Training Required for Becoming a Civil Engineer
Civil engineers use a variety of skills to design buildings, bridges, dams and other structures. While a four-year college degree is generally required to become a civil engineer, a person interested in becoming a civil engineer does have some additional training options to consider which can help him qualify for more civil engineering positions.
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Bachelor’s Degree
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For consideration for most entry-level civil engineering positions, employers require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. To obtain a bachelor’s degree, a student will complete a variety of courses in engineering, mathematics and science, as well as complete general education courses. Though a student may complete a bachelor’s degree program in civil engineering in four years, it is not uncommon for a student to need five years of study to fulfill the course requirements.
Graduate Degrees
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Though not required for most entry-level positions, most college faculty and research and development positions require applicants to have a graduate degree. In addition to qualifying for specific positions, a student who completes a graduate program in civil engineering will obtain more advanced skills and learn new technologies, which can help the student gain an advantage in the workforce. Colleges and universities offer students the opportunity to obtain both master's- and doctoral-level degrees in civil engineering. As with undergraduate programs, students in a graduate civil engineering program also may have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of the field.
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Other Education
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Some colleges offer engineering technology degrees. A graduate with this degree will often perform work similar to an engineer but is not eligible to register as a professional engineer like those with a degree in engineering. Some colleges also offer non-traditional degree programs. For example, some schools allow a student to spend time learning in the classroom and working in the engineering profession. These programs allow student to learn the required skills of a civil engineer while also gaining work experience.
Other Training and Certifications
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All 50 states and the District of Columbia require engineers who offer engineering services to the public to obtain a license. To obtain this license, an engineer generally must hold an engineering degree from ab ABET-accredited engineering program, have four years of engineering work experience and complete a state examination. For an engineer to maintain an engineering license, many states require ongoing education. Engineers also may pursue professional certifications from various engineering organizations, which can further enhance employment prospects.
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