Flexible Online Degrees for Aspiring Civil Engineers

Civil engineers have an influence on every part of the built world, from the roads and bridges you cross to the apartment buildings you live in. Yet, it may be shocking to some to hear that we're facing a shortage of engineers.¹

Recent government reports show employment rates will grow 6% until 2033, faster than many other occupations.² With such high demand, it’s an excellent time for working technicians to leverage their existing skills and advance their careers with an online civil engineering degree.

Online or distance learning programs can provide a flexible learning experience with many benefits. This article dives into those key benefits, while also exploring who an online civil engineering degree is for and what to expect when pursuing this degree.

Why Flexibility Matters for Career Changers and Working Adults

The benefit of working while you study is less stress over finances, but balancing a full-time job and full- or part-time education can be overwhelming. Flexible programs help you juggle work and family.

Creates Work-Life Balance

You may have a family to care for and a mortgage to pay, so you need to keep your job while going to school. This is a common hurdle for working adults. In fact, 64% of university students work, and 40% have a full-time job while studying.³

For aspiring civil engineers in these settings, flexible engineering programs, whether a part-time civil engineering degree or a full-time online civil engineering degree, are critical. Online or distance learning gives you the latitude to study around your schedule and at your convenience.

Saves Time Lost to Commuting

For many working adults, commuting to campus isn’t feasible—making flexible programs a deciding factor in whether they return to school. Choosing part-time study options and programs with remote access allows you to study around your busy life and have control over your learning.

Study from the comfort of your home or on the go with online engineering courses. As long as you have an internet connection, you can log in and catch up on your coursework, labs, or projects from anywhere.

What to Expect From a Quality Online Civil Engineering Program

Earning a civil engineering degree online is convenient, but finding the right program that matches your life and goals is essential. For maximum career potential, look for a quality accredited program that balances theory and application, offers virtual labs and real-world context, and accepts transfer credits toward degree completion.

Balanced Theory and Application

A strong online civil engineering program should mirror the rigor and relevance of an on-campus experience. The basic learning outcomes are the same and include a mix of theory and application.

For instance, the Bradley University online civil engineering degree uses real-world scenarios to showcase concepts. These involve everything from engineering design, mechanics, and structural analysis to ethics, public policy, and construction estimating.

Accreditation

An unrecognized program is a risky investment. Enrolling in an unaccredited program may leave you without the recognized qualifications and skills needed to compete in today’s engineering job market. These programs may not meet licensing requirements either, potentially requiring additional time and expenses later to meet professional standards. Always choose programs recognized by reputable accrediting bodies. Bradley’s online civil engineering degree is ABET-accredited, ensuring it meets rigorous quality and industry standards.

This recognition ensures you learn and meet the professional standards you need to become licensed and employed.

Credit Transfer and Degree Options

Programs that offer degree completion and generous credit transfer options allow for flexibility as life and career goals evolve. Consider programs that allow transfer credits from other pre-engineering colleges or fields of study.

Who Benefits Most From Flexible Online Degrees?

Technicians working in construction, transportation, environmental science, or related fields may find that Bradley’s online civil engineering degree is a logical and rewarding next step.

This degree also can be ideal for CADD designers, carpenters, inspectors, and other professionals with relevant experience who need to maintain employment while earning a degree. In these cases, you can still build the skills to advance your career around your schedule.

Transfer students or those pursuing advanced roles and licensure can also benefit. Online degrees may also be a better option if you’ve been out of school for a while with a different career. Studying online gives you the flexibility to head back to school without living or studying on campus.

Bradley University’s Approach to Online Civil Engineering Education

Bradley’s online civil engineering degree focuses on a personalized curriculum that helps you build specialized technical skills. Bradley's approach includes support services, alignment with industry standards and licensure, and an emphasis on innovation and next-generation ideas.

Student Help and Services

The civil engineering degree may be online, but you aren’t on your own. Bradley offers resources and support services to help you achieve your degree, like academic coaching and tutoring, writing resources, and financial aid.

Tailored to Professionals

Our programs are also designed with the working professional in mind. The curriculum features an entrepreneurial focus to help you learn how to use creativity to solve engineering problems. You’ll also learn skills to help you manage a business and excel in a leadership role.

Aligns With Industry Standards and Licensure

The Bradley online civil engineering degree is accredited to meet educational needs and industry standards. Our program also offers a zero-credit FE Exam Review course to help you prepare for the first step toward Professional Engineer licensure.

Plan for Professional Civil Engineering Practice at Bradley University

Online civil engineering programs are changing who can become an engineer and how. Learn engineering expertise and technical skills at Bradley University, with real-world insight for a successful professional practice. Explore Bradley’s online civil engineering degree to learn more.