at Caltech focuses on preparing their students for research and professional practice in an era of rapidly advancing interdisciplinary technology. Competence in a particular chosen major specialty and individual depth of experience and competence is what comprises their program. 

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

The M.Eng. in Civil Engineering at Cornell University is aimed at engineers who want to improve the depth and breadth of their technical abilities. Through additional coursework and participation in a project that contains the element of engineering, they are able to enhance their skills in the context of the engineering profession. M.Eng. degree is normally completed in two semesters of intensive study with thirty credit hours that include coursework both in major and supporting areas. A project is also required.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Students at Northwestern University are taking full advantage of their medium size classes in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. They give numerous multidisciplinary research and projects. They make sure to maintain a close faculty and student interactions. They receive distinctive, internationally recognized learning experience in this department that is ranked among the nation’s research and academic departments in the field.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Notre Dame offers three undergraduate programs and is a great place to develop intellectually and professionally. The first two years of study in civil engineering are devoted to general principles of science and engineering. Third and fourth years focus on topics on Civil Engineering. They will be engaged in a comprehensive capstone Senior Design and will be prepared in understanding the necessary foundational chemistry, mixing mechanics and fluid flow of the Earth system.

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Vanderbilt’s graduate degree in Civil Engineering has a long-standing record of excellence in both teaching and research in the specific areas of both civil and infrastructure engineering, material and structural engineering. Their graduate programs offer three types of graduate degrees: Master of Science, master of engineering and doctor of philosophy. After passing the preliminary and qualification examinations, their student then becomes a candidate for the PhD degree. M.Eng. degree is designed for professional engineers who desire management roles with specialization in Construction Management.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Students who completed their BSCE at Rice University were able to demonstrate an ability to formulate, identify and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of Engineering, mathematics and science. They also acquired the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. They recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations. They are also ready to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed.

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Tufts’ Civil Engineering major is strongly allied with environmental engineering into a single program with four areas of specialization: geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering or structural engineering. They train their students the techniques in planning, design, construction and operation of physical structures and facilities. They will be knowledgeable about the research and development of a wide variety of physical and natural systems. They will learn to consider the impact of human activity on the environment with the use of mathematical models.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Department of Civil Engineering at Johns Hopkins is dedicated to reaching their goal of providing strong programs in the major areas of civil engineering. They acknowledged that there is a heavy demand on the civil engineer who must master the chemical, mathematical and physical principles which support the design of a wide variety of projects. They also train their students to acquire managerial skills and techniques, so they’ll meet the further demand of engineers in a massive scale of projects. Fundamental understanding of the mathematical principles of physics and nature that underlie engineering science is one of the things Johns Hopkins instills in their students under their civil engineering program.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Southern California prepares their students for successful careers in civil and environmental engineering. They offer many program options and areas of career specialization. Their students are taught by the unique ways in designing, maintaining and enhancing civil infrastructure. They urge their students to help sustain the living standards and quality of life population.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Studying Civil Engineering at UVA would be a great decision. The demand on Civil Engineers is stable, since they provide the basic infrastructure of the society. Students at UVA are trained for future projects in this always advancing society. Seventy-five percent of UVA’s graduates are now working in the field of civil engineering. Ninety-seven percent is the passing rate of UVA’s students and alumni on recent Fundamentals of Engineering Examination.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Civil Engineering degree at UCLA consists of five sub-disciplines that investigates distinct areas of inquiry to one degree or another. These are the five sub-disciplines: Civil Engineering Materials, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering and Structures (Structural Mechanics and Earthquake Engineering). Civil Engineering is an ongoing research focused on inorganic, random porous materials. At the interface of Chemistry, it incorporates expertise.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The top rated Civil Engineering degree at Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art ensures that their graduates are engaged in life-long learning to stay abreast of the latest set of knowledge and professional practices in civil engineering. They aim to produce graduates that excel in teamwork, organizational skills and in their professional careers. Their graduates also excel in interdisciplinary concepts and problem-solving methodologies. They have always been committed to excellence, innovation, and independent thinking.

Acceptance Rate

15.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Michigan’s graduate programs in the department of CEE, provides their students with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in their own field. Their Department puts an effort to be the leading educational research institution. They address transformative advances in the understanding and long-term protection of interconnected civil and environmental infrastructure systems. They also train their students to always address the safety of the natural environment.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Civil Engineering Program at UC Berkeley is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, which proves that their quality of education will provide you with a strong fundamental background in engineering science, engineering design and engineering practice. Their students acquire the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering. They can design and conduct experiments and at the same time analyze and interpret data. They are trained to function on multi-disciplinary teams.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Carnegie Mellon University has established world-class research accolades in a number of areas in both the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department to address the challenges of the 21st century. They teach their students about sustainable, intelligent infrastructure systems and water/air quality science and engineering. They are also knowledgeable about resilient engineering, materials as well as environmentally sustainable engineering practices. Their research is organized into three major focuses: Advanced Infrastructure Systems, Mechanics, Materials and Computing and lastly the Environmental Engineering, Sustainability and Science.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering curriculum at Georgia Institute of Technology trains students in preparation for a professional practice as an engineer. This can also help them pursue advanced degrees in the field. Their students learn how to design systems, structures and technologies for our growing modern world. The optional concentrations available are Construction Engineering, Environmental and Water Systems, Geotechnical Systems, Structural Systems, and Transportation Systems.

Acceptance Rate

20.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

BSCE in Civil Engineering at Northeastern University instills in the mind of their students that as future Civil Engineers, they will have a vital role in human progress and well-being around the globe. To that end, they should learn how to conceptualize, innovate, design, and build sustainable infrastructure. They will learn the strategies and techniques in facing modern challenges. With the guide of faculty with proven credentials, students will be able to create a resilient and sustainable urban infrastructure.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The United States Coast Guard Academy’s Civil Engineering program has a long proud tradition of preparing civil engineers who are both knowledgeable and skilled in the areas of construction, environmental, geotechnical and structural engineering. Their program encompasses many disciplines. Their senior students design complete civil engineering systems directly related to Coast Guard problems. Academy’s Civil engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Acceptance Rate

20.52

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Villanova University offers a full-time academic program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 4 years. Students here get the chance to work with faculty who sincerely value their success. They also have a program for Master of Science in Civil Engineering which is modern, relevant and comprehensive. Those who pursue this Master’s degree become a part of a close-knit scholarly community and receive the privilege to work with highly available professors.

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Civil Engineering curriculum at United States Military Academy offers a broad and rigorous and relevant to the needs of the Army and the profession. Their program under this department is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Their graduates are proven well prepared for professional practice and licensure. They are also ready for subsequent graduate study in a variety of disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

12.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Engineering and Construction

Practically speaking, a civil engineer will design, organize, construct, manage, operate, and complete projects of all sizes. From large construction projects like the construction of an airport and developing high-rise condominiums in the heart of a city to improving roadway systems and digging tunnels for public transportation, a civil engineer is a key professional to bring it all together.

Civil engineers will take any number of these projects from start to finish that may include starting a project with site excavation and grading to the structural integrity and long-term performance reliability testing of a built structure.

What Do Civil Engineers Learn in School?

As a multi-disciplinary study in engineering, a civil engineer college degree is designed to equip students with a variety of skills and knowledge to succeed in the workforce. Civil engineers must have working knowledge and application of academic disciplines as part of a colleges design that will include hydrology, mathematics, physics, project management, chemistry, geology, computer-aided design (CAD), architecture, geophysics, construction engineering, and seismology.

A civil engineer may be brought in to review soil composition, write specifications for building processes, map out a projects material list, work to develop blueprints using computer-aided design software, review bids, manage a budget, adhere to state and local building codes, and manage a project through completion. As such, a civil engineer will need to learn a number of key skills in universities above and beyond science acuity.

CE's will need to learn to be exceptional communicators, detail oriented, synthesize information, solve complex problems, utilize deductive reasoning, gather information, collaborate with others, comply with exact specifications, work with computers, work independently, take initiative, and recognize opportunities for improvements.

Top Civil Engineering Careers

There are a number of specialties in the field of civil engineering students to consider. Whether you decide to study a specialty in school or learn it on the job, you will work with a variety of civil engineers during the course of a project to ensure a successful, safe outcome. A list of the top specialties of civil engineering careers include:

  • Structural Engineering A structural engineer will study the loads associated with external and internal forces through prudent design, analysis, and construction techniques.
  • Hydraulic Engineering Engineers specializing in water resources and hydraulics focus on the study of the hydrologic cycle, distribution of water, utilization of water, and circulation of water and the relationship between the earths land, bodies of water, and atmosphere.
  • Materials Engineering A materials engineer specializes in the properties, structure, use, and behavior of materials involved in a project including metal, wood, concrete, polymers, liquids, and solid mechanics.
  • Environmental Engineering An environmental engineer will work to ensure the sustainable and responsible usage of natural resources such as land, water, and air.
  • Transport Engineering Transportation engineers ensure safe and efficient movement of goods and people across a number of system that can include passenger vehicles, boats, railroads, air travel, and aerospace.
  • Geotechnical Engineering A geotechnical engineer is a specialization in engineering focused on understanding the implications of soil influences, loading forces, and water-soil interplay.
  • Project Management Civil engineers must have exceptional partners in projects to complete a variety of tasks through the project life cycle from feasibility and development through completion.

Researching Civil Engineering Colleges

Individuals wishing to pursue civil engineering will become familiarized with projects typical and atypical over the course of ones education. Individuals will be educated in engineering principles, as well as various sciences, and architectural designs, in order to better construct and manage public works projects.

A civil engineering bachelor degree program in civil engineering will cover a variety of disciplines, sciences, and topics in order to best prepare individuals for a career. The most common college degree pursued is a bachelors degree, although civil engineering graduates may extend their learning with graduate level college degrees. A sample curriculum in civil engineering may include foundational classes such as:

  • Architecture
  • Mechanical Systems
  • Soil Preparation and Evaluation
  • InfrastructureDesign and Construction
  • Construction
  • Physics
  • Engineering Principles

When searching for schools, students should take into consideration several factors when considering a civil engineering college degree program. These include whether the school utilizes local public works programs for internship opportunities, offer research positions, and if the facilities are regularly updated and modernly maintained in order to ensure the education provided remains relevant.

Reviews of programs are typically available online, and departments running such programs may be contacted with relative ease in order to identify if such features are available.

Employment for Civil Engineers

Job growth for civil engineers is expected to be significant over the next decade. In fact, job growth is expected to reach 8% adding some 23,600 jobs in the coming decade. Such growth is attributed to population growth resulting in increased demand for infrastructure development and expansion.

In addition, maintenance and retrofitting of previously existing buildings, other public works projects, and the like will be available in cities throughout the United States and require trained and educated individuals to work on them. Understanding not only the construction aspect but being able to perform soil sampling and feasibility tests are also necessary.

Employment will be pursued through public or private firms that are equipped to handle such large-scale projects. The median annual income for a civil engineer in the United States is $83,540 according to the BLS.

Civil Engineers Careers

A civil engineer can work for a variety of institutions across many sectors.  Civil engineers can work for public utilities, research center, consulting firms, local government agencies, public companies, private civil engineers, non-profit organizations, auto manufacturers, construction companies, sustainable energy companies, aerospace companies, transportation organizations, and think tanks of all types.

In terms of work environment, civil engineers will split their time between office-based work and field work.  A combination of both indoors and outdoors is typically needed for projects to understand the myriad factors involved and provide sound advice.  Project may be coupled with the creating of detailed processes and procedures to support those projects.

A civil engineer can work on domestic and international projects as part of a larger team to accomplish both large and small-scale projects.

Top Employers of Civil Engineers
Architectural and Engineering Firms 153,310
State Government Agencies 33,530
Local Government Agencies 29,590
Commercial Building Companies 18,770
Federal Government Agencies 9,360
States with the Highest Employment of Civil Engineers
California 38,440
Texas 26,580
Florida 16,390
New York 15,450
Pennsylvania 12,490
Top Paying States for Civil Engineers
Alaska $120,590
District of Columbia $107,200
California $104,580
Texas $99,498
New Jersey $98,395

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