Do you like to design things such as roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, or bridges? This is what civil engineers do, they design things. As one of the oldest types of engineering, a civil engineer is responsible for designing and making sure that the structure will stay intact during all types of weather. Some civil engineers may be responsible for managing a construction site or be a city engineer. Others may work as teachers or researchers or in the actual designing and construction of things.

Getting Ready For a Civil Engineering Degree Online

Students must have excellent math and science skills. Courses in English, Computers and Social Studies will also be part of the curriculum. A college degree in engineering is required for almost all entry-level engineering jobs. If you have a science or mathematics degree, you may also qualify for several engineering positions. Obtaining a State license and passing an exam is required to perform any services directly to the public. Being a team player, having good analytical skills, being detail-oriented and creative are all essential skills of civil engineers.

Civil Engineering Degree Programs Online

An online education in civil engineering focuses on designing, creating, improving, and protecting the environment in which we live. Analytical thinking, problem solving and communication skills will be strongly emphasized. The final two years of study focuses on civil engineering career training. A bachelor’s degree is the standard qualification for an entry-level civil engineering job. You can also take your education further by earning a master’s or PhD degree in Civil Engineering. The master’s degree may be required for supervisory positions and for advancement. The PhD in Civil Engineering is designed for engineers who want to become teachers or researchers at the university level.

Various specialties within civil engineering you can choose from include:

• Environment
• Structural
• Construction
• Transportation

Employment Outlook and Salary for Civil Engineers

It is estimated that civil engineer jobs will grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), civil engineers held about 278,400 jobs in 2008. Some worked for firms that did architectural, engineering, and related services work. Others worked in some level of government and construction.

Salary for Online Civil Engineering Graduates

Median annual earnings in 2008 for civil engineers were around $78,560 with the highest 10 percent earning upto $109,100 per year.

Your Future As A Civil Engineer

With an online civil engineering degree, you will gain the technical training and knowledge required to take on this important role as a civil engineer and build a solid career. The demand for civil engineers will grow as the population grows and the need for qualified civil engineer holding advance degrees will always be needed to design, build, repair, and improve things.