Master Civil Engineering While Balancing Work and Life

Civil engineers build the world around us. From bridges to buildings, and aqueducts to roads, these professionals design the infrastructure that keeps our cities running. They also earn a strong salary, with a median income of $95,890, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹

There are many civil engineering career pathways to choose from, but first, you’ll need to earn an engineering degree. However, for many people, taking time off from a career or managing family care and a full-time degree can be a challenge. The solution could be earning your civil engineering degree online. You can enroll in a flexible program that fits your schedule and lets you complete coursework remotely. This makes it much easier to keep up with work and family while still making progress toward a life-changing career.

Keep reading to learn more about online programs and to find strategies you can use to succeed in them.

Why Flexibility Is Key for Working Professionals

One of the first questions to consider is whether an online program is the right fit for your lifestyle and goals. If you're a working professional and flexibility is a priority, the answer is likely yes. Online civil engineering programs are built with flexibility in mind. This level of flexibility empowers you to balance your studies with personal and professional responsibilities. Online civil engineering programs are designed to accommodate a variety of learning preferences and schedules, offering options such as the following:

• Live, instructor-led virtual classes
• Part-time and evening options
• Asynchronous courses you can complete throughout each week at whatever time works best with your schedule

This flexibility is especially valuable for professionals balancing career, family, and education. Rather than sacrificing your job or overextending yourself with a rigid class schedule, you can make steady progress toward your degree in a way that fits your lifestyle—without compromising on quality or career momentum.

What Online Civil Engineering Programs Offer

Whether you are trying to make the technician-to-engineer transition or have no prior experience in engineering, finding a program that matches your needs is key. The best online civil engineering degrees tend to offer the following:

• Curriculum focused on real-world engineering scenarios
• Interactive tools and labs to give you hands-on training
• Frequent feedback from experienced instructors
• Career-relevant coursework with built-in flexibility to accommodate your schedule

You’ll receive the same level of education from an online program that you’d receive if you were attending classes in-person. Either way, you’ll graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering that will qualify you for entry-level jobs in the industry.

Strategies for Managing Work, School, and Life

Online upskilling in engineering can help you take the next step in your career. But balancing your new course load with work and life can be an adjustment. You’ll have an easier time with the transition if you follow these tips.

Adopt a Strategic Approach to Time Management

First, create a plan for how you’ll manage your time. That often means building a detailed schedule with time blocks you set aside for work, family, and school. You may also need to prioritize the tasks on your schedule, so you know what to work on first.

For example, you might have a lecture to watch for one class and a quiz to complete in another. You could make a note in your schedule to complete the quiz first to make sure you get it submitted before the deadline.

Students use a variety of tools for this. You can create a schedule in Google Calendar, use the Notes App on your iPhone, or find another platform you’re confident you’ll use regularly. What matters most is choosing what works best for you.

Utilize Employer-Sponsored Resources

Next, look into any employer support you may have available. Some companies offer tuition assistance, which could reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly. Even if your work can’t support you financially, your boss may be willing to give you a more flexible schedule to help you make progress. These are worth asking about at the very least, as they could make it much easier to earn your degree.

Take Advantage of School Resources

Most schools also have resources for active students, like academic advising, tutoring, and tech support. You should make note of these so you know where to find them when you need them. They can help you understand challenging material, prepare for exams, and make more efficient progress through your program. There's no reason to struggle alone when academic advisors are standing by to support you.

Remember to Take Breaks

Finally, don’t forget to take breaks while pursuing a civil engineering degree online. Studies show academic burnout is more common for students who work 20+ hours per week.² Flexible civil engineering degrees, which you can complete at your own pace, make it easier to balance your commitments. Be sure to take advantage of that benefit and give yourself breaks when you need them.

Long-Term Payoff of Earning Your Degree

Earning a bachelor’s in civil engineering may not be easy, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. Once you have your degree, you’ll qualify for civil engineer jobs with plenty of specialized pathways for ongoing career advancement. This bachelor’s degree also opens many doors, licensure paths, and leadership opportunities. It’ll enhance your ability to contribute to complex infrastructure projects and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and growth. These benefits can help you earn more money, find a more meaningful career, and gain the financial stability to support yourself and your loved ones.

Take the First Step at Bradley University

You don’t need to choose between career growth and your personal life. With the right program, you can start working toward becoming a civil engineer today without sacrificing your other responsibilities.

Bradley University’s online Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering could be the perfect fit. We offer rolling starts, so you can begin whenever you’re ready. Plus, our online asynchronous model gives you total flexibility to study around your schedule while still receiving support and feedback from expert instructors.

You can learn more about the admissions process, or visit our financial aid page for more information on tuition and financial support. We hope to hear from you soon.