How to Earn Your Civil Engineering Degree Online

Civil engineering is the creative force behind societal infrastructure. From sprawling bridges to intricate water systems, to transportation networks, civil engineers are the masterminds who design, construct, and conserve the structures and systems that support our daily lives. Their contributions are pivotal, ensuring public safety and spearheading sustainable development that meets today's challenges.

With an online civil engineering degree from Bradley University, those looking to get deeper into the field, or newcomers just getting started on their career journeys, can pursue the degree around their schedule. Online civil engineering programs, such as those at Bradley University, are designed to provide an opportunity to gain the technical knowledge and practical skills required for a flourishing career in this field. Furthermore, earning a bachelor's in civil engineering can open the door to diverse career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Dive into the multifaceted landscape of civil engineering, where a blend of innovation, science, and crucial problem-solving awaits.

What is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering is the profession of designing and executing structural works that serve the general public.1 Civil engineers create dams, bridges, highways, sewer systems, and other infrastructure. According to “Encyclopedia Britannica,” the term was first used in the 18th century to distinguish the newly recognized profession from military engineering, which until then was the foremost type of engineering.1

Beyond simply "engineering," civil engineers are generally professionals who have an interest in urban studies but are also adept at science, mathematics and have good technical skills.

Importance of Civil Engineers in Society

Civil engineers quite literally shape society and can have a great effect on the daily lives of people, enhancing the quality of their lives. Civil engineers improve transportation systems, research and develop better building materials, pioneer alternative energy sources and build safer water systems. Projects which involve canals, harbors, airports, trains, and ports have been crucial to connecting societies across the globe and driving economic and social progress.1

Civil Engineering Curriculum and Coursework

Civil engineering bachelor's programs offer both foundational knowledge of engineering and the chance to build strong technical skills.

Civil Engineering Core Courses and Electives

Undergraduate students pursuing a civil engineering degree will begin their professional education with fundamentals of engineering such as:

• Mechanics
• Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD)
• Structural design
• Reinforced concrete design
• Geotechnical engineering
• Pavement Design
• Transportation engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Sustainability

With some fundamentals completed you'll be ready for elective courses that will help you build skills in the specific topics of engineering that will prepare you to reach your career goals. Elective courses may include:

• Water resources engineering and hydraulics
• Foundation design
• Steel design
• Pavement management
• Construction management

Hands-on Experience with On-Campus Labs

Civil engineering involves practical applications and physical materials such as concrete, soil, and metals. In-person laboratory courses provide hands-on experience, practical skills development, and a deeper understanding of real-world applications that complement the online learning experiences. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application prepares students for successful careers in civil engineering.

Capstone Projects and Internships

Many civil engineering programs include capstone projects or internships within the curriculum to give students hands-on experience in the field. At Bradley University, for example, most students pursuing engineering degree programs will complete a project that gives them a chance to interact with real clients to create solutions to an engineering problem. Getting a look at real-world challenges and gaining experience working with industry experts is invaluable.

Benefits of Earning an Online Civil Engineering Degree

Online civil engineering programs offer flexibility and convenience, allowing students to balance work, education and personal responsibilities. Some online civil engineering degree programs might include on-campus portions such as skills labs or offer online students the opportunity to attend conferences and speakers.

Civil Engineer Licensure

There are many job opportunities for civil engineers, but licensure is essential for those who want to work in leadership roles or start their own consulting firms.2 Every state regulates the practice of engineering to ensure public safety by granting only Professional Engineers (PEs) the authority to sign and seal engineering plans and offer their services to the public.3

Requirements to become a licensed civil engineer include:3

• Earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program
  
  • Bradley University is accredited by The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
  
  • Bradley University offers a 0-credit hour FE Exam Review course to help students prepare to take and pass the exam
• Complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a PE
• Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam (PE)

Similar to those in other professional fields, for civil engineers to maintain their Professional Engineer status they must fulfill continuing education credits throughout their career.3
According to the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), in many federal, state, and municipal agencies, certain governmental engineering positions must be filled by licensed PEs.3 That's crucial to know, given that about 25% of civil engineers work within a branch of government.4 Additionally, many states require that individuals teaching engineering must also have a professional engineer license.3

Civil Engineering Careers

Civil engineers work in various fields, including public agencies, private contractors or firms, consulting and education. They may complete feasibility studies, site investigations, conduct stress analysis or systematic testing. Civil engineers also take part in design and material selection or work as a consulting engineer for a construction firm or private project. Additionally, civil engineers take on maintenance projects for city infrastructure and can also lead careers as researchers studying pollution, transportation, and more.1

Choosing the Right Online Civil Engineering Program

Choosing the right online civil engineering program is an investment in your future and requires careful consideration. When evaluating your options, consider the following:

• Seek out programs that boast ABET accreditation, ensuring you receive an education that meets the rigorous industry standards
• Investigate the school's reputation within the engineering community and its track record for graduate success, such as job placement rates
• Consider the program's curriculum and whether it offers specializations or electives that align with your career aspirations
• Assess the balance of theoretical coursework and practical, hands-on learning opportunities, such as virtual labs or real-world projects, which are crucial for developing the skills needed in the field
• Look at the flexibility of the course schedules, support services for online learners, and the overall cost, including available financial aid and scholarships, to ensure the program fits both your professional goals and your lifestyle

With the right program, you're not just earning a degree; you're building a foundation for a successful and rewarding career in civil engineering.

Find Everything You Need in Bradley’s Online Civil Engineering Degree

At Bradley University, you'll find a learning environment that harmoniously combines flexibility with a rich tradition of academic excellence. The Bradley online civil engineering bachelor’s program is thoughtfully crafted to ensure that you emerge as a well-equipped, forward-thinking professional ready to tackle the most pressing challenges of modern infrastructure.

Bradley's focus on hands-on learning and smaller class sizes offers a personalized educational experience, complemented by extensive internship and networking opportunities that typically only larger universities provide. As a Top 30 Best Undergraduate Engineering school⁵ and ABET-accredited programs, Bradley prepares students for not just a job, but a significant, impactful career to shape the world we live in and raise the standard of living for communities across the globe.