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How to Become a Civil Engineer

Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Oluwajuwon Alvina

You are probably going to take exams when you’re 16. If you want to be a civil engineer it’s good if your subjects include English, maths and sciences. But these subjects are also useful:

  • Geography
  • Computer skills
  • Art
  • Design & technology

Civil engineers usually work in teams so if you like group work or team sports that will help.

If you can understand or speak a language then that can be very useful as civil engineering is a global industry and there are many opportunities to work across the world.

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We at collegelearners.com have all the information that you need about how to become a civil engineer without a degree.

As one of the oldest engineering disciplines, civil engineering is responsible for maintaining society’s infrastructure. Civil engineers ensure safe construction, operation and maintenance of structures, such as roads, bridges, buildings and dams. Due to the importance of their duties, civil engineering has particular educational and skill requirements. This guide will explain in detail what it takes to become an engineer, what civil engineering degrees are available and what prospective students can expect when getting a civil engineering degree.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJu_x135z4s

What does a Civil Engineer do?

Civil engineers design and manage construction projects, from bridges and buildings, to transport links and sports stadiums.

Depending on your specialism, you could be:

  • planning with the client
  • analysing surveys, testing, and mapping data using computer modelling software
  • creating blueprints using computer aided design (CAD)
  • judging if projects are worth doing by looking at costs, time, and labour
  • checking risks and the effects on the environment
  • preparing bids for tenders, and reporting to clients and government agencies
  • managing and checking progress at each stage
  • making sure sites follow health and safety rules

STEPS TO BECOMING A CIVIL ENGINEER

Whether just beginning or having been in the field for decades, civil engineering is an exciting vocation on each step of the professional ladder. Whether possessing a bachelor’s degree and starting out with entry-level positions or transitioning into collegiate teaching as a seasoned professional, there are many different paths that can be taken. The following section provides details on the steps needed to begin a career in civil engineering.

  1. EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering are commonly offered, and serve as the base level of education required to begin working. Within these programs, students undertake a variety of courses in math, engineering, statistics, fluid dynamics, and architectural design. They learn through a variety of mediums, including class lectures, internships or co-ops, and onsite field work.

As of 2012, one out of every five civil engineers held a master’s level degree and most of those were in managerial or leadership roles. Coursework tends to cover the same topics presented in a bachelor’s degree, but more in depth. Students may also have the opportunity to concentrate their knowledge in a particular area through specialized coursework and a research project.

Those seeking doctoral level degrees most often aspire to teach at the postsecondary level, or work in high-level consulting roles. As part of degree requirements, candidates complete a large-scale original research project and undertake examinations.

How To Become A Civil Engineer

2. COMPLETE A CIVIL ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP

Almost all programs mandate at least one semester or summer-long internship to satisfy degree requirements. Students use these experiences to apply theories they’ve studied in the classroom, learn practical skills, and gain insight on a particular area of the field they may be interested in pursuing. These opportunities also serve students well for future employment, allowing them to network with other professionals, receive mentorship from an established civil engineer, and possibly leverage their experience into a job after graduation. The majority of internships are completed in the junior or senior year of study.

3. CHOOSING A SPECIALTY/CONCENTRATION

Because the field includes myriad areas of work, most students elect to specialize in a particular area. Some of the common concentrations include construction engineering, structural engineering, land development and use, transportation engineering, or geotechnical engineering. Undergraduates typically spend 12 to 18 credit hours covering specific topics in these areas, and may even complete an internship focused on their chosen specialization.

4. SUCCESSFULLY PASS RELEVANT EXAMS FOR CERTIFICATION

Civic engineers who wish to offer their services publicly must go through a number of steps to be properly licensed. While specific rules are governed by individual states, some of the most common requirements include:

  • Attend an ABET-accredited institution
  • Undertake the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination directly after completing a baccalaureate degree
  • Become a Civic Engineering (CE) intern, also known as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
  • Complete a minimum number of professional hours, meet benchmarks along the way, and complete the Principles and Practices of Engineering (PE) examination to become a CE Professional.

The American Society of Civic Engineers offers support to civil engineers in training with a variety of test preparation assistance and information about testing centers. Because individuals must be licensed in all states and Washington D.C. to actually practice, devoting the proper amount of time to studying and preparing for these examinations is crucial.

5. LAND AN ENTRY-LEVEL JOB

After taking on a number of internships during college and completing the Engineer-in-Training phase, it’s likely that individuals will have a good number of contacts within the field via their networking efforts. Because civil engineering still functions in somewhat of a modern apprenticeship model, moving into the first professional role is typically accomplished through existing contacts. All students and interns should make sure they are doing their best work, asking questions, learning practical skills, and meeting as many professionals as possible. ASCE and Engineering Jobs also provide regularly updated job boards.

Education

Civil engineers need a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, in one of its specialties, or in civil engineering technology. Programs in civil engineering and civil engineering technology include coursework in math, statistics, engineering mechanics and systems, and fluid dynamics, depending on the specialty. Courses include a mix of traditional classroom learning, work in laboratories, and fieldwork. Programs may include cooperative programs, also known as co-ops, in which students gain work experience while pursuing a degree.

A degree from a program accredited by ABET is needed to earn the professional engineer (PE) license. In many states, a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering technology also meets the academic requirement for obtaining a license.

Further education after the bachelor’s degree, along with the PE license and previous experience, is helpful in getting a job as a manager. For more information on engineering managers, see the profile on architectural and engineering managers.

CAREER AND SALARY OUTLOOK FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS

Finally, civil engineers are vital to public safety, industry, and progress, and their earnings and career prospects reflect this. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2019), the average annual wage for civil engineers was $94,360 with the following percentiles:

United States (326,800 civil engineers employed)

  • 10th percentile: $55,380
  • 25th percentile: $68,130
  • 50th percentile (median): $87,060
  • 75th percentile: $113,580
  • 90th percentile: $144,560

Earnings vary substantially by education, advancement, certification, and experience, but usually grow with each. Geography can also impact one’s earnings.

Civil engineers are also in demand; the BLS (2019) projected their employment opportunities would swell 2 percent between 2019 and 2029, slower than the average growth anticipated across all U.S. occupations during that time (4 percent).

Important Qualities

Decisionmaking skills. Civil engineers often balance multiple and frequently conflicting objectives, such as determining the feasibility of plans with regard to financial costs and safety concerns. Urban and regional planners often look to civil engineers for advice on these issues. Civil engineers must be able to make good decisions based on best practices, their own technical knowledge, and their own experience.

Leadership skills. Civil engineers take ultimate responsibility for the projects that they manage or research that they perform. Therefore, they must be able to lead planners, surveyors, construction managers, civil engineering technicians, civil engineering technologists, and others in implementing their project plan.

Math skills. Civil engineers use the principles of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Organizational skills. Only licensed civil engineers can sign the design documents for infrastructure projects. This requirement makes it imperative that civil engineers be able to monitor and evaluate the work at the jobsite as a project progresses. That way, they can ensure compliance with the design documents. Civil engineers also often manage several projects at the same time, and thus must be able to balance time needs and to effectively allocate resources.

Problem-solving skills. Civil engineers work at the highest level of the planning, design, construction, and operation of multifaceted projects or research. The many variables involved require that they possess the ability to identify and evaluate complex problems. They must be able to then use their skill and training to develop cost-effective, safe, and efficient solutions.

Speaking skills. Civil engineers must present reports and plans to audiences of people with a wide range of backgrounds and technical knowledge. This requires the ability to speak clearly and to converse with people in various settings, and to translate engineering and scientific information into easy-to-understand concepts.

Writing skills. Civil engineers must be able to communicate with others, such as architects, landscape architects, urban and regional planners. They also must be able to explain projects to elected officials and citizens. Civil engineers must be able to write reports that are clear, concise, and understandable to those with little or no technical or scientific background.

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEGREE LEVELS

Students who wish to pursue a degree and career in civil engineering have several options available and will typically choose which degree to pursue according to current and future career goals. While the associate degree helps prepare students to work in an entry-level capacity, the bachelor’s degree combined with licensing is designed to help students work as a civil engineer. Further education enables civil engineers to assume leadership, teaching and research roles. Learn more about degrees available and what students may encounter in each program.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as a civil engineer. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, approve design plans, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires

  • A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
  • A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
  • Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years working under a licensed engineer
  • A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam

The initial FE exam can be taken after earning a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam commonly are called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering.

Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses.

The American Society of Civil Engineers offers certifications in coastal engineering, geotechnical engineering, ports engineering, water resources engineering, and other fields. Additionally, civil engineers can become certified in building security and in sustainability.

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