Did you know that pursuing an online civil engineering degree program could help you secure your dream job? Begin your classes today and unleash your creativity. You might just be the one to design our next building!
Civil Engineering encompasses a wide range of studies. If you’ve always been passionate about civil engineering but struggled with time and convenience, online education can bridge that gap for you. In this article, we’ll provide all the information you need to know about earning a civil engineering degree online, along with recommendations for schools to assist you in achieving your career goals.
What is Civil Engineering?
Civil Engineering stands as the oldest discipline within the field of engineering, comprising various facets.
While many associate civil engineering with everyday infrastructures like bridges and roads, its scope extends to managing waste removal systems, energy-producing power plants, water systems, and even aerospace technology. It’s a highly practical and hands-on field.
Which Online Civil Engineering Degree Should You Pursue?
Despite common misconceptions, civil engineering isn’t a one-size-fits-all course. Many online programs allow students to specialize in their preferred areas. Although there are programs that offer a comprehensive curriculum covering all major specializations, they are less common.
For instance, Structural engineers oversee building projects to ensure strength and reliability, while Geotechnical engineers utilize soil and rock mechanics to determine the most suitable materials and infrastructure types for specific locations.
When selecting a specialization, opt for the branch of Civil Engineering that aligns with your interests. Each branch offers lucrative career paths, though this may vary based on your location.
Types of Online Civil Engineering Degree Programs
Online civil engineering degree programs come in various levels, catering to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Associate Degree Programs:
These programs come in two types. The Associate of Science (AS) is designed for students intending to transfer to a four-year university to complete a BS in civil engineering, while the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) is tailored for those seeking entry-level employment as civil engineering technicians, surveyors, design technicians, CAD operators, etc.
Bachelor of Science Online:
In online bachelor’s degree programs, students typically study subjects such as Surveying, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Civil Engineering Materials.
Master’s Degree Online:
Online master’s degrees in civil engineering are offered as either Master of Engineering (MEng) or Master of Science in Engineering (MS), focusing on either a business-oriented or research-oriented curriculum, respectively.
Doctoral Programs Online:
Students pursuing an online doctoral degree in civil engineering are usually interested in academia and teaching at the college level, conducting specialized research within a specific discipline.
Certificates:
Certificate programs provide professionals with specialized knowledge in areas like Transportation Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Engineering, and Construction Engineering Management.
Civil Engineering Specializations:
Common specializations within civil engineering include Architectural Engineering, Construction Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Transportation Engineering.
Career Opportunities with a Civil Engineering Degree:
Upon obtaining your online civil engineering degree, you can pursue various careers with promising salary prospects.
| Job Title | Avg. Annual Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Managers | $80,465.99 | |
| Transportation Engineers | $83,873.73 | |
| Materials Engineers | $100,699.42 | |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | $59,861.74 | |
| Surveyors | $73,649.37 | |
| Civil Drafters | $49,660.70 | |
| Civil Engineering Technicians | $58,957.03 | |
| Cost Estimators | $68,423.34 | |
| Wind Energy Project Managers | $89,535.32 | |
| Mapping Technicians | $40,495.55 |
You see why you need to get civil engineering degree online and start making some cool cash.
Is it Possible to Obtain a Civil Engineering Degree Online?
Several colleges also provide online civil engineering degree programs.
Many institutions offer online civil engineering degrees, encompassing various types of online civil engineering degree programs available.
Given the multitude of schools and programs, we’ll highlight a few to guide you in selecting where to pursue your certification.
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Civil Engineering Degree Online?
As previously mentioned, different types of programs within civil engineering online degrees have varying requirements.
For instance, prospective students applying for an online bachelor’s degree in civil engineering typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant standardized test scores like the ACT/SAT.
To enroll in a master’s program in civil engineering, applicants usually must possess a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field, with a minimum GPA, typically around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Non-native English speakers are often required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores as well.
Before pursuing a doctorate in civil engineering, students are typically required to have obtained a master’s degree.
Certificate programs may have varying requirements set by the institution offering the program. However, online certificate programs in civil engineering are typically available at the graduate level. Students looking to enroll in a certificate program typically need to hold a bachelor’s degree.
Cost of Obtaining an Online Civil Engineering Degree
The cost of earning an online civil engineering degree varies depending on the type of degree and the institution. On average, tuition ranges from $11,700 to $58,000 annually.
Top Schools for Online Civil Engineering Programs
Are you searching for institutions offering top-notch online civil engineering degree programs? While many schools offer such programs, we’ll highlight a few:
Here are just a couple of examples:
#1. Liberty University:
Liberty University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program, typically completed in approximately 3.5 years. The next class intake begins on August 24, 2022, with an annual tuition of $11,700.
#2. Old Dominion University (ODU):
ODU offers an excellent online Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program, typically completed in four years. Additionally, they offer a Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Coastal Engineering. ODU also provides online civil engineering degrees at the master’s and doctorate levels, featuring nine courses in total. The graduate tuition stands at $22,358.
#3. Stanford University:
Stanford University offers an online Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering program, with an annual tuition of $49,617. They also offer various online courses in civil engineering technology.
Other Online Civil Engineering Degree Programs
Additional institutions offering online civil engineering degree programs include:
– Columbia University New York, offering certificate courses in civil engineering and a Certificate in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Construction Management. They also offer several master’s programs in civil engineering. Graduate tuition fees amount to $46,956.
– Missouri University of Science and Technology, offering graduate certificate programs in Contemporary Structural Engineering and Infrastructure Renewal, with a cost of $25,918. They also provide online master’s degree programs in various disciplines within civil engineering.
– University of Illinois Urbana, with a tuition fee of $31,194. They offer four certificate courses, including a Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering with specializations in Construction Management, Pavement Engineering, Railroad Engineering, and Transportation Engineering.
– University of North Dakota, offering online bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering, as well as combined bachelor’s and master’s programs in environmental and soil structures, with an annual tuition of $20,047.
Additionally, accredited institutions such as the New Jersey Institute of Technology, University of Kentucky, the University of Delaware, and the University of South Florida also offer online civil engineering degree programs.
FAQs
What is an Online Civil Engineering Degree?
An online civil engineering degree is an academic program that enables students to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering entirely online, without the need to attend traditional on-campus classes.
What are Some Schools Offering Online Civil Engineering Degree Programs in 2023?
Numerous schools offer online civil engineering degree programs in 2023, including the University of Florida, Colorado State University, Arizona State University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, among others.
What are the Admission Requirements for Online Civil Engineering Degree Programs in 2023?
Admission requirements for online civil engineering degree programs in 2023 vary depending on the institution and program. Generally, students need a high school diploma or equivalent and must submit SAT or ACT scores. For master’s programs, a bachelor’s degree in a related field is typically required, along with potential GRE scores.
What are Some of the Courses Offered in an Online Civil Engineering Degree Program in 2023?
Courses in an online civil engineering degree program in 2023 may include calculus, physics, engineering mechanics, materials science, structural analysis and design, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, and water resources engineering.
Conclusion
The field of civil engineering offers promising prospects, as evidenced by the salary potential across different specializations.
So, take the first step towards your dream career by enrolling in an online civil engineering degree program.