collageEngineering is the application of scientific, economic and practical expertise to design and create products, structures, machines, systems and processes for the benefit of all humanity. The civil engineer is responsible for designing systems that ensure public safety whether as bridges or buildings. The main responsibility of this engineering is to make sure that construction meets code requirements. If a structure fails during construction or long-term use, it can lead to devastating results with human lives lost and accidents occurring.
Right here on Collegelearners, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on best civil engineering schools in the US, top civil engineering universities in USA, and so much more. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.
Best Civil Engineering Schools In The US
You’re most likely familiar with the “standard” type of civil engineer, somebody who designs, plans, and builds infrastructure.
They may also be involved with new projects. For example, engineers work on residential, industrial, and commercial building projects. However, there are many other types of civil engineers, including:
- Construction and Management Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Transportation Engineers
- Geotechnical Engineers
The first step in becoming a civil engineer is to get a bachelor’s degree from a college of engineering. This is the minimum level of education accepted by employers. Fortunately, civil engineering is a popular program. It’s offered by hundreds of institutions across the country. A bachelor’s degree in engineering takes four years to complete if you study full-time.
However, these programs are also highly competitive. Many have fairly strict entry requirements. So, choosing the right college and the right program is the first of many important steps to take on your journey towards becoming a qualified civil engineer.
What are the Best Civil Engineer Colleges?
Before choosing any program or university, you should always do your due diligence. This means checking the university’s website, looking at how the institution ranks for certain subjects, and investigating what kind of facilities the college provides. This will help you find the civil engineering best colleges.
For example, a college of engineering might partner with major employers. This gives you the chance to get hands-on experience during your studies. Others may offer unique study-abroad programs. This allows you to learn from experts in other regions of the world. Researching your prospective colleges allows you to make the right choice while avoiding missed opportunities. After all, you’re paying a lot to get your college degree!
So, we’ve looked at the rankings from U.S. News & World Report to find the best colleges with civil engineering major. According to U.S. News, which is one of the most well-regarded ranking agencies in the nation, these colleges have the best civil engineering programs in the United States:
- University of California — Berkeley
- University of Illinois — Urbana-Champaign
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor
- University of Texas — Austin (Cockrell)
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Purdue University — West Lafayette
- Virginia Tech
- Cornell University
- California Institute of Technology
The colleges that offer civil engineering listed above are just a sampling of potential engineering schools. They represent the top 12 programs, but U.S. News lists 150 programs on their ranking of schools that offer civil engineering. It’s worth your while to explore the complete list to see which other programs might be suitable for your educational and career goals.
It should be noted that the rankings by U.S. News aren’t the only factor you should consider when deciding what the best colleges with civil engineering programs might be. Other important considerations to make include:
- Expense – How much are tuition, fees, and other associated costs?
- Financial aid – How much aid is a school willing to provide?
- Location – Is the school in a location you find desirable? Fortunately, there are engineering programs across the nation, from Manhattan to Los Angeles, Houston to Durham. Schools like Columbia University and Notre Dame have engineering programs as well.
- Online learning – Does the school have an online degree program in engineering?
- Specialty – Does the school offer courses or a degree program in your desired specialty? A school in Evanston might offer a specialty that a school in Ithaca might lack. Or, Pittsburgh might have the specialty you want while a school in Atlanta might not.
- Campus life – If you study on campus, does the school offer the activities you enjoy?
- Accreditation – Is the school nationally or regionally accredited?
A further accreditation consideration to make is if the program is accredited by ABET. According to the ABET website, the organization is a “nonprofit, ISO 9001 certified organization that accredits college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.”
It is very likely that most, if not all, engineering firms require their engineers to have a degree from an ABET-accredited school. Therefore, it’s critically important that you check each school on your list for ABET accreditation.
Given the list above, you can see just how complex the decision-making process can be when choosing the right colleges with civil engineering majors. While exploring colleges can be exciting, it’s a long process that requires you to make some very tough decisions!
What Should I Major in for Civil Engineering?
Aspiring civil engineers most often pursue a bachelor’s degree program in civil engineering. Civil engineering degree programs provide you with the necessary education required to obtain the necessary licensure. Additionally, getting a degree is the first step in finding a role within the engineering industry.
The degrees from the best colleges for civil engineering obviously feature courses focused on engineering, such as:
- Civil Engineering Systems
- Elementary Mechanics of Fluids
- Engineering Professionalism
- Structural Analysis
- Geotechnical Engineering
But you will also take physics, math, and statistics. Coursework in chemistry and architectural planning and design is also common at civil engineer universities. Additionally, you’ll get training in how to use the most common CAD (Computer Assisted Design) software programs employed by civil engineers.
Once you’ve chosen a school of engineering and enrollment is complete, you should consider the specialization or concentration tracks that are available. Many engineering students choose to follow a particular area of specialization, which could include:
- Structural Engineering
- Land Development
- Construction Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
You might also specialize in Geotechnical Engineering, Water Resources Engineering (e.g., water supply), or Pavements and Materials Engineering. There are many different options at civil engineering major colleges to suit your particular interests and skillset.
You may also have the opportunity to pursue an internship. This would provide valuable hands-on experience in your preferred subfield. It could improve your chances of securing a job after graduation as well.
What Classes Should I Take in College to Become a Civil Engineer?
Most civil engineers working in the construction industry have a bachelor’s degree. Some recruiters have begun looking for candidates who have also completed a master’s degree. In graduate programs, you’ll typically specialize to a greater extent in one particular subfield of civil engineering. In a bachelor’s degree program at colleges for civil engineers, however, you should choose electives that will help build your foundational knowledge in all areas relating to the profession.
The first step is choosing your degree program. There are many civil engineering degree programs available. Some civil engineers have come from closely related fields, such as environmental science. Whatever your choice of program, you’ll need to have a strong record of academic achievement in the areas of:
- Calculus
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Algebra
- Computer Science
- Applied Science
In terms of electives, or when choosing a school of engineering and curriculum in general, bear in mind that there will likely be a broad selection of courses to choose from. Each course relates to one or more different subfields of engineering. Courses might include topics such as:
- Introduction to Civil Engineering
- Structural Analysis
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Construction Management
Are there Licenses or Certifications I Need After Graduation?
You can get an entry-level engineering position with a bachelor’s degree. These positions usually don’t require having a license or certification.
However, if you want to advance your career further, you might want to pursue a Professional Engineering (PE) license. This credential allows you to:
- Approve design plans and projects
- Oversee work done by other engineers
- Provide engineering services to the general public
A Professional Engineer can also look forward to higher pay because of the larger set of responsibilities.
To become a PE, you’ll need to meet the specific licensure requirements established by the state in which you work. States have different requirements, so you’ll need to check with the licensure board to learn the specific criteria you need to meet. However, licensure is usually dependent upon:
- Having a degree from an ABET-accredited program
- Earning a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Earning a passing score on the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam
- Having at least four years of relevant, supervised work experience
The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The test is specifically designed for people with an undergraduate degree in engineering or those who are near graduation. The exam is computer-based, includes 110 questions, and takes six hours to complete.
Taking and passing the FE exam is just the first step, though. At that point, you might earn the title “Engineer in Training,” or EIT, or Engineer Intern, or EI. To be eligible to sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, you must complete at least four years of work experience after graduation. The PE exam is administered by NCEES. There are 16 specialized exams, each for a specific engineering discipline. For example, you can take the exam in:
- Control Systems
- Fire Protection
- Nuclear Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Civil Engineering
As for civil engineering certifications, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) offers certifications in:
- Coastal Engineering
- Navigation Engineering
- Ports Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Ocean Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
To achieve ASCE board certification, you must have a PE license and a master’s degree. You must also have at least eight years of post-licensure work experience.
Of course, to get to the point of ASCE certification, you must first embark on your undergraduate education. Use the tools and resources provided here to help you find civil engineering colleges and get on the path to becoming a civil engineer.
Top Civil Engineering Universities In USA
USA is one of the leading countries that offer civil engineering courses to international students. The course is defined as the practice of planning, designing and developing infrastructure projects. The US universities are equipped with the best teaching faculties, practical labs and the best campus opportunities for future civil engineers.
Civil engineering as a profession is highly respected and rewarding. The projected job opportunities for civil engineers are approximately 25,000. In fact, civil engineering jobs are one of the highest-paid jobs in the world with an average salary of 100,000 USD per annum in the US. If you want to study civil engineering in USA, read this blog to find out which civil engineering courses are popular and the top universities offering these courses in the US.
Why Study Civil Engineering in USA?
Here are some of the reasons why you need to study civil engineering in the country:
- Highest Paid Salaries : Civil engineers based in the USA are reported to earn well in comparison to other countries. The average salary you can get after a few years’ experience is about 100,000 USD annually.
- Work Opportunities : The number of job opportunities you will get to kickstart your career in US is countless. After you complete your degree in civil engineering, you are eligible to stay and work in America for a duration of 6 months with the help of a Non-Immigrant H-1B Visa.
- Best Teaching Faculty : As a civil engineering student in the US, you will get the opportunity to learn from the best industry experts and top researchers. While studying the coursework, you can assist in global research programs along with the best teaching faculties.
- Variety of Specialisations: The universities in the US offer more than 15 specialisations in the field of civil engineering. Mechanics, hydraulics and geotechnics are some of the most popular specialisations taken up by students when studying civil engineering in America.
The top-ranking universities in America offering civil engineering courses are known for providing excellent education quality and hands-on practical experience. Receiving a degree from the following universities will increase your job opportunities after graduation. Here are some of the best universities in US for civil engineering –
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
- Stanford University
- University of Illinois
- University of Texas
Let’s know it in detail:
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT is the best university when it comes to the top civil engineering universities in USA. The school offers ABET-accredited civil engineering courses to academically brilliant students. The acceptance rate at MIT is just 7% and you need a 4.2 GPA for getting admission to MIT. The department is broadly divided under two separate laboratories: the Parsons Laboratory for Environmental Science and Engineering and the Pierce Laboratory for Infrastructure Science and Engineering.
| Type | Private |
| QS Subject Ranking 2022 | 1 |
| Courses | Bachelor of Science in General Engineering, Minor in Civil Engineering, Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Science (SM) in Civil Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Doctor of Science (ScD) |
| Tuition Fees/per year | Bachelor’s – USD 57,590Master’s – USD 80,400PhD – Funded by MIT |
2. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UCB has consistently ranked among the top civil engineering universities in USA. The College of Engineering at UCB hosts nearly 3000 international students annually and has a 17% acceptance rate. Along with civil engineering courses, you can do a dual degree in Structural Engineering and Architecture, Transportation Engineering and City and Regional Planning and Public Policy.
| Type | Public |
| QS Subject Ranking 2022 | 4 |
| Courses | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| Tuition Fees/per year | Bachelor’s – USD 42,050Master’s – USD 50,900PhD – USD 34,000 |
3. Stanford University
Stanford University is amongst the best civil engineering universities in USA after MIT and UCB. Out of the nine academic departments, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is known for its excellent research opportunities. The ABET-accredited Civil Engineering course will prepare you for extensive research along with engineering education.
| Type | Private |
| QS Subject Ranking 2022 | 9 |
| Courses | Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, MS in Civil Engineering, PhD in Civil Engineering |
| Tuition Fees/per year | Bachelor’s – USD 55,473Master’s – USD 57,861PhD – USD 54,315 |
4. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois is one of the oldest in the country and has over 1100 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The coursework includes 128 hours of study in order to earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
| Type | Public |
| QS Subject Ranking 2022 | – |
| Courses | BS in Civil Engineering, MS in Civil Engineering, PhD in Civil Engineering |
| Tuition Fees/per year | Bachelor’s – USD 45,774Master’s – USD 39,100PhD – USD 34,316 |
5. University of Texas, Austin
The Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas, Austin is one of the best public civil engineering colleges in USA. The department has more than 1200 UG and PG students. A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering requires 124 Semester Credit Hours (SCH).
| Type | Public |
| QS Subject Ranking 2022 | – |
| Courses | Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, MS in Construction Engineering and Project Management, MS in Geotechnical Engineering, MS in Structural Engineering |
| Tuition Fees/per year | Bachelor’s – USD 42,000Master’s – USD 38,000 |
Course Curriculum of Civil Engineering in USA
The course curriculum of the best civil engineering universities in USA mainly revolves around the subjects of mathematics, physics, chemistry and statistics. You need to study these topics to understand the core concepts of civil engineering.
- Introduction to Civil Engineering
- Statics and Mechanics of Solids
- Computational Methods for Civil Engineering
- Engineering Graphics and Visualization
- Civil Engineering Materials
- Structural Analysis
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Systems Applications in Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering Design
- Civil Engineering Distribution Electives
- Engineering, Science and Mathematics Electives
Eligibility & Admission Requirements For Civil Engineering in USA
If you want to study in the best colleges for civil engineering in USA, then you must fulfil all the admission requirements. We have listed down the eligibility criteria and documents required to apply for civil engineering in the US –
- High School Transcripts
- Bachelor’s Degree
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores
- GMAT/GRE Test Scores
- USA Student Visa
Let’s discuss the eligibility and admission requirements in details:
1. High School Transcripts
If you want to apply for a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in the US, then you must have successfully completed your 12th standard with a 3.0 GPA and more.
2. Bachelor’s Degree
If you want to study a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering in the US, then you must hold a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field. The minimum GPA is 3.0 that you need to maintain in your 4 years UG degree.
3. English Language Proficiency Test Scores
International students are required to sit for English proficiency tests in order to study a civil engineering degree from the US universities. The average IELTS score accepted is 7 and the average TOEFL score accepted is 90 for most universities.
4. GMAT/GRE Test Scores
The required score for standardised tests such as GRE and GMAT depends on the university you are applying to. The average GMAT score is 650-680 and 290-300 is the average GRE score accepted by civil engineering colleges in the US.
5. USA Student Visa
After you get the acceptance letter, you must apply for the USA student visa to study in the American universities. Visit the nearest US embassy or consulate to apply for your student visa.
Documents Required for Civil Engineering Courses in USA
While applying for admission, you are required to submit a number of documents to qualify. Here is a list of documents that you will need while applying to the finest civil engineering universities in USA.
- Academic Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOPs)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Updated CV or resume
- GRE scores along with IELTS or TOEFL scores
- Valid Passport
- Funding Proof
- Current Photographs (passport size)
Admission Process of Civil Engineering Universities in USA
The admission process depends on the university you are applying to. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the application process for civil engineering courses in the US –
- Step 1 – Shortlist the universities you want to apply for civil engineering
- Step 2 – Browse through the official websites of the universities to understand the admission process and requirements
- Step 3 – Fill out the application form with your personal information, education qualifications, etc
- Step 4 – Submit your application with all the required documents, such as transcripts, LOR, SOP, ACT/SAT scores, TOEFL/IELTS scores.
- Step 5 – Pay the application fee and appear for the admission interview
- Step 6 – Once admitted, apply for the student visa and prepare to travel to US
Cost of Studying Civil Engineering in USA
Studying in the US is far more expensive when compared to other countries. Thus, in order to stay and study in the country, you must plan your finances properly. The cost of studying civil engineering courses in USA is as follows:
Tuition Fees:
| Degree Type | Duration | Tuition Fees |
| Bachelors | 4 years | 20,000 USD to 42,000 USD per year |
| Masters | 1 – 2 years | 30,000 USD to 120,000 USD |
Cost of Living
Apart from this, while staying in the US, you are expected to spend an additional 20,000 USD to 25,000 USD per annum on accommodation, food and transportation.
Scholarships to Study Civil Engineering in USA
The best way to ease the financial burden of studying civil engineering courses in the US is to avail scholarships. Moreover, getting awarded with a scholarship will elevate your chances of securing a job after graduation. There are several scholarships available for civil engineering students in the US –
| Scholarship Name | Applicable For | Amount Granted |
| Fulbright Scholarships | Masters / PhD | Fully Funded; covers tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance |
| Stanford University Scholarships | Masters / PhD | Fully Funded; covers tuition fees, accommodation, travel |
| AAUW International Fellowship Program (only for women) | Masters/ PhD / Postdoctoral | Fully Funded; covers USD 18,000 to USD 30,000 per year |
| ACI Foundation Scholarship | Undergraduate / Masters / PhD / Postdoctoral | Fully Funded; covers USD 10,000 to USD 15,000 |
Career Opportunities After Civil Engineering in USA
The scope of civil engineering in USA is vast. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that there will be a projected job growth of 8% for civil engineers in the US by the year 2030. The job roles you can apply to after successfully completing your degree in civil engineering are as follows:
- Civil Engineer
- Construction Engineer
- Construction Project Manager
- Engineering Manager
- Field Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
The average salary you will receive as a civil engineering graduate is listed down below:
| Degree | Salary |
| UG | 73,000 USD per year |
| PG | 100,000 per year |
| PhD | 115,000 USD per year |
Studying a Bachelor’s, Master’s or a Doctorate degree in Civil Engineering from the US is a great boost to your future career. As a civil engineer, you will be responsible for managing important infrastructure projects and constructing high rise buildings, dams, bridges, etc. Thus, it is a highly respected profession.
Studying civil engineering courses from the top universities in the US will increase your chances of getting a high-paying job. Want to know how you can shortlist US universities according to your candidacy? Talk to our Yocket Professionals and get end to end admission support and visa guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions on Civil Engineering in USA
Ques. What is the scope of civil engineering in USA?
Ans. There is a huge demand for civil engineers in the US. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that there will be a job growth of 8% in this domain between 2020 to 2030.
Ques. What are the top universities in USA for PhD in civil engineering?
Ans. Some of the top universities in the US for getting a PhD in civil engineering are:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
Ques. Are there any fully funded PhD programs in civil engineering in USA?
Ans. The Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of Texas A&M University offers some fully funded PhD programs in civil engineering.
Ques. Which university is best for a bachelor of civil engineering in USA?
Ans. Some of the best colleges for studying a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering are:
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- Purdue University, West Lafayette
Ques. What are the common specialisations in Civil Engineering In the US?
Ans. The most popular specialisations in civil engineering are:
- Geotechnic
- Architecture
- Water
- Construction and management.
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