Thinking About Becoming a Civil Engineer?

How to Become a Civil Engineer

Civil engineers need a bachelor's degree. They typically need a graduate degree and licensure for promotion to senior positions. Though licensure requirements vary within the U.S., civil engineers must usually be licensed in the locations where they provide services publicly.

Civil engineers must first complete a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology from an ABET-accredited program. Programs typically take 4 years to complete and include coursework in mathematics, statistics, engineering mechanics and systems, and fluid dynamics, depending on the specialty.

Civil engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed as professional engineers (PEs). Licensure generally requires a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, relevant work experience (typically at least 4 years), and a passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.

Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow in coming years, driven by the need to manage projects to rebuild, repair, and upgrade the nation's aging infrastructure including bridges, roads, levees, dams, airports, buildings, and structures of all types.