Civil Engineering Career Path

Introduction

Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways. Civil engineering is traditionally broken into a number of sub-disciplines including structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, hydraulic engineering, environmental engineering, construction engineering, and municipal engineering.

Education

To become a civil engineer, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited university. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits civil engineering programs in the United States.

During your undergraduate studies, you will take courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, engineering mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental engineering. You will also complete a design project and an internship.

After graduating from college, you will need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in order to become an Engineer-in-Training (EIT). You will then need to work under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) for four years in order to become licensed yourself.

Career Path

Once you are licensed, you can begin your career as a civil engineer. There are many different career paths that you can take, depending on your interests and skills.

Some common career paths for civil engineers include:

* Structural engineering: Structural engineers design and analyze the structural components of buildings, bridges, and other structures. They make sure that structures are safe and can withstand the forces that they will be subjected to, such as wind, snow, and earthquakes.
* Geotechnical engineering: Geotechnical engineers study the properties of soil and rock and how they interact with structures. They design foundations and other structures that are built on or in the ground.
* Transportation engineering: Transportation engineers plan, design, and operate transportation systems, such as roads, highways, bridges, and airports. They make sure that transportation systems are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
* Hydraulic engineering: Hydraulic engineers design and analyze systems that involve water, such as dams, canals, pipelines, and water treatment plants. They make sure that water systems are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
* Environmental engineering: Environmental engineers design and analyze systems that protect the environment, such as wastewater treatment plants, air pollution control systems, and solid waste disposal systems. They make sure that environmental systems are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
* Construction engineering: Construction engineers manage the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures. They make sure that construction projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications.

Salary

The median annual salary for civil engineers is $87,060. However, salaries can vary depending on your experience, education, and location.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for civil engineers is expected to be good over the next decade. The demand for civil engineers is expected to increase as the population grows and the need for new and improved infrastructure increases.

Conclusion

Civil engineering is a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the world. If you are interested in a career in civil engineering, I encourage you to pursue your education and become a licensed professional engineer.