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Roads, bridges, canals, transportation systems are all necessary infrastructure in society, but who builds them? Civil engineers!
Civil Engineering is the oldest discipline of engineering. While most people think of everyday infrastructure that we see such as bridges and roads, civil engineers also create and manage the unseen infrastructure such as waste removal systems, energy creation powerplants, and even technology used in the aerospace industry.
Civil Engineering is a very wide and practical hands-on field that is ideal for people who wish to engage with the community and see how their work directly affects the people around them.
In general, civil engineers create, survey, plan, and manage infrastructure projects in both the public and private sector. Major specializations of Civil Engineering include coastal, geotechnical, environmental, and structural and materials engineering.
A good civil engineer must not only have good technical skills and knowledge, but also have good communication, problem-solving, and people skills.
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What kind of Civil Engineering degree should you get?
While most Civil Engineering degrees will holistically integrate the major specializations of civil engineering listed above, some programs allow students to concentrate on a certain area.
For example, geotechnical engineers use soil and rock mechanics to decide which materials and what types of infrastructures will be best for a certain area.
Structural engineers oversee major building projects to ensure strength and reliability. Before choosing a concentration, students should think about which type of branch within Civil Engineering is most interesting to them and possible career paths.
Depending on if the student plans on working during completion of the master’s, an online option may be best. Most online Civil Engineering courses are asynchronous, meaning that students can log in any time within the dedicated time to watch lectures, contribute to class discussions, and complete tests and homework. This is especially ideal for working professionals and/or students who may already have a family of their own.
If you’re looking for other online graduate programs, then take a look at College Choice’s list of the Most Affordable Schools for a Graduate Degree.
How much money do people make with a degree in Civil Engineering?
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, civil engineers with a master’s degree make an average starting salary of $49,393. In 2009, it was reported that those with a master’s make an estimated $2,000 more than those with only a bachelor’s during their first year. The average median salary of a civil engineer was $83,540 in 2016.
According to Payscale, the median salary for a structural engineer is $65,921 and the median for a geotechnical engineer is $66,185. While specific occupations may vary in salary, it is also important to note that other factors such as location influence pay as well.
According to the Bureau Labor of Statistics, jobs within civil engineering are expected to experience a growth rate of 19 percent due to the nation’s aging infrastructure that constantly needs to be maintained and repaired. In 2016, more than 300,000 people were employed as civil engineers.
What can you do with a degree in Civil Engineering?
Civil engineers can work both in the public and private sector, usually within construction or engineering firms. They can also work for city or state-controlled resource management groups, such as electricity, gas, and water companies.
Other than performing the hands-on work that it takes to physically build infrastructure, civil engineers spend plenty of time within offices planning and managing the projects and firm. Managers may even move from site to site to oversee different locations.
Some common jobs for those with a master’s in civil engineering include contracting civil engineer, building control surveyor, water resource engineer, engineering geologist, etc.
Many jobs require a Professional Engineer (PE) license to practice, which most Civil Engineering degrees prepare students for. In order to pass, students must graduate from an ABET-accredited (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) program, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, have four years working experience as an engineer, and pass the Professional Engineering final exam.
What are the requirements for a degree in Civil Engineering?
In order to apply for a master’s in Civil Engineering, a student must have a bachelor’s from an accredited university in Civil Engineering or other related engineering field with usually a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a 4.0 scale. International students or those whose English is not their native language must also submit their TOEFL or ILETS score. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is usually waived for those who already hold an engineering degree.
Schools may offer both a thesis or non-thesis option to graduate, while others may just have one or the other. Some schools may even allow work or internship experience to count as their “thesis” option as opposed to a typical paper. Generally, students must take a minimum amount of core classes, and then choose electives depending on their specialization to finish the major.
What are the most affordable online master’s in Civil Engineering?
College Choice has compiled a list of the most affordable online master’s in Civil Engineering compiling data from individual colleges’ websites, PayScale, the U.S. News & World Report, and the National Center for Education Statistics' IPEDS database. Schools were ranked depending on their overall return on investment and institutional excellence. Some data points that were used in this survey included things such as expected early salary career for graduates, average indebtedness after graduating, and average financial aid received.
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#1 Best Online Master’s In Civil Engineering Degrees
University of Washington
- Seattle, WA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Washington provides civil engineering students with an online master's in civil engineering program that ranks highly among similar degree offerings. This degree provides learners with advanced knowledge and training required for many higher-level job opportunities in the field. The master of science in civil engineering lays the foundation for even more advanced education such as a doctorate.
The convenient online format makes this school an especially good choice for many. Students report being able to continue their careers and engage in family life without sacrificing a master’s degree. Whether enrollees are learning in person or online they study in a supportive academic environment.
The application requirements for this program include a bachelor’s degree and transcripts, but the department can provide more information. School data show the acceptance rate stands at 52%, but some programs may differ. If accepted, students in Washington can expect to pay around $18,198 per year before applying grants, loans, and scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
8%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Best Online Master’s In Civil Engineering Degrees
University of Houston
- Houston, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Prospective civil engineering graduate students should consider the University of Houston for flexible programs that allow them to earn an advanced degree while they work. Though located in Houston, Texas, the school offers 15 online master's degree opportunities for remote learners, including the MS in civil engineering. This adaptable program makes graduate education accessible to degree-seekers with busy lives.
Applicants to master’s programs usually meet entry requirements with a bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, and other criteria that varies depending on the program. What draws students to a master’s like the MS in civil engineering program is the advanced training it provides to people who want to assume leadership roles and other higher-level opportunities. The program also provides the foundational knowledge for a Ph.D.
The school keeps tuition competitive with $8,370 per year for residents of Texas, and $17,746 per year for those who live elsewhere. Learners can pay for their education with institutional and external grants and scholarships. Students can help pay for a graduate degree with federal loans.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Master’s In Civil Engineering Degrees
The University of Texas at Arlington
- Arlington, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas at Arlington administers a number of quality online graduate programs. The master's degree in civil engineering is a very good option for people with a bachelor’s in civil engineering who want to earn an advanced degree online. Enrollees complete an accredited curriculum with little need to relocate or give up their full-time jobs.
More individualized attention and opportunities to collaborate with peers are key benefits of the 24-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio that master's in civil engineering students enjoy. Learners complete a strong curriculum in civil engineering delivered by faculty with industry expertise. This higher-level academic preparation is a prerequisite for career advancement or a doctoral program in this field and related ones.
The tuition rate stands at $8,474 per year for Texas residents, and $21,206 for out-of-state residents. Many degree-seekers reduce this bill with grants and scholarships from the school and third parties. There are also student loans available, an option taken up by about 38% of enrollees at this institution.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Master’s In Civil Engineering Degrees
North Carolina State University
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
North Carolina State University’s online graduate programs emphasize quality and affordability. The master of civil engineering has a lot of the qualities people with a bachelor’s in civil engineering need to advance their education in this field. Enrollees can complete the graduate curriculum remotely, ensuring they have more control over their schedules.
The school’s 14-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio provides personalized learning opportunities to master of civil engineering students. The biggest attraction is the educational attainment acquired when learners complete a rigorous curriculum delivered by civil engineering experts. Obtaining this degree is of great benefit to those who want to advance their careers and pursue higher-paying positions.
Affordability is a top issue, and the school charges North Carolina residents $9,095 per year, and out-of-state residents $26,421 per year. Many degree-seekers qualify for financial aid such as grants and scholarships from the school and third parties. About 39% of enrollees take out student loans, so there are plenty of ways to fund this degree.
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Master’s In Civil Engineering Degrees
Iowa State University
- Ames, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Ames, Iowa State University is a public college. A leader in online graduate education, the school offers 17 remote master's programs. Civil engineering students can pursue the master's degree in civil, construction, and environmental engineering among the options.
Online education's flexibility and adaptability attract many graduate students to this graduate program. Caretakers, workers, and other busy enrollees may find it easy to work this master’s degree into their schedules. Students receive the same advanced education as their on-campus peers in preparation for higher-level occupations.
The school admits about 92% of applicants each year, but this rate may vary across programs. For consideration to enter this program, degree-seekers will need a bachelor's degree unless otherwise stated. Contact the school to see how to apply to this program and submit the required documents.
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Master’s In Civil Engineering Degrees
Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Rolla, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of science in civil engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology maintains high ranking among similar online programs for civil engineering students. The program prepares learners for higher-level work in the field than a bachelor's degree typically allows. A terminal degree like a doctorate is the next stop for some holders of a master's degree in civil engineering.
The school’s online format is a big draw for students who have a lot to accomplish and need adaptability. The program gives them an opportunity to manage various aspects of their lives without sacrificing the advanced education a master’s degree provides. Enrollees also like the fact that whether they study in person or online, faculty serve as mentors who can adequately prepare them for advanced work.
Applicants usually need a bachelor’s in order to be considered for this program. School data show the acceptance rate stands at 79%, but some programs may differ. Paying for college is a big concern for many, and this school charges Missouri residents about $10,452 per year, partially offset by financial aid options for qualifying students.
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Master’s In Civil Engineering Degrees
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Florida has a reputation for developing rigorous online graduate programs. The master's degree in civil engineering is an excellent choice for degree-holders with a bachelor’s in civil engineering who want to advance their career in this field. The graduate program provides advanced training in a format friendly to those who work or have to manage other obligations.
The school’s 17-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio provides personalized learning opportunities to master's in civil engineering students. Faculty teach a rigorous curriculum that both educates and engages civil engineering learners. Obtaining this degree prepares graduates for more advanced career opportunities than a bachelor's degree typically allows.
Tuition is charged at $10,770 per annum for Florida residents, and $27,335 for those living out of state. The financial aid options available to qualifying students include grants and scholarships to help fund their master’s. When you add in student loans, used by about 22% of enrollees, there are plenty of ways to finance all or part of a program.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Master’s In Civil Engineering Degrees
University of Idaho
- Moscow, ID
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Idaho delivers one of the nation’s top-ranked online programs to students around the country. Learners receive the advanced training employers expect from highly skilled professionals. Those who complete the master of engineering in civil engineering can also choose to pursue a terminal degree, such as a Ph.D.
The convenient online format makes this school an especially good choice for many. Students report being able to continue their careers and engage in family life without sacrificing a master’s degree. Enrollees tend to do better in educational environments such as this, where personalized learning is emphasized and faculty support is available to all.
The application requirements include a bachelor’s degree, unless the program states otherwise. Acceptance letters go out to about 78% of applicants to this school, but expect some differences across programs. Once accepted, students can explore financial aid options to help pay for tuition, which stands at around $7,754 per year for Idaho residents.
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#9 Best Online Master’s In Civil Engineering Degrees
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Civil engineering students from around the country attend Texas Tech University for the top-ranked online master of civil engineering, one of the best in its class. A bachelor’s degree provides foundational education compared to the advanced training in this program. Some holders of a will certainly move on to a doctorate.
The school’s online format is a big draw for students who have a lot to accomplish and need adaptability. Students do not need to sacrifice other important aspects of their lives such as work and family to earn this degree. Enrollees enjoy a student-focused environment whether they study remotely or on campus.
School application requirements for a master’s include a bachelor’s degree and transcripts. The data from this school show a 69% admission rate, but expect some variances across programs. Financial aid options such as loans and scholarships can help students pay for tuition, which is $5,958 per year for Texas residents.
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Master’s In Civil Engineering Degrees
New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Newark, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The MS in civil engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology is a top-ranked degree designed for online civil engineering students. Learners pursue this degree to build on prior knowledge attained in a bachelor’s program, training specifically related to the field. The MS in civil engineering gives graduates the credential they need to pursue a terminal degree like a doctorate.
The school’s online format is a big draw for students who have a lot to accomplish and need adaptability. Students can fit in other responsibilities such as work, caregiving, and family life because of the program’s flexibility. Enrollees tend to do better in educational environments such as this, where personalized learning is emphasized and faculty support is available to all.
For consideration, applicants need a bachelor’s to apply to this program unless otherwise stated. Though some programs post different averages, the school accepts about 73% of all who apply. Degree-seekers can use financial aid such as loans and grants to pay the annual tuition, which is approximately $20,624 for New Jersey residents.
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
