Essential Information
Civil engineers design and oversee the production of buildings, roads, dams, bridges, and water supply systems. These professionals also supervise the production of airports, tunnels, and sewage systems. Civil engineering requires knowledge of several other engineering disciplines, such as structural engineering, water resources, transportation, geotechnical engineering, and construction. Everywhere in the United States, civil engineers who offer their services publicly must hold a license, which generally requires a bachelor's degree, passing several exams, and gaining experience. Civil engineers with master's degrees often act as team leaders, administrators, or supervisors.
Master's Degree in Civil Engineering
A master's degree in civil engineering is often interdisciplinary in nature, and many programs require extensive practical training, which often takes the form of an internship. To be considered for admission into these programs, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree, and many programs require a bachelor's degree specifically in engineering. Applicants may also be required to submit college transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Coursework in these programs usually places a heavy emphasis in both learning theory and practical application. Many also focus on collaborative work because it is an essential skill in this field. Here are a few courses that might appear in the curriculum:
- Physical hydrology
- Statistics of environmental monitoring
- Pipe system engineering
- Linear programming
- Engineering decision and support systems
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment rate for engineers will grow 6% between 2018 and 2028, which as fast as the national average for all occupations. Civil engineers earned a median annual salary of $94,360 as of May 2019. The lowest-paid civil engineers earned around $55,380 while the highest-paid made about $144,560.
A master's degree in civil engineering is often required for supervisor positions and requires a student to have a bachelor's degree.
