What is Civil Engineering?
A Civil Engineering major teaches students how to use math and science to plan, design, and build large construction projects such as roads, bridges, dams, and buildings.
Is Civil Engineering a Good Major / Degree for Me?
Do you enjoy working outdoors? Do you like working as part of a team? Are you good at math? Are you a problem solver? Are you looking for an academically rigorous major? Do you like to take things apart and put them back together? Are you a strong communicator? Are you organized? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then a degree in Civil Engineering might be for you!
High School Classes Needed for a Civil Engineering Degree in College:
- 4 English Credits
- 4 Math Credits
- 4 Lab Science Credits
- 3 Social Studies Credits
- 2 Foreign Language Credits
- If your high school offers any of the following courses, take advantage!
- Computer Science
- AP Physics
- AP Calculus
- AP Chemistry
- Spanish
- Industrial Arts
- CADD (Computer Aided Drafting and Design)
- If your high school offers the following co-curricular opportunities, take advantage!
- Team Sports
- Student Government
- Debate Team
Common Civil Engineering Courses in College:
- Calculus I, II, & III
- Chemistry
- Computing in Civil Engineering
- Differential Equations and Linear Algorithms
- Engineering Ethics
- Engineering Physics
- Hydraulics
- Materials
- Project Management
- Soil Mechanics
- Statics
- Statistics
- Strength of Materials
- Structural Analysis
- Surveying
- Technical Writing
- Transportation Engineering
Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:
- Architecture: the study of how to design and build structures
- Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD): a course of study that teaches students how to use computers to create drawings, models, and simulations used in construction or manufacturing
- Construction Management: the study of budgeting for, bidding on, hiring for, managing, and completing a construction project
- Construction Technology: a course of study that prepares students for a career in the construction industry
- Environmental Engineering: a major that teaches students to design, create, and implement practical solutions to environmental problems
- Landscape Architecture: a course of study that prepares students to plan, design, and create landscaped grounds
- Statistics: the study of the collection, organization, and interpretation of numerical data
- Surveying Technology: a course of study that teaches students how to measure distances and angles on the earth’s surface
Civil Engineering Careers:
Some civil engineering positions require a master’s degree, so some civil engineering graduates go on to graduate school. Some graduates do go into engineering work, both for private firms and for cities and states. Some go to work for governmental agencies, such as the Department of Transportation. Some go into research.
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