Becoming a Civil Engineer

Civil engineering students like all other types of engineering students, study math and
science extensively. The vast majority of what civil engineers do is a combination of
materials science and physics. A civil engineering student studies to receive their
Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science degree.
Once civil engineers enter the workplace, they dont stop their engineering studies.
Most go on to become certified as Professional Engineers (PE), which requires
experience and testing. A civil engineer without this certification is limited in their
authority. The PE license allows them the authority to sign off on all projects within
their professional specialty.
There are a number of technical specialties within the realm of Civil Engineering, these
include:
Structural engineering creating the structural elements of design, whether for
bridges, or skyscrapers. Probably the oldest single specialty in civil engineering, going
all
the
way
back
to
Pharaohs
pyramids.
Geotechnical engineering concerned with the rock and soil which supports the
structures
that
other
civil
engineers
design.
Environmental engineering designing systems for the treatment of chemical,
biological
and
thermal
wastes.
Materials engineering these are the experts on the various materials which other civil
engineers
use
for
their
projects.
Water resource engineering concerned with the collection and management of
water. Some of the earliest known civil engineers were the Roman engineers who
created
the
aqueducts.
Earthquake engineering a specialty dealing with creating buildings and other
structures which can withstand the stresses of earthquakes without falling.
Coastal engineering managing the coastal areas of our country, including
marshlands. Coastal engineers create defenses against flooding and erosion.
Engineering knowledge has increased through the years to where each of these
specialties needs its own training. Although all of these are considered part of civil
engineering, each of these specialties is its own vast area of knowledge, requiring
dedicated, talented individuals who want to learn and grow.
Being a civil engineering is satisfying, yet challenging work. It requires mixing
creativity and science; something that not everyone can do. Yet, for those who can, it
provides incredible satisfaction, as they see the results of their labors.