[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Civil engineers work on large structures that shape our communities, like roads, bridges, and dams. When you drive on highway overpasses, bridges of all sizes, or a roundabout, a civil engineer is behind the structure’s planning, construction, and maintenance. If this type of work excites you, consider earning a degree in civil engineering.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The civil engineering field comes with opportunities for career growth and higher-than-average salaries. Below, you’ll find some of the best civil engineering degrees, plus job prospects and next steps.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Online Civil Engineering Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This ranking is from 2023. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is Civil Engineering?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Civil engineering is a subfield of engineering concerned with societal infrastructure. Civil engineers design, build, and maintain roads, dams, bridges, and other structures that keep society running smoothly.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Civil engineering considers all factors related to the design, construction, and maintenance of major structures. Professionals in this field must have mastery of topics like cost analysis, government regulations, durability calculations, structural and geotechnical analysis, and construction engineering.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect in a Bachelor’s Degree Program for Civil Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering​ usually requires 120 credits and takes four years to complete. These programs include rigorous coursework on surveying, hydraulic engineering, project and construction management, transportation engineering, protection of water resources, and erosion prevention.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some online civil engineering degrees have on-campus components, such as lab requirements, immersion experiences, or networking opportunities. Be sure to check the specific requirements of your prospective online civil engineering program, since these in-person components vary by school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning a degree, you can enter the workforce, gain experience, and pursue board certification from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.asce.org/career-growth/civil-engineering-certification” target=”_blank”]American Association of Civil Engineers[/hen-ui-link]. You can choose the civil engineering certification or specializations such as coastal, geotechnical, pipeline, or port engineering.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Civil Engineering Courses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a civil engineering major, you study advanced mathematical topics like calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. You also study advanced topics in physics, including fluid mechanics and mechanics of materials. Course loads for this major may be challenging.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Intro to Civil Engineering: Coursework covers the fundamentals of civil engineering, including the importance of teamwork and civil engineering ethics. Graphic visualization software figures heavily into course content.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Linear Algebra and Differential Equations: This course covers foundational knowledge of linear algebra and differential equation models, along with their application to designing and analyzing load-bearing structures.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fluid Mechanics: This class offers an overview of the fundamental behavior of fluids, particularly water. Students learn to apply fluid mechanics to civil engineering structures such as pipelines, hydraulic structures, turbines, and pumps.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mechanics of Materials: This class explores how stationary structures respond to applied loads. Course topics include continuum stress and strain, truss forces, and beam bending.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Soil Mechanics: This course investigates the mechanical behavior of soil and how it responds to and supports human structures such as buildings, dams, and bridges. Enrollees can gain foundational knowledge in geotechnical engineering analysis.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing a Bachelor’s Degree Program for Civil Engineering​: 4 Key Factors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing an online civil engineering program, consider factors that can influence your distance learning experience. Only give serious consideration to programs from schools you can reasonably afford.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Program Format and Offerings[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Determine if the online program fits your timeline and features [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]asynchronous or synchronous courses[/hen-ui-link], has a cohort, or includes on-campus components. Also, be sure to check out the programs’ available concentrations to see if their offerings meet your needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you already know you want to earn a master’s degree, you can also look for dual-degree programs that combine degrees, such as a bachelor’s in civil engineering and a master’s in urban planning.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Remember to first look for a civil engineering program from an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation//”]accredited institution[/hen-ui-link]. Additionally, plan to attend a program [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.abet.org/accreditation/” target=”_blank”]accredited by ABET[/hen-ui-link] with the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.asce.org/career-growth/educators/accreditation-and-abet” target=”_blank”]American Society of Civil Engineers[/hen-ui-link]. If you attend an unaccredited program, your job prospects may be limited, and you will not be able to earn licensure or receive federal financial aid.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Program Length[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program length varies by enrollment type. As a full-time student, you can typically complete a degree in four years. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/what-is-an-accelerated-program/”]Accelerated pathways[/hen-ui-link] may allow you to graduate in just three years depending on your previous coursework and credits. Part-time students could take five years or more to complete their degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you opt for a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program, it usually takes 5.5 years or more to complete. Transfer students in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/online-degree-completion-programs/”]degree-completion programs[/hen-ui-link] can earn their bachelor’s degrees in as little as 1-2 years, depending on the credits they still need to earn.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Cost[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of a bachelor’s degree program in civil engineering depends on the type of program and school you choose. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the most cost-effective option is an online civil engineering degree at a public university. The average tuition cost for a four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering is about $42,260.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you choose to study at a private college, the average cost of tuition over four years is nearly three times as much ($122,720). However, many private colleges offer sizable [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]financial aid[/hen-ui-link] packages that can help offset these higher costs. No matter the type of accredited institution you attend, you can [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]look for scholarships[/hen-ui-link], grants, and other financial aid to reduce your costs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Average Cost of Bachelor’s in Engineering Programs[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Institution Type[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Tuition for Online Engineering Programs[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Tuition for In-Person Engineering Programs[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public 4-Year[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution Type”]$10,565[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition for Online Engineering Programs”]$11,242[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Private 4-Year[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Institution Type”]$30,679[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Tuition for Online Engineering Programs”]$45,424[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Civil Engineering Salary and Job Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Civil engineers typically work in the public sector for local governments and large construction firms, often beginning their careers with internships to gain real-world experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to data from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://naceweb.org/job-market/graduate-outcomes/first-destination/class-of-2023/interactive-dashboard” target=”_blank”]National Association of Colleges and Employers[/hen-ui-link] (NACE), the average starting salary for a graduate with a bachelor’s in civil engineering is about $69,000. Those with a master’s degree in the field earn an average starting salary of $77,175, which is about $8,000 more than those with a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You could also apply your civil engineering degree to [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/engineering-careers/”]other types of engineering,[/hen-ui-link] like environmental engineering. Environmental engineers help solve environmental issues surrounding human structures and need knowledge of soil and fluid mechanics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]5 Jobs You Can Pursue With a Civil Engineering Degree[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth Rate (2023-2033)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Median Wage (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Surveyor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth Rate (2023-2033)”]$72,740[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Civil Engineering Technologists[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth Rate (2023-2033)”]$64,200[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Civil Engineer[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth Rate (2023-2033)”]$99,590[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Urban Planner[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth Rate (2023-2033)”]$83,720[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Environmental Engineer[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]7%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth Rate (2023-2033)”]$104,170[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Is a Civil Engineering Degree Worth It?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes — a civil engineering degree can be worth it if you’re interested in building, engineering, and architecture. Many factors contribute to your return on investment, such as the total cost of your education and the amount of student debt you accrued, but the [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/highest-paying/bachelor-degrees/”]salary prospects for civil engineers[/hen-ui-link] are strong.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm” target=”_blank”]The BLS reports[/hen-ui-link] a median annual wage for civil engineers of $99,590 as of 2024, while the top 10% of civil engineers earned over $160,990. If you spend around $50,000 on your degree, there is the potential to make nearly twice the cost of your degree upon entering the workforce.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The degree may not be worth it if you don’t have a strong aptitude for STEM-related subjects or an interest in design. However, if you’re excited to apply math and science to design and develop structures, a civil engineering degree may make for a great fit.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online Civil Engineering Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is civil engineering hard?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It can be. Civil engineers study advanced concepts in mathematics and physics to understand how structures can withstand environmental forces and how applied loads are built. Civil engineering can be challenging for students who don’t enjoy complex mathematical calculations or scientific subjects.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does a civil engineer do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Civil engineers plan, design, construct, and/or repair buildings and infrastructure, including roads, dams, bridges, and other major structures. These engineers may work with private companies, large corporations, and government entities. As a civil engineer, you may be responsible for a project from start to finish or consulted at certain stages.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is civil engineering a good career?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes — if you enjoy working on complex projects and putting together different factors to develop a clear plan of development. Civil engineering combines aspects of physics, mathematics, architecture, and engineering. The BLS reports civil engineers earn a median annual salary of $99,590 as of May 2024, along with a 6% growth projection from 2023-2033, indicating faster-than-average growth.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an environmental science degree similar to a civil engineering degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Environmental science may overlap in some ways with civil engineering, but they are distinct degrees with different career paths. As an environmental scientist, you could consider a career as a biochemist, hydrologist, geoscientist, or occupational health and safety specialist. Civil engineering degrees have more in common with environmental engineering degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do civil engineering jobs pay?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, the median annual wage for all civil engineers is $99,590. However, salaries in this field depend on the location, job title, and industry. For example, civil engineers in California earn an average salary of $115,100, while civil engineers in Montana earn an average of $82,940. Moreover, civil engineers working in the federal government earned a median salary of $114,210 in 2024, while those in the nonresidential building construction industry earned $80,980.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”1395,184,334″][/hen-ui-article-row]