2-Year Civil Engineering Degrees Online 2026

Two-year civil engineering degrees online can help students enter technical infrastructure fields more quickly or continue toward a bachelor’s degree through transfer-focused pathways. These programs often emphasize construction, surveying, transportation systems, and foundational engineering concepts while offering the flexibility of online learning.

Some programs are associate degrees designed for direct workforce preparation, while others are accelerated bachelor’s completion tracks for transfer students. In this article, we’ll explore how these accelerated online civil engineer programs work and highlight schools offering strong online options that can be completed in about two years.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Civil Engineering Degree Online?

Associate-level civil engineering technology degrees are typically designed to be completed in about two years. Accelerated bachelor’s completion programs may also allow students with prior coursework or associate degrees to finish remaining upper-division requirements in roughly the same timeframe.

Completion time depends heavily on transfer credits, enrollment status, and course sequencing. Students entering with foundational math and science coursework often progress more quickly through engineering curricula.

What Makes an Online Civil Engineering Degree Faster to Complete?

Many accelerated civil engineering programs use shortened terms, flexible scheduling, and year-round enrollment to support faster progression. Degree completion pathways are especially effective for students transferring substantial college credit into the program.

Transfer-friendly policies can dramatically reduce the number of remaining courses needed for graduation. Some schools also create dedicated transfer tracks specifically designed for associate-level engineering students.

2-Year Civil Engineering Degree Programs Online

Two-year online civil engineering programs can support immediate technical employment or provide transfer pathways into bachelor’s-level engineering study. The programs below include both associate-level engineering technology degrees and accelerated bachelor’s completion options.

1. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota (UND) offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Civil Engineering completion pathway structured for students who already hold an associate degree. Many students can complete the remaining coursework in about six semesters.

UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the program is ABET-accredited. The university emphasizes flexibility for online engineering students while maintaining strong technical standards. Financial aid opportunities are available for qualifying students.

2. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) offers an online BS in Civil Engineering Technology designed for transfer students. Accelerated 8-week terms help students complete the final portion of the degree more efficiently.

ODU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and many engineering technology programs are ABET-accredited. The curriculum emphasizes applied engineering concepts related to construction and site development. Financial aid options are available to eligible students.

3. Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College offers a fully online Associate of Science (AS) in Civil Engineering Technology that can be completed in about two years. The program focuses on surveying, CAD, and construction materials testing.

The college is accredited by SACSCOC. Students benefit from practical technical coursework designed for workforce preparation and transfer flexibility. Financial aid opportunities are available for qualifying students.

4. San Diego State University

San Diego State University (SDSU) offers an online civil engineering degree completion program for students with at least 60 transferable credits. Many students can complete the upper-division coursework in approximately two years.

SDSU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The program is structured to support transfer students seeking flexible online engineering education. Financial aid options are available to eligible students.

5. Idaho State University

Idaho State University offers an AS in Civil Engineering Technology designed to prepare students for technical roles in land development and transportation. The program can typically be completed in about two years.

The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The curriculum emphasizes practical engineering applications and career-focused technical preparation. Financial aid opportunities are available for qualifying students.

6. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online BS in Civil Engineering with generous transfer policies that may allow students to finish in about two to two and a half years. Students may transfer up to 75% of required credits.

The university is accredited by SACSCOC. Liberty emphasizes flexibility and support services for adult learners and military-affiliated students. Financial aid options are available to eligible students.

7. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an online civil engineering transfer pathway specifically for students holding an Associate of Engineering degree. This structure helps students accelerate completion of upper-division coursework.

The university is accredited by HLC, and engineering programs are ABET-accredited where applicable. Students benefit from flexible online delivery and strong academic support resources. Financial aid opportunities are available for qualifying students.

8. Seminole State College

Seminole State College offers an AS in Civil Engineering Technology focused on infrastructure design and environmental engineering fundamentals. The program is designed to be completed in about two years.

The college is accredited by SACSCOC. The curriculum emphasizes technical problem-solving and preparation for transfer or workforce entry. Financial aid options are available to eligible students.

9. Excelsior University

Excelsior University offers a BS in Technology with a civil engineering-focused pathway and highly flexible transfer policies. Students with substantial prior technical coursework may complete the degree in under two years.

The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Excelsior specializes in flexible education pathways for working adults and transfer students. Financial aid opportunities are available for qualifying students.

10. Houston Community College

Houston Community College offers an online AS in Civil Engineering designed primarily as a transfer degree. Students complete foundational coursework in mathematics, physics, and engineering concepts online.

The college is accredited by SACSCOC. The program provides strong preparation for transfer into bachelor’s-level engineering programs. Financial aid options are available to eligible students.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

For two-year online civil engineering degrees, we focus on factors that support accelerated completion while maintaining technical quality and transfer readiness. We also prioritize flexible online formats and practical engineering preparation.

• Accreditation: Each school holds institutional accreditation from a recognized agency, and we prioritize ABET-accredited engineering and engineering technology programs where applicable.
• Program length: We evaluate whether programs can realistically be completed in about two years through transfer pathways or accelerated scheduling.
• Online availability: We prioritize flexible online coursework, asynchronous learning, and strong support for transfer students.
• Student outcomes: We review available data on transfer success, workforce preparation, and engineering-focused student support services.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Is the Fastest Way to Earn Your Civil Engineering Degree Online?

The fastest way to earn a civil engineering degree online is to maximize transfer credits and enroll in a degree completion program. Students with associate degrees or prior technical coursework can often reduce their timeline significantly.

Accelerated terms and year-round scheduling can also help students maintain momentum. Civil engineering technology programs may offer somewhat faster pathways than traditional engineering degrees because they focus more heavily on applied technical skills.

Are There Any 1-Year Civil Engineering Degrees?

One-year civil engineering bachelor’s degrees are extremely uncommon because of the technical and mathematical depth required in the curriculum. However, students entering with substantial transfer credits may occasionally complete degree completion programs in close to one year.

Accelerated one-year options are more common at the graduate level. These programs are typically designed for students who already hold engineering or technical degrees.

Are Online Civil Engineering Degrees Faster Than On-Campus Programs?

Online civil engineering degrees can be faster when they offer accelerated scheduling and flexible transfer policies. These features help students avoid delays associated with traditional semester structures and commuting requirements.

However, civil engineering remains a technically demanding field with sequential coursework and project-based learning requirements. Online delivery primarily improves flexibility rather than reducing academic rigor.

How Much Does a 2-Year Online Civil Engineering Degree Cost?

The cost of a two-year online civil engineering degree typically ranges from about $8,000 to $35,000 total, depending on the institution and degree level. Associate programs at community colleges are often the most affordable option.

Additional costs may include software, textbooks, and technology fees. Online learning can still reduce commuting and housing expenses compared to traditional campus-based study.

Financial Aid for Online Civil Engineering Degrees

Many students rely on financial aid and employer support to help manage engineering education costs. Accredited online programs generally qualify for federal aid and other funding opportunities.

• Federal Financial Aid: Students can apply for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities through the FAFSA. Loans are common at the bachelor’s level and should be considered carefully.
• Scholarships: Engineering scholarships are available through colleges, industry organizations, and professional associations. These awards may focus on infrastructure, transportation, or construction-related engineering fields.
• Transfer Scholarships: Some universities offer scholarships specifically for transfer students entering engineering programs. These awards can help reduce bachelor’s completion costs.
• Employer Tuition Assistance: Construction and engineering employers may offer tuition reimbursement for technical education. This support can help working students reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

How To Choose the Right 2-Year Civil Engineering Degree

Choosing the right two-year civil engineering degree depends on whether your goal is immediate employment or transfer into a bachelor’s program. The best option should align with your technical interests and long-term plans.

• Program type: Associate degrees often focus on technician preparation, while degree completion programs target transfer students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. Choose the pathway that matches your background.
• ABET accreditation: ABET accreditation may be important for transferability, licensure, and employer recognition. Prioritize accredited programs whenever possible.
• Transfer pathways: Strong articulation agreements and transfer support can help students avoid losing credits later. This is especially important for associate-level engineering students.
• Technical focus: Civil engineering technology programs often emphasize practical applications such as surveying and CAD. Traditional engineering programs may focus more heavily on theory and advanced mathematics.
• Flexibility: Review scheduling, asynchronous options, and support services. Flexible online delivery can make balancing school and work more manageable.

Career Outlook With an Online Civil Engineering Degree

An online civil engineering degree can prepare graduates for careers involving infrastructure, transportation systems, construction management, and environmental engineering. Associate-level graduates may pursue technician roles, while bachelor’s graduates may qualify for broader engineering positions.

Engineering and technical occupations generally offer strong earning potential and steady demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), civil engineers earn a median annual wage of $99,590, which is significantly above the national average.

FAQs About 2-Year Civil Engineering Degrees Online

If you're considering a two-year civil engineering degree online, you may have questions about transfer pathways, accreditation, and career opportunities. Below are answers to some of the most common questions.

Is a 2-Year Civil Engineering Degree Worth It?

A two-year civil engineering degree can be worth it for students seeking a faster and more affordable entry into technical or infrastructure-related fields. These programs provide foundational engineering knowledge and practical skills. The value depends on your long-term goals.

Can You Become a Civil Engineer With an Associate Degree?

An associate degree may qualify graduates for technician or support roles, but many civil engineering positions require a bachelor’s degree. However, associate programs often provide strong transfer pathways into four-year engineering study. Continuing your education can expand career opportunities.

What Is the Fastest Way To Earn a Civil Engineering Degree?

The fastest path is often to maximize transfer credits and enroll in an accelerated or degree completion program. Flexible online scheduling and year-round enrollment can also help shorten completion time. Civil engineering technology pathways may provide somewhat faster options for some students.

Do Online Civil Engineering Programs Include Hands-On Learning?

Yes, many programs include project-based coursework, software applications, or technical labs. Some schools also incorporate surveying or design experiences through virtual or hybrid formats. Requirements vary depending on the program and degree type.

Are Civil Engineering Technology Degrees Different From Civil Engineering Degrees?

Yes, civil engineering technology programs generally emphasize applied technical skills and implementation. Traditional civil engineering degrees often focus more heavily on advanced mathematics, theory, and design analysis. Both pathways can support strong technical careers depending on your goals.

Discover Online Civil Engineering Degrees

Two-year civil engineering degrees online can help you build technical skills and move toward infrastructure-focused careers more efficiently and flexibly. Explore programs on Learn.org to compare options and connect with schools that fit your goals.