Associate degree in civil engineering: Career opportunities

If you are attentive to detail, creative, have an aptitude for science, and enjoy using math, you might be an excellent candidate for a civil engineering degree. An associate degree in civil engineering typically only takes about two years, and it's possible to have a lucrative career with an associate degree in civil engineering. While most with this degree go on to work in civil engineering, you may also have the opportunity to work in construction.

Careers for Graduates of Civil Engineering Degree Programs

Civil engineering techniciansassist civil engineers with the design of various civil engineering projects, including bridges, wastewater treatment systems, dams, and other structures. Engineering technicians may estimate costs, help create structural designs, or complete land-surveying tasks. The employment of civil engineering technicians is expected to grow by 17 percent between 2008 and 2018, faster than the national average. Civil engineering technicians earn an average salary of $47,420.

Construction managers supervise construction projects; their responsibilities may include planning, budgeting, and coordinating the building of various types of structures. While you probably can't get a job as a construction manager with an associate degree alone, it is possible to get this job with years of experience in construction plus an associate degree in civil engineering. Employment of construction managers is expected to grow by 17 percent between 2008 and 2018. Construction managers earn an average salary of $93,290.

Earning an Online Associate Degree in Civil Engineering

Civil engineering training is available through colleges, universities, technical and vocational institutes, and even in the military. However, if you're already working full-time, or if you don't live near a school that offers civil engineering programs, it might be a good idea to consider earning an online associate degree in civil engineering. An online program allows you flexibility, since you can complete coursework at your own pace and work anywhere you have access to the Internet.

Your career goals should determine the type of associate degree program you choose, so know your long-term career goals before getting started. For example, if your two years of coursework culminate in a pre-engineering degree, you may not be able to get a job as an engineering technician because your coursework will be focused on a broader education instead of specific engineering courses. However, if your associate degree focuses on engineering technology, you should have a good chance at engineering technician jobs, yet may not provide the credits necessary to provide the groundwork for pursuing a four-year degree in engineering.

While earning an online associate degree in civil engineering, students can expect to take courses such as the following:

• College algebra
• Trigonometry
• Engineering mechanics
• Surveying
• Highway construction and design

It's usually not necessary to complete an apprenticeship or internship in a civil engineering degree program. If you decide to earn an associate degree in civil engineering, make sure to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and check with your school's financial aid specialist to see whether the College of Engineering offers specific scholarships to engineering students.

For more information, check out World Wide Learn's information about online engineering degree programs or learn what's involved in online associate degree programs.

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