From Technician to Engineer: Your Civil Engineering Career Pathway

Civil engineering is an exciting field with a steadily growing demand. Recent estimates suggest there will be more than 16,000 new jobs for civil engineering specialists over the next decade.¹ Civil engineers can count on stable employment and competitive salaries in a challenging and satisfying field.

This is an ideal time for technicians with experience in relevant fields to explore a technician-to-engineer transition. Convenient and accredited online programs offer a direct civil engineering career pathway perfect for busy professionals. Read on to learn how an online civil engineering program will allow you to take your career to the next level.

Why Technicians Are Well-Positioned To Become Engineers 

Engineering technicians with experience working in manufacturing, transportation, construction, public utilities, and resources are uniquely positioned to take on roles as civil engineers. Hands-on experience from technical and operational jobs creates a solid foundation for learning how to adapt, improve, and innovate civil engineering solutions for the future.

The in-depth training you'll receive in an engineering program will hone your existing skills and expand your knowledge base. You'll be equipped to choose an area of specialty based on your past experience—or you may discover new passions within the diverse subfields of civil engineering.

Selecting the right bachelor's program is the key to getting the education and mentorship that will help you advance your engineering career.

Education and Certifications To Make the Leap

Civil engineering has its foundations in construction and infrastructure design, but the field has expanded to address all aspects of infrastructure development. Civil engineers combine traditional engineering principles with advanced technology and sustainable practices to develop a built environment that serves the needs of residents and businesses.

This requires a commitment to education and training. Engineering education for technicians starts with the requisite pre-career training, followed by continuing education to stay updated on the latest developments in the field.

A Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering is the first step toward an engineering certification for technicians. It will enable you to upskill in the field and obtain a role as a structural engineer, transportation engineer, or environmental engineer. Earning a BS from an ABET-accredited civil engineering program ensures that you get access to the comprehensive framework of the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Topics for a bachelor's degree in civil engineering include the following:

• Courses in structural analysis, reinforced concrete design, pavement design, geotechnical engineering, traffic engineering, environmental engineering, sustainable infrastructure, and construction estimating
• Electives in specialty areas such as structural design, transportation systems, or environmental solutions
• Laboratory and design projects to deepen understanding of how engineering concepts work in practice

Online bachelor's programs in civil engineering are convenient options for working professionals. The online model allows technicians to schedule classes around their work schedule and personal life.

Online engineering programs for technicians feature small class sizes with plentiful opportunities for peer-to-peer relationships, along with consistent mentorship from faculty. Program staff can connect students with internship and job opportunities for a seamless transition to working as a civil engineer. Once you're working as an engineer, you can pursue continuing education through professional organizations, as well as colleges and universities.

Skill Development for a Successful Transition

During your bachelor of science in civil engineering degree program, you can work with faculty and your advisor to tailor the curriculum to your interests. You can build on the knowledge and experience you have from your work as an engineering technician and position yourself to get certified as a civil engineer.

Civil engineers can choose from a variety of career paths, and coursework should reflect your area of specialty. You may focus on topics such as the following:

• Construction management
• Environmental engineering
• Geotechnical engineering
• Infrastructure design and development 
• Public works and utilities
• Transportation
• Structural engineering
• Urban planning
• Water resources management

In addition to building on the practical and technical aspects of engineering studies, students will learn additional competencies like oversight and planning. This skill development in engineering is critical to managing projects and delivering safe results on time and on budget.

As they move through a flexible engineering degree program, students will gain new insight and in-demand skills such as project management, using the latest design software, and principles of sustainability. Online programs also help students gain the skills needed for career advancement in civil engineering, such as workplace management skills like leadership, communication, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams working across projects.

Career Growth and Long-Term Benefits

A career in civil engineering allows you to leverage your current knowledge and experience into a leadership role within your industry. The demand for civil engineers is expected to grow over the next decade, with new opportunities opening up in areas like transportation, public works, sustainability, and green construction.

The median salary for civil engineers in 2024 was $99,000 per year,² and experienced professionals can earn more than $125,000 per year.³ Civil engineers can find jobs with consulting firms, city and state government, or in corporate environments. Jobs are available in every area of the United States.⁴

Becoming a civil engineer presents an opportunity to take part in designing, constructing, and maintaining the infrastructure that communities rely on. This work is crucial for delivering safe housing, transportation, and public utilities. It's also a chance to be part of fashioning the living and working environments of the future, improving quality of life today and for the generations that follow.

If you're ready to make the transition from technician to civil engineer, contact us to learn more about Bradley University's Online Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program. Our convenient online program is a flexible program that works with your schedule to provide academic excellence and practical experience. Contact an Admission Advisor today to find out how Bradley University's online civil engineering program can help you achieve your professional goals.