Online Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology
Associate's degree programs in civil engineering technology are most commonly offered in a hybrid format, combining online and on-campus coursework. Explore the course topics you could study in this article, including drafting and calculus. You can also find out where you can use your degree and how to advance your studies.
What Types of Online Associate's Degrees are Available in Civil Engineering Technology?
Associate's degree programs in civil engineering technology can be difficult to find online. You can instead enroll in a hybrid civil engineering technology program that offers a select number of general education and engineering technology courses online. Computer-based classes like drafting and design usually can be completed online, while laboratory and mathematics courses generally must be taken on campus.
| Program Format | Classes available online, but degree must be completed on campus |
| Common Courses | Trigonometry, drafting, surveying, applied calculus |
| Job Duties | Establish deadlines, calculate costs, plan schedules |
| Continuing Education | Bachelor's degrees available |
| Median Salary (2020) | $54,080* (for civil engineering technician) |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 3% growth* (for all civil engineering technicians) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Will I Learn About?
An engineering technology program differs from a general engineering program by focusing more on applied engineering techniques that can be transferred over to a technician job. Additionally, engineering degree programs often require more advanced mathematics coursework than an engineering technology program.
During a civil engineering technology program, you can expect to take computer, engineering, mathematics and business-oriented courses. You might find the following subjects in the curriculum:
- Physics
- Trigonometry
- Professional research techniques
- Surveying
- Computer-aided design
- Drafting
- Project management
- Structural theories
- Applied calculus
What Jobs Can I Get?
With an associate's degree in civil engineering technology, you could work as a civil engineering technician and assist civil engineers. It could be your job to help prepare estimates, write up job proposals, set deadlines for engineering projects, calculate job costs and plan project schedules. You might work on projects relating to dams, airports, roads or other elements of infrastructure. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), civil engineering technicians earned a median yearly wage of $54,080 as of May 2020 (www.bls.gov).
How Can I Earn Further Education?
If you hold an associate's degree in engineering technology, you could go on to pursue a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. A bachelor's degree in this field could qualify you to work as a civil engineer and help create roadways, bridges and buildings. The BLS reported that civil engineers made a median salary of $88,570 per year as of May 2020.