High School

Because a bachelors degree is considered essential in the field, high school students who are interested in civil engineering must follow a college prep curriculum. Students should focus on mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus), the sciences (physics and chemistry), computer science (including data science and artificial intelligence), and English and the humanities (history, economics, and sociology). Students should also aim for honors-level courses.

Postsecondary Training

In addition to completing the core engineering curriculum (including mathematics, science, drafting, and computer applications), students can choose their specialty from the following types of courses: infrastructure, structural, environmental, geotechnical, and transportation. Bachelors degrees can be achieved through a number of programs: a four- or five-year accredited college or university; two years in a community college engineering program plus two or three years in a college or university; or five or six years in a co-op program (attending classes for part of the year and working in an engineering-related job for the rest of the year). About one in five civil engineering students go on to receive a masters degree. Many engineering students also participate in internships at engineering consulting firms or other companies or government agencies that employ civil engineers.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in civil engineering, general engineering, engineering management, and emerging technology or practice areas. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. The American Society of Civil Engineers offers certificate programs in Architectural and Commercial Building Construction, Civil Infrastructure Construction, Construction Engineering, Port Engineering, Structural Earthquake Engineering, Water Treatment, and other areas. Visit https://www.asce.org/education-and-events/explore-education/certificate-programs to learn more.

Other Education or Training

The National Society of Professional Engineers provides webinars for student members of the society. Past webinars included How to Get Your First Job, Career Success in Engineering: A Guide for Students and New Professionals, and Ethics and Professionalism for Students and Young Engineers. Other organizations that provide continuing education opportunities include the American Society for Engineering Education, Society of Women Engineers, Institute of Transportation Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Certification or Licensing

Most civil engineers go on to study and qualify for a professional engineer (PE) license. It is required before one can work on projects affecting property, health, or life. Because many engineering jobs are found in government specialties, most engineers take the necessary steps to obtain the license. Requirements are different for each state—they involve educational, practical, and teaching experience. Applicants must take an examination on a specified date.

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing professional licensure in these professions. NCEES develops, administers, and scores the examinations (including the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam) used for engineering and surveying licensure in the United States.

Civil Engineering Certification Inc., a sub-organization of the American Society of Civil Engineers, offers board certification in the following areas: coastal engineering, geotechnical engineering, navigation engineering, ocean engineering, pipeline engineering-water, port engineering, and water resources engineering. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have a P.E. license, a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, and at least 10 years of relevant experience, with additional requirements dependent on the specialty area. After these requirements are met, candidates must complete an application and pass an examination. Visit https://www.asce.org/career-growth/civil-engineering-certification for more information.

Courses in civil engineering programs typically include a combination of classroom learning and laboratory and fieldwork via co-ops or internships. After obtaining a bachelors degree, graduates must acquire field training. Most states require about four years of work experience before engineers can take the licensing examination. After licensing, civil engineers must take courses to keep current with advancements in the profession.

Civil engineering appeals to individuals with a solid background in math and science who enjoy working as part of a team on complex, typically long-term projects. Successful civil engineers excel at problem solving and decision making, in addition to being good communicators. Other important traits for civil engineers include strong analytical and leadership skills, flexibility, creativity, and a dedication to lifelong learning.