What is civil engineering?
Civil engineering tackles society’s infrastructure needs. By applying physics and math, civil engineers design, build, and maintain everything that keeps society running—from sewage systems and pipelines to bridges, dams, and railways.
Think about it: for your tap to deliver clean water, the pipes connecting the treatment plant to your home must function perfectly. Before you can hop on a train, the tracks need to be planned for the best balance of cost and efficiency. Civil engineers make these systems possible, carefully fitting them into the environment around us.
Why is civil engineering important?
Civil engineers have shaped societies for centuries, leaving behind some of humanity’s most impressive achievements. The Egyptian pyramids and Roman aqueducts? Those are monumental examples of civil engineering at work.
Today, with new technology and shifting environmental needs, civil engineers continue to improve our world. Take structural engineers, for example—they design buildings that can survive disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes.
Civil engineering courses and certifications
To land a job in civil engineering, you’ll need a four-year degree with ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accreditation. Your coursework might include mechanical engineering, math, statistics, and geology. Specialized classes, like water engineering, can teach the newest methods for managing rivers, coastlines, and urban water systems. Success in this field also depends on sharp critical thinking and the ability to plan strategically—both big-picture and in the details.
Careers in civil engineering
As infrastructure gets older, civil engineers will be essential in overseeing repairs, upgrades, and rebuilds for bridges, roads, airports, buildings, and all kinds of structures. Engineering drives innovation, helps humanity thrive, and plays a key role in sustainable development.
Some civil engineering career paths include:
- Structural engineer
- Geotechnical engineer
- Environmental engineer
- Water resource engineer