Easiest Civil Engineering Degree Programs 2026

Civil engineering degrees prepare students to design the structures and systems that support communities, from highways to water networks. While engineering is often demanding, some pathways make it easier to start building foundational knowledge.

The easiest civil engineering degrees typically emphasize applied learning, streamlined requirements, and supportive instruction. These programs help beginners develop core engineering skills without the complexity found in advanced or specialized civil engineering study.

What Makes a Civil Engineering Degree “Easy”?

Some civil engineering programs feel easier because they focus on technical foundations rather than advanced engineering analysis. The following factors often make early engineering study more approachable:

• starting with associate-level coursework designed for students new to engineering
• choosing programs that emphasize hands-on learning and applied concepts
• selecting degrees with fewer advanced math or physics requirements
• taking classes at community colleges with flexible schedules and support services
• using lab-based or project-based instruction instead of theory-heavy coursework

What is the Easiest Civil Engineering Degree?

Civil engineering degrees are available at multiple levels, but the easiest civil engineering degree to earn for most students will be an associate's degree in civil engineering technology. Associate degrees are undergraduate degrees that typically take two years to complete.

These degrees are often easiest because:

• They're offered at community colleges, which have lower tuition rates and higher acceptance rates than four-year institutions
• They take two years as opposed to the minimum four years required for a bachelor's degree
• They're meant for students who don't have a lot of prior subject knowledge, meaning many courses are introductory

Associate degrees in civil engineering technology are usually offered as Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science programs (AAS). AAS degrees typically require fewer general education requirements than AS degrees. An associate degree in civil engineering technology is designed to give students the knowledge and skills in technical areas like surveying, construction materials and cost estimating, structures, hydraulics, project management, and the use of computers.

Common course topics in these degree programs include:

• AutoCAD software
• construction materials
• cost estimation
• project management
• surveying

Typically, associate degrees in civil engineering technology have core courses that all students must take but also allow students to choose civil engineering electives.

Colleges and Universities With Associate Degrees in Civil Engineering Technology

Over 150 colleges and universities in the United States offer associate degrees in civil engineering technology. These include:

• Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, Minnesota: Associate of Applied Science in civil engineering
• El Paso Community College in El Paso, Texas: Associate of Science in engineering with a pathway in civil engineering
• Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan: Associate in Applied Science in civil engineering technology with a highway emphasis
• Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin: Associate of Applied Science in civil engineering technology-highway technology
• Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho: Associate of Applied Science in civil engineering technology
• Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida: Associate of Science in civil engineering technology
• Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina: Associate of Applied Science in civil engineering technology
• Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, Kansas: Associate of Applied Science in engineering technology, civil track
• Santa Ana College in Santa Ana, California: Associate of Science in engineering civil technology
• SUNY Broome Community College in Binghamton, New York: Associate of Applied Science in civil engineering technology

Due to the nature of civil engineering programs and coursework, these degrees are not typically available online at any level.

What Can I Do With an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology

Earning an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in civil engineering technology can open a path toward many jobs, including:

• Area operations manager
• Civil engineering technician
• Civil engineering designer
• Construction estimator
• Surveyor

Additional career paths may be available to those who pursue a more advanced civil engineering degree.

Other Types of Civil Engineering Degrees

Civil engineering degrees are also available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. These degrees require more years of study than an associate degree.

Bachelor's Degrees in Civil Engineering

A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree, like an associate degree, but it requires twice as many credits and years of study as an associate degree. These are Bachelor of Science degrees and their goal is to provide students with a strong fundamental background in engineering science, design, and practice.

Many civil engineering bachelor's degree programs offer areas of concentration such as:

• Construction engineering
• Environmental civil engineering
• Geotechnical systems
• Materials
• Structural engineering and systems
• Transportation engineering
• Water systems

Bachelor's degree programs usually require students to complete the college or university's general education requirements as well as core major courses and major elective courses.

Over 300 colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in civil engineering. These include:

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Colorado School of Mines
• Duke University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Purdue Global
• Texas A&M University
• University of California Berkeley
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Vanderbilt University

Master's Degrees in Civil Engineering

Master's degrees are graduate degrees that typically require between 30-40 credits and take anywhere from one to three years to complete. You will usually need a bachelor's degree before you can enter a master's program.

Civil engineering master's degrees may be offered as Master of Science or Master of Engineering programs. These degrees are usually designed to provide advanced study in a specific area of civil engineering like construction or environmental engineering.

Many colleges and universities offer master's degrees in civil engineering, including:

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• New York University
• Northwestern University
• Stanford University
• University of California Berkeley
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• University of Michigan
• University of Texas at Austin

Doctorate Degrees in Civil Engineering

Doctorate degrees in civil engineering are for those who want an even more advanced education in a particular area of civil engineering. These are most typically offered as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in civil engineering programs.

Doctorate programs require at least a bachelor's degree, though many also require a master's. Most programs take three to five years and require students to complete and defend a thesis project.

Universities that offer doctorate degrees in civil engineering include:

• Carnegie Mellon University
• George Washington University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Northwestern University
• Rice University
• Stanford University
• University of California Berkeley
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Vanderbilt University

FAQs About the Easiest Civil Engineering Degrees

Civil engineering can be challenging, but some degree types offer a more flexible and manageable introduction. Below are answers to common questions for students looking for the easiest civil engineering pathways.

Are Associate Degrees in Civil Engineering Technology Hard?

Associate degrees in civil engineering technology are generally more approachable than bachelor’s programs. They focus on practical skills such as surveying, materials testing, drafting, and construction methods.

These degrees introduce engineering concepts without the depth of advanced calculus or physics required in a bachelor’s program. Students who prefer applied learning often find this format easier to navigate.

Can You Become a Civil Engineer With an Associate Degree?

An associate degree prepares you for technician or support roles rather than licensure as a civil engineer. Many graduates work as surveyors, estimators, designers, or civil engineering technicians.

Students who want to become licensed civil engineers can later transfer into a bachelor’s program. Starting with an associate degree is often a cost-effective and flexible way to begin the journey.

Do Civil Engineering Degrees Require a Lot of Math?

Civil engineering includes math, but the level varies by degree type. Bachelor’s and graduate degrees require advanced calculus, statistics, and engineering analysis.

Associate programs include introductory math and applied problem-solving, which many students find more manageable. Academic support centers and tutoring often help students stay on track.

Explore Civil Engineering Degrees

Explore flexible civil engineering programs that offer approachable coursework and clear pathways into the engineering field. Learn.org can help you compare associate and bachelor’s degree options that fit your goals.