Online Programs in Civil Engineering
A very broad field, civil engineering covers several types of engineering including transportation engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, and structural engineering. Civil engineers are the people that build the civil infrastructure and structural design of highways, dams, tunnels, buildings, airports, and bridges. Not only are they concerned about these structures foundations but require the knowledge to address questions on water resources engineering and on environmental issues including wastewater treatment, water supply and drinking water, pollutant transport and fate. Some civil engineers are now involved in biomedical engineering, robotics, space structures, and risk management.
Civil engineers apply advanced design and analysis techniques to improve societies need for a safe environment, infrastructure, and shelter. Civil engineers are very concerned about the welfare, health, and safety of the public and make sure their systems and projects conform to governmental statutes and regulations.
There are civil engineering programs offered at the postdoctoral, graduate and undergraduate levels. The modern civil engineer scope of expertise includes concern for both economic and social issues and environmental engineering. The program educates students and gives them a practical understanding of creative engineering design challenges, fundamental physics mathematical principals, and professional service responsibilities. Graduates of a civil engineering program possess team and independent problem solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and the communication skills needed to deal with other people and professionals in both the private and public sector. Within civil engineering, the major specialties include geotechnical, transportation, construction, environmental, water resources, and structural engineering.
Graduates in Civil Engineering have a large variety of career options available such as starting their own engineering firm or working for an established engineering firm or working for the county, city, or state as civil engineers. Some choose to continue their education and pursue a Masters degree, which often leads to higher-level private sector jobs or academic positions. Many civil engineers hold administrative or supervisory positions from city engineer to construction site supervisor or work as teachers and in research, construction, and design.
A large percentage of civil engineer graduates work in firms providing engineering, architectural, new construction design projects and related services. The remainders are consultants, self-employed, or accept employment with local, state, or federal government agencies. Most civil engineers work close to construction sites at major commercial and industrial centers or travel around to different projects, which they are involved in, both locally or in foreign countries and remote areas.