Studying Civil Engineering Technology: Degrees at a Glance
The civil engineering field employs professionals who design, develop and implement local and national infrastructures. Large, small, hidden, or visible, civil engineering specialists are responsible for the development of multiple structures, including utilities, highways and bridges. Because the profession requires a combination of technology, engineering and critical thinking skills, colleges design programs to provide graduates with an understanding of communication, technical mathematics and structural design.
The bachelor's and associate degrees will prepare you for a career in construction, land surveying or architectural services. While an associate degree will not prepare you for a civil engineering career - since civil engineers need at least a bachelor's degree - you can find work as an engineering technician.
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that the majority of workers in this field could see average to faster-than-average job growth from 2010-2020, some professionals - such as civil drafters - were expected to see slower than average job growth. Reasons for the sluggish growth opportunities in the drafting field include technological advancements that are making it easier for non-drafting professionals to perform drafting duties previously contracted out to drafting specialists.
Associate | Bachelor's | |
---|---|---|
Who is this degree for? | Individuals interested in entry-level technician or drafting opportunities in multiple sectors | People who want to pursue a civil engineer career |
Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Surveying and mapping technician ($42,000)* - Architectural or civil drafter ($50,000)* - Civil engineering technician ($48,500)* | - Construction manager ($94,000 - people with more than five years' experience earned this salary)* - Surveyor ($59,000)* - Civil engineer ($83,000)* |
Time to Completion | 2 years, full-time | 4 years, full-time |
Common Graduation Requirements | - Roughly 70 or more credits in general education and technical coursework - High school mathematics requirement or remedial coursework | -Roughly 130 credits in general education, subject matter and upper-division courses |
Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
Online Availability | None found at this time | Very limited availability |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).