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Online Civil Engineering Master’s Degree

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Online Civil Engineering Degree: An Overview

Civil engineers plan and manage infrastructure developments from small-scale projects like highway and bridge repairs to major construction initiatives including airports, stadiums and skyscrapers. They also oversee the design of transportation systems and the implementation of sustainable development projects.

A recent report card by the American Society of Civil Engineers gave America’s infrastructure a grade of D+. An estimated $1.6 trillion investment is needed by 2020 to improve the country's deficient infrastructure, which includes dams, levees, bridges and transit systems.

As critical infrastructure ages, demand increases for highly trained civil engineers to tackle a wide range of projects in both the public and private sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job opportunities for civil engineers will increase by 11 percent between 2016 and 2026, a rate that is higher than the national average for all occupations.

Some industries require a master’s degree and professional engineering licensure for senior positions. An online civil engineering master’s degree opens the door to career advancement opportunities and higher salaries. Civil engineers with a master’s degree can earn up to 13 percent more annually than those with only an undergraduate degree, according to the BLS.

An online civil engineering master's program offers flexibility for students who are also working professionals. Web-based programs typically follow the same rigorous curricula as brick-and-mortar options, leading to similar advancement opportunities for graduates. The online format is also ideal for students who must tackle additional commitments – such as child or family care – on top of their work and class schedules.
How long does it take to earn a master's in civil engineering online?Most online civil engineering master’s degree programs require the completion of 30 credits to graduate.

Some programs may be completed in two years for full-time students. Programs also may require the completion of all degree requirements within five to eight years.

How much does a master's in civil engineering cost?

The cost of an online civil engineering degree depends on several factors. State residency is an important consideration, since many colleges and universities charge higher tuition for out-of-state students. However, some schools charge flat tuition for online students regardless of state residency. Technology fees are another key factor; these fees often apply to online students but not their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

Per-credit costs for an online civil engineering degree typically range from $450 to $1,100. Students should expect to pay between $14,000 and $33,000 in total tuition.

Online master's in civil engineering admissions requirements

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is the standard prerequisite for admission to most online civil engineering master’s programs, usually with a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.

Some schools admit applicants provisionally if they have earned undergraduate degrees in other fields or can demonstrate work experience in civil engineering. Not all schools require the GRE, but those that do may stipulate minimum scores.

Choosing an accredited online civil engineering degree program

Accreditation status is one of the most important considerations for prospective students. Colleges and universities in the U.S. receive accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; the accreditation process involves an extensive review of a school's educational programs and student services.

A school's accreditation impacts course credit transferability, as well as student eligibility for federal financial aid, so students should ensure the school offering the program has earned national or regional accreditation.

Online Coursework

Example courses
  • Structural analysis
  • Computational methods in civil engineering
  • Engineering hydrology
  • Advanced geotechnical design
  • Transportation planning and urban development
Online civil engineering master’s programs may require that incoming students demonstrate sufficient background in calculus, physics and biology as preparation for the kind of advanced work they will encounter in graduate school.

Structural engineering is often a focus in civil engineering master’s programs, so courses on structural engineering analysis and design are generally included in the curriculum.

As the U.S. population grows, water resource engineers will play an important role building and maintaining treatment facilities. Many master's programs offer courses in hydrology and hydraulics to help meet the increased demand.

In addition, civil engineering online degree programs often require courses in transportation design, analysis or planning to prepare graduates for work as transportation engineers. Growing awareness of environmental issues has also resulted in a curricular focus on environmental engineering and sustainability.

Civil engineering degree specializations

Most online civil engineering degrees allow students to focus their coursework in specialized areas that align with their professional interests and career aspirations. For example, structural engineering specializations prepare graduates to design buildings, tunnels, bridges and other large structures.

In geotechnical engineering concentrations, students learn about the structural and chemical makeup of soil, rock and water, and how to manage geological challenges like earthquakes, landslides, and soil and water erosion. Geotechnical engineers often oversee road and embankment projects.

A transportation concentration trains engineers for major transport infrastructure projects including the construction of highways, railways, airports and ports. Courses in both the water resource and environmental specializations focus on engineering solutions to ecological challenges.

Water resource engineers are trained to build and maintain sustainable infrastructure to handle mounting water-related issues. Environmental engineers also use their training to deal with issues like air and water pollution, water supply and wastewater treatment.

Example concentrations
Structural engineering
Construction engineering
Geotechnical engineering
Transportation engineering
Water resources engineering
Environmental engineering

Professional Associations in Civil Engineering

Professional organizations for civil engineers, like the ones listed here, provide educational information, scholarship announcements, job listings, exam preparation assistance and networking opportunities that could benefit civil engineering master’s students. Some also offer free or discounted membership to students.

  • American Society of Civil Engineers: ASCE is the oldest and one of the largest professional engineering societies, with over 150,000 members internationally. The ASCE publishes civil engineering research, provides information on standards and codes, and sponsors conferences and continuing education opportunities. Student memberships are free and may be upgraded to a professional membership upon completion of the degree.
  • International Structural Engineering and Construction Society: The ISEC Society is an international forum for professionals working in the fields of civil, structural and construction engineering. The society sponsors seminars and educational conferences to foster communication and share new developments in areas like specifications, bidding, design and construction. In 2014, ISEC began publishing peer-reviewed proceedings, allowing online open access to the research presented at its international meetings.
  • National Society of Professional Engineers: NSPE specializes in licensure, certification, professional practice and ethical issues for engineering professionals. It promotes the benefits of licensing, advocates on behalf of licensed professional engineers and assists individuals in obtaining these credentials. Students enrolled full-time in an ABET-accredited engineering or pre-engineering degree qualify for free membership.

    • Example courses

    • Structural analysis
    • Computational methods in civil engineering
    • Engineering hydrology
    • Advanced geotechnical design
    • Transportation planning and urban development

    Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates

    The job outlook for civil engineers is promising, with employment projected to grow by 11 percent between 2016 and 2026. As the U.S. begins to address its deteriorating infrastructure, these professionals will be called on to repair and build roads, railways, airports, bridges and other major construction projects.

    Increasing environmental awareness also presents opportunities for civil engineers who have the training needed to clean up waterways and develop systems to harness wind and solar energy.

    The demand for highly trained civil engineers is prompted, in part, by the introduction of new and rigorous professional standards across industries. Those who enter the field with advanced graduate training, including online civil engineering master’s degrees, have a competitive edge and a clearer path to career advancement.

    What can I do with a degree in civil engineering?

    Civil engineers find challenging work in fields as far-ranging as environmental engineering, transportation systems and construction project management. Employers look for applicants with specialized engineering training, knowledge of computer-aided design software and managerial skills.

    Civil engineers oversee construction projects, test building materials, monitor regulations and deal with environmental hazards. They are employed in commercial enterprises, in government, in supervisory or managerial positions, and as researchers and teachers.

    These kinds of skill sets are emphasized in most civil engineering online degrees at the master’s level. The highest paid civil engineers and the ones with the best chances for career mobility have also obtained their professional engineer, or PE, license.

    Licensure and certification

    Professional licensure is increasingly necessary for advancement to supervisory and management positions in civil engineering. State licensing boards grant the PE license if candidates meet specific criteria, including a passing score on the written exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

    How much are salaries for civil engineering graduates?


    Median salaries by industry

    BLS

    Job title Salary
    Salary
    Civil engineer, state government
    $82,300
     
     
    $82,300
    Civil engineer, nonresidential building construction
    $87,100
     
     
    $87,100
    Civil engineer, local government
    $89,880
     
     
    $89,880
    Civil engineer, architectural, engineering and related services
    $90,670
     
     
    $90,670
    Civil engineer, federal government
    $91,270
     
     
    $91,270
    $0 $22,818 $45,635 $68,453 $91,270