How to become a Civil Engineer: Ultimate Guide

Civil engineering is (almost) literally the backbone of modern infrastructure, shaping the world we live in from the ground up. In this blog post, we’ll go into what civil engineers do, their day-to-day responsibilities, the different specializations within the field, and the journey to becoming a licensed civil engineer in the United States. Whether you’re considering a career in civil engineering or just curious about the profession, this guide is for you.

What do Civil Engineers do

Civil engineers are the architects of our everyday world, designing and constructing the infrastructure that keeps society moving. Just as a conductor leads an orchestra, ensuring each instrument plays in harmony, civil engineers coordinate the many moving parts of a project—from roads and bridges to water systems and public buildings. They work closely with architects, contractors, and government officials to balance technical expertise with practical project management. Civil engineer responsibilities range from doing site investigations and preparing detailed plans to managing budgets and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Whether it’s developing a new transportation system or renovating an existing structure, civil engineers ensure that the infrastructure we depend on is safe, efficient, and sustainable.

Civil engineer responsibilities

Where to start! They range from construction project managers to water/wastewater treatment gurus, to materials testing & QA/QC, to traffic & transportation engineers, to land & site development, to a whole host of other things. Ok, so here are the main categories:

Types of civil engineering

Civil Engineers can wear many hats, but the jobs usually fall into one of the following categories listed below. Each of those are sub-disciplines of Civil Engineering. So if you were to major in Civil Engineering, you would likely have to pick one of those categories to focus in and take more classes in that focus your last couple of years.

1. Structural Engineering

Focus: Structural engineers design and analyze buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other structures to ensure they can withstand the loads and forces they encounter. They focus on the strength, stability, and durability of materials and structures.

Projects: Skyscrapers, bridges, dams, and stadiums.

2. Geotechnical Engineering

Focus: Geotechnical engineers study the behavior of earth materials like soil, rock, and groundwater to determine their suitability for construction projects. They ensure that foundations, slopes, tunnels, and other structures are stable and secure.

Projects: Foundations for buildings, retaining walls, tunnels, and embankments.

3. Transportation Engineering

Focus: Transportation engineers design and maintain systems that move people and goods efficiently and safely. This includes highways, railways, airports, and public transit systems.

Projects: Roadways, bridges, airports, railways, and traffic management systems.

4. Water Resources Engineering

Focus: Water resources engineers manage and design systems that control and utilize water effectively. They work on projects related to water supply, flood control, irrigation, and wastewater treatment.

Projects: Dams, levees, canals, water treatment plants, and stormwater management systems.

5. Environmental Engineering

Focus: Environmental engineers use civil engineering principles to address environmental challenges. They design systems to reduce pollution, manage waste, and protect public health and the environment.

Projects: Water and air pollution control systems, recycling facilities, and hazardous waste management.

6. Construction Engineering

Focus: Construction engineers manage the construction process, ensuring that projects are built according to design, on time, and within budget. They oversee everything from materials procurement to site safety.

Projects: Construction of buildings, highways, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

7. Urban and Regional Planning

Focus: Urban planners work with civil engineers to design and develop communities and cities, focusing on land use, infrastructure, and public services. They ensure that development meets the needs of the population while considering sustainability and growth.

Projects: City planning, zoning, transportation networks, and public spaces.

8. Coastal Engineering

Focus: Coastal engineers specialize in managing and protecting coastal areas. They design structures and systems to combat erosion, manage sediment transport, and protect against flooding and sea-level rise.

Projects: Sea walls, breakwaters, coastal defenses, and ports.

9. Material Engineering

Focus: Material engineers in civil engineering study and develop materials used in construction, such as concrete, steel, and asphalt. They ensure materials meet required standards for safety, durability, and sustainability.

Projects: Development of new construction materials, testing of materials for large infrastructure projects.

10. Surveying and Geomatics Engineering

Focus: Surveyors and geomatics engineers measure and map the earth’s surface. They provide the data needed for designing infrastructure projects, determining property boundaries, and planning construction layouts.

Projects: Land surveys for construction, topographic mapping, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) projects.

How to become a civil engineer

College route

To become a civil engineer in the U.S. through college, you’ll first need to do well in math and science during high school—subjects like algebra, calculus, physics, and chemistry are super important for getting into an ABET-accredited engineering program. Once you’re in college, brace yourself for some challenging coursework. You’ll jump into subjects like physics, fluid dynamics, statics, and mechanics of materials, all of which rely heavily on serious math, so expect to tackle plenty of algebra, calculus, and trigonometry along the way.

As you progress, you’ll move on to more specialized topics such as reinforced concrete design, steel design, water resources, geotechnical engineering, and transportation. These courses build on the foundational knowledge you’ve gained and allow you to explore specific areas of interest through electives. Your education will culminate in a senior capstone project, where you’ll work in a team to plan and design a real-world engineering project. This experience not only ties together everything you’ve learned but also prepares you for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam—a six-hour marathon that tests your knowledge across all the courses you’ve taken. It’s a tough journey, but with dedication and hard work, it’s the path to becoming a successful civil engineer.

Getting your first civil engineer job or internship

Getting your first job or internship in civil engineering is all about demonstrating your growth potential. Employers are looking for candidates who are not only capable but also show promise for future development. That’s why it’s super duper important to stay active during your time in college. Get involved in internships, co-op programs, student organizations, and any hands-on projects you can find. These experiences will help you build a strong narrative about your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new challenges so you can ace your interview. When it’s time to apply, you’ll have a compelling story to tell—one that highlights your proactive approach, your eagerness to grow, and your readiness to contribute to their team.

Civil Engineering Training

Once you graduate and pass the FE exam, you’ll need to apply to your state’s licensing board to become a certified Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI), depending on your state. This certification allows you to start gaining the necessary work experience required for full licensure. From here, there are three major steps to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

First, in some states, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam as soon as you’re ready, even before completing your work experience. If your state allows this, it’s a good idea to take the exam early while your knowledge is still fresh. Second, you’ll need to work under the supervision of a licensed engineer for a period determined by your state—usually around four years. In Texas, for instance, the requirement is four years of experience.

The final step involves compiling your NCEES record, which documents your education, work experience, and exam results. It’s wise to start gathering these records as soon as you begin your engineering journey, especially once you start preparing for the FE exam. Once you have your experience and documentation in order, you can submit your application to the board for your PE license.

As a licensed PE, you have the authority to stamp and sign engineering drawings, which is a significant responsibility. However, you should never stamp a drawing without having proper insurance coverage. Liability is a serious concern in this profession, and most engineers work within firms where the risks are shared. In many ways, having a PE license is as much about proving to insurance companies that your designs are sound as it is about the technical aspects of engineering.

How to become a civil engineer without a degree

Just to be super honest up front, this super super hard! Typically, you would start by gaining hands-on experience in the construction or engineering industry, often working your way up from roles such as a construction worker, drafter, or engineering technician. Along the way, you’ll need to build a strong foundation in the technical aspects of civil engineering through self-study, online courses, or community college classes, particularly in areas like mathematics, physics, and engineering principles. While a degree is usually required to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), some states allow for a combination of many years of work experience and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to qualify for licensure. It’s essential to network within the industry, seek mentorship from licensed engineers, and continually develop your skills to increase your chances of advancing to a civil engineering role without a traditional degree.

Civil Engineering skills

To do well as a civil engineer, you need more than just technical know-how—you need a blend of strong soft skills and the right personality traits. Problem-solving is at the core of civil engineering, so being a creative thinker who can come up with practical solutions under pressure is crucial. You’ll also need excellent communication skills because explaining complex ideas to clients, contractors, and team members in a clear and concise way is a big part of the job. Civil engineers often work on projects that require teamwork, so being able to collaborate effectively and lead a team when needed is essential. Attention to detail is another critical trait since even small mistakes can have significant consequences in construction and design. Lastly, resilience and adaptability are key—projects rarely go exactly as planned, and the ability to stay calm, adjust to new circumstances, and keep things moving forward is invaluable in this field.

FAQ

How long does it take to become a civil engineer

Becoming a civil engineer in the United States typically takes a minimum of eight years, which includes four years to earn a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, followed by four years of relevant work experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer. This work experience is important for obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which requires passing both the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. While a master's degree is not mandatory, it can take an additional one to two years and may be pursued for career advancement or specialization. Therefore, the entire process to become a full licensed civil engineer can extend beyond eight years if additional education or part-time work experience is involved.

How hard is it to become a civil engineer

Becoming a civil engineer is no easy ride—there will be so many challenges that test your resilience at every turn. The financial burden alone can be overwhelming, with years of tuition, books, and fees piling up, often leaving students with significant debt. But it’s not just about the money. The mental strain is intense. Long nights spent studying complex concepts, the pressure of passing critical exams, and the constant need to stay ahead in a competitive field can take a toll on your well-being. It’s a relentless pursuit where you sometimes question if it’s all worth it, especially when balancing school with part-time jobs, internships, or personal responsibilities.

How much does it to cost to become a civil engineer

The total cost of becoming a civil engineer in the United States can vary a lot, but let's consider some examples to provide a clearer picture. For an in-state student attending a public university like the University of Texas at Austin, the total cost for a four-year bachelor's degree might be around $40,000 to $50,000, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. In contrast, an out-of-state student at the same institution could face costs upwards of $100,000. At a private university such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the total cost could exceed $200,000, factoring in higher tuition rates and living costs. Additionally, students should budget for exam fees, such as the $225 for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and approximately $375 for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, along with study materials. These examples illustrate that the total investment required to become a civil engineer can range significantly, from tens of thousands to over two hundred thousand dollars, depending on the educational path chosen.

How to become a licensed civil engineer

To become a licensed civil engineer in the United States, you’ll need to navigate a series of steps that blend education, experience, and exams. After earning your bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, the first step is passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which earns you the title of Engineer in Training (EIT). From there, you’ll need to gain practical experience by working under a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) for a period determined by your state—typically around four years, as is the case in Texas. During this time, you should also start compiling your NCEES record, which documents your education, experience, and exam results. In some states, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam as soon as you’re ready, even before completing your work experience. After accumulating the required experience and passing the PE exam, you’ll submit your documentation to the state board for review. Once approved, you’ll receive your PE license, officially allowing you to practice as a professional civil engineer and take on greater responsibilities in your field