Civil engineering is an engineering discipline in which you design, construct, and maintain the physical and naturally built environment. 

Civil engineers serve their communities through their work on infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, dams, etc. These professionals always have efficiency in mind, working to make sure our human environment is functioning properly. 

Earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering can open up a wide range of career opportunities and possibilities in the public and private sectors.

Here’s everything you need to know about why you should take this next step in your career. 

What Will I Learn In a Civil Engineering Program?

The main goal of civil engineering programs is to teach you how to identify, formulate, and solve complex problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. 

Courses within civil engineering programs put a major emphasis on construction and mechanics. These give students the baseline for the discipline, before expanding to get into more advanced concepts like hydraulics and geotechnical engineering.

On a much more broad level, civil engineering teaches you to be an effective leader. It gives you skills like problem-solving, project management, communication, and data analysis. On top of this, all types of engineering help to develop teamwork skills as no project can be completed by a single person. All of these can be widely applicable to basically any sector of work.  

What Careers Can I Pursue with a BS in Civil Engineering?

 A civil engineering degree allows you to work in a wide range of industries and sectors from construction to water resource management.

  • Construction: This is the most common career path that comes from a civil engineering degree. There are several job possibilities within the field though such as site engineer, estimator, project manager, etc. 
  • Public Utilities and Transportation: Transportation is an extremely applicable sector for civil engineers. You can work in roadway design, transit planning, airport engineering, traffic safety, etc. 
  • Civil Infrastructure: Studying civil engineering gives you the technical skills and professional mindset to work to improve the built environment. You’ll learn all of the tools you need and get the technical foundation you need to aid in innovations. 
  • Water Resource Management: Civil engineering teaches you the core concepts of hydrology and hydraulics, which both deal with how water moves through the environment. You can apply your skills to work directly with stormwater drainage, water distribution, etc. 
  • Research: All engineering fields give you a strong foundation in math and science that can be applied to help you to analyze a range of complex problems. They additionally give you critical thinking and scientific method skills that are invaluable in research.  

Why Should I Get a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering?

Earning your bachelor’s degree in civil engineering can increase your job opportunities and earning potential compared to someone with an associate’s or less. 

There’s a growing demand for professionals working in housing, industrial buildings, power plants, and robust transportation systems. Job postings are projected to continue growing as well, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 6.7% job growth in the next decade.

There’s a tangible difference that comes in salaries. Someone with a BS in Civil Engineering will have an average salary of over $84,000 per year, compared to those with an Associate’s or less making an average $64,000 per year. These numbers very clearly demonstrate the benefit of earning your degree in the field. 

What’s Special about SDSU Online’s Program?

SDSU Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering delivered with a hybrid format that can be completed in just 2.5 years. 

The majority of the program is held fully online, but additionally you’re provided the opportunity to visit San Diego State’s beautiful campus for a five day, hands-on course. During these five days, you’ll be fully immersed in the practice of civil engineering, all with your classmates and instructors by your side. 

The flexible program allows you to be able to earn your degree no matter what your schedule looks like. Even better, it’s the same bachelor’s degree earned by on-campus SDSU students, fully accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. 

Apply now to help make the communities of the future more efficient than ever!