Is a Civil Engineering Degree Right for Me?

Civil engineering is a complex field with a variety of career options. You can determine if a civil engineering degree is right for you in a few ways.

Civil engineers design and oversee the construction or repair of buildings and infrastructure. Civil engineering majors learn the ins and outs of civil engineering and are prepared for many career opportunities in the field.

Civil engineering is a college major that requires a lot of math and science, so it may not be for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about civil engineering degrees and how to determine if this degree is right for you.

What Is a Civil Engineering Degree?

Civil engineering degrees prepare students for careers in the field of civil engineering. It is a broad field that encompasses multiple engineering disciplines, such as:

Civil engineering bachelor's degrees are usually offered as Bachelor of Science degrees and require four years of full-time study. Civil engineering graduate degrees are also available.

What To Expect From a Civil Engineering Degree

Civil engineering degree programs offer coursework, internships, labs, and other opportunities for hands-on experience. Coursework is often rigorous and requires a strong foundation in math and science.

Students will not only expand their knowledge of civil engineering but also hone soft skills, like problem-solving skills and project management skills. Most civil engineering programs require a final exam or capstone project.

Common Civil Engineering Degree Programs

As a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) major, students will often need to take multiple courses in chemistry, physics, statistics, calculus, and linear algebra before beginning their civil engineering coursework.

Once those courses are completed, students can expect their civil engineering coursework to cover topics like:

fluid mechanics
soil mechanics
steel and concrete design
structural analysis and structural design
thermodynamics

Some civil engineering degrees offer concentrations or specializations that allow you to tailor your coursework to your career goals. Examples of civil engineering specializations include:

environmental engineering
geomechanics
municipal engineering
structural engineering
transportation engineering
water resources engineering

How To Decide if a Civil Engineering Degree Is Right for You

A civil engineering degree can lead to various job opportunities, but it can also be a difficult major for some. If you're not sure if a civil engineering degree is right for you, we've offered a few ways to help you decide below.

Determine Your Career and Life Goals

One of the best ways to determine if a civil engineering degree is right for you is to consider your career goals and ideal career path. You can do many different jobs with a civil engineering degree, including:

It's also important to consider your life goals. The location you hope to live in, which careers are in demand, and how you want your family to look in the future can all impact whether or not a degree in civil engineering is right for you.

Consider Your Financial Situation

Entry-level civil engineering roles require a bachelor's degree, which takes four years of education to finish on average. Depending on the school you attend, tuition can cost you a pretty penny, although there are financial aid programs that can help.

Some higher-level engineering roles and certifications may require a graduate degree, which will add to your tuition costs. Again, financial aid packages are available to help; however, financial aid doesn't always cover additional costs associated with earning a degree, such as housing, transportation, textbooks and supplies, meals, and childcare, which should all be factored into the total cost.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for civil engineers is just under six figures. Of course, this varies based on your work experience and location.

For many, the salary they earn from becoming a civil engineer can offset the costs required to earn their degree, though this is important to evaluate before choosing this major.

Speak With a Civil Engineer

Another excellent way to determine if a civil engineering degree is right for you is to speak with someone working in civil engineering. They can give you an inside look at what it's like in the field.

Speaking with a civil engineer will allow you to understand what the day-to-day life of a civil engineer is like. Your school's civil engineering department may be able to connect you with a professional civil engineer.

What Do Civil Engineers Do?

The job duties of civil engineers can vary depending on the specific type of civil engineering they specialize in and who they work for. In general, job duties of civil engineers often include:

analyzing project design data (i.e., survey reports and maps)
analyzing tests on soil samples and building materials
applying for necessary permits and ensuring projects follow regulations
calculating and delivering cost estimates for construction projects
designing hydraulic systems, structures, and transportation systems
overseeing the construction, maintenance, and repair of infrastructure
surveying building locations and construction sites

Civil engineers often work in office settings and at construction sites. In some cases, portable offices may be set up at construction sites so civil engineers can complete all work on-site.

Many employers and states require engineers to hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license. To qualify, you'll typically need to have graduated from an ABET-accredited engineering program, acquired work experience, and passed the exam as set by your state.

Skills Required of Civil Engineers

Civil engineers need both hard and soft skills in order to do their jobs properly and effectively. Hard skills include things like construction management, data analysis, and knowledge of multiple engineering disciplines.

Soft skills can be learned in school but are often gained through work experience or lived experience. Some necessary soft skills for civil engineers include:

communication skills
decision-making skills
organizational skills
problem-solving skills

FAQs About Civil Engineering Degrees

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about civil engineering degrees.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Civil Engineering Degree?

Most full-time students can finish a civil engineering bachelor's degree in four years of study. It may be possible to finish faster if you take college-level courses while still in high school or enroll in summer classes.

Master's degrees usually take two years of full-time study. Accelerated programs or dual bachelor's-to-master's degree programs may be available to help you earn your degree more quickly.

What Are the Job Prospects Like for Civil Engineers?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for civil engineers are expected to grow by 5% by 2032, which is faster than most occupations. As mentioned above, the average salary is just shy of six figures.

Is Civil Engineering a Hard Degree?

Civil engineering can be a challenging degree for some students, especially those who struggle with science and math. It frequently requires hands-on experience, which can make it more complex.

How Can a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering Advance My Engineering Career?

Earning a master's degree in civil engineering can help you land higher-paying engineering jobs in the civil engineering and construction industries.

Another way to advance your career is to earn certification, such as those offered by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).