Civil Engineering Career

Overview

Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings. Civil engineers use their knowledge of physics, mathematics, and materials to design and build structures that are safe, efficient, and sustainable.

History

Civil engineering has been around for centuries, with some of the earliest examples of civil engineering works being the pyramids of Giza and the Roman aqueducts. In the 18th century, the development of new materials and techniques led to a boom in civil engineering, and many of the iconic structures of the modern world were built during this time, including the Eiffel Tower and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Education

To become a civil engineer, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited university. The curriculum for a civil engineering degree typically includes coursework in mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, and materials science. You will also take courses in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, and transportation engineering.

Career

There are many different career paths that you can pursue with a civil engineering degree. You could work in the private sector for a consulting firm, a construction company, or a utility company. You could also work in the public sector for a government agency, such as the Department of Transportation or the Environmental Protection Agency.

Some of the common job titles for civil engineers include:

* Structural engineer
* Geotechnical engineer
* Water resources engineer
* Transportation engineer
* Environmental engineer
* Project manager
* Construction manager

Salary

The median annual salary for civil engineers is $87,060. The top 10% of earners make more than $139,000 per year.

Outlook

The job outlook for civil engineers is expected to be good over the next decade. The demand for civil engineers is expected to grow as the population continues to grow and the need for new and improved infrastructure increases.

Conclusion

Civil engineering is a challenging and rewarding career that offers a wide range of opportunities. If you are interested in a career in civil engineering, you should start by earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited university.