How Do I Become A Civil Engineer?

by Willette Francis

If you have great ideas of how to build and design projects from the basic to most intricate, then a career as a civil engineering could be right for you. All the buildings in every city and suburb throughout the nation are designed by engineers. With the right education and training, this career could be a reality. You could be the one building the next magnificent building right in own town.

How do I become a civil engineer?

Engineers can enter the field with a bachelor degree in an engineering specialty, while basic research positions may call for a graduate level degree. A bachelor degree is required for all entry level positions in the engineering field. Those with a bachelor degree in natural science or mathematics may qualify for some engineering jobs. Typically, engineering degrees are given in electrical, electronics, mechanical, or civil engineering. Although engineers are trained in a specific branch, they can work in related branches. This flexibility makes employment prospects better for engineers in all fields.

Most colleges offer two and four year degree programs in engineering technology. Graduate programs train students for engineering faculty positions, and research and development programs, but this is not necessary to obtain most entry-level engineering jobs. Engineering technology graduates do not qualify for registration as professional engineers under the same requirements as graduates with degrees in engineering. Employers tend to view technology program graduates as having skills between an technician and engineer.

Admissions requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a background in mathematics, science, English, social studies, and humanities. Engineering programs last for four years but many students complete it in four to five years.

Engineers can attain the many professional certifications available to them. These certifications can be beneficial for advancement to senior technical and managerial jobs. These certifications are offered through professional societies.

What will I learn in civil engineering school?

Programs in engineering involve a concentration in an engineering specialty with courses in mathematics, physical science, and life science. Many engineering courses include general engineering. A course in design, computer and laboratory are a part of the curriculum. General courses that aren't related to engineering are required in the social sciences or humanities.

A four year curriculum includes the first two years of studying mathematics, basic sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The remaining two years include a focus on engineering with a concentration in one specialty. There are some programs that offer a general engineering and then the student specializes on the job or in a graduate program.

There are more than 1,800 engineering programs at colleges and universities offer bachelor degrees in this field. These programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Inc., and there's more than 700 accredited programs in engineering technology.

Some engineering schools have agreements with two year colleges where the two year college supplies the initial engineering education, and the once completed, the engineering school automatically admits the student to complete the remaining two years of the program.