Civil Engineering major
Civil Engineering: courses, careers, and where to study
Civil Engineering applies physics, mechanics, and design to the built environment, roads, bridges, water systems, and buildings, suiting students who want to plan and build public infrastructure.
A Civil Engineering major covers structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, transportation systems, water resources and hydraulics, environmental engineering, surveying, and construction management, built on a core of calculus, differential equations, physics, and engineering mechanics (statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials). Most programs are ABET-accredited four-year BS degrees that include extensive labs, CAD and modeling software, and a senior capstone design project.
Because civil engineering work often affects public safety, the field is tied to professional licensure. Graduates typically take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam near graduation, work several years under a licensed engineer, and then sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to become a Professional Engineer. Many students choose a sub-discipline, structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources, or environmental, through electives or a graduate degree.
Graduates plan, design, and oversee construction of infrastructure for engineering firms, construction companies, and federal, state, and local agencies. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% employment growth for civil engineers from 2024 to 2034.
What you'll study
- Engineering mechanics: statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials
- Structural analysis and design (steel, reinforced concrete, timber)
- Geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics
- Transportation engineering and highway design
- Water resources, hydraulics, and hydrology
- Environmental engineering and water/wastewater treatment
- Surveying, CAD, and civil modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D)
- Construction management, cost estimation, and the senior capstone design project
Typical careers
- Civil engineers
- Structural Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Transportation Engineer
- Water Resources Engineer
- Construction Project Manager
Typical salary range: BLS, 2024 civil engineers median $99,590Ranges are early-career estimates. Any BLS figure shown is the occupation-wide median across all experience levels, not a starting wage, and is informational only.
Before you commit to a Civil Engineering major
CampusPin does not rank programs. Use these prompts to pressure-test whether a specific Civil Engineering program fits your goals, they are decision questions, not claims about any school.
Ask the Civil Engineering department
- Which concentrations or specializations are offered, and which faculty lead them?
- What does the typical course sequence look like, and how much is required vs. elective?
- What labs, studios, clinical placements, or research opportunities are available to undergraduates?
- Is there a capstone, thesis, internship, or co-op requirement?
Ask current students & check the curriculum
- How heavy is the workload, and how accessible is the faculty?
- What internships or co-ops did you do, and where do recent graduates end up?
- Does the required curriculum actually match the careers listed above?
- How easy is it to add a minor, double major, or switch tracks later?
Find a Civil Engineering program
CampusPin lists U.S. universities and community colleges that offer Civil Engineering programs. Filter by state, tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting, no account required.
Civil Engineering by state
- Civil Engineering in California
- Civil Engineering in Florida
- Civil Engineering in Georgia
- Civil Engineering in Illinois
- Civil Engineering in Maryland
- Civil Engineering in Massachusetts
- Civil Engineering in New York
- Civil Engineering in North Carolina
- Civil Engineering in Pennsylvania
- Civil Engineering in Texas
Related majors
Engineering
Engineering majors apply math, physics, and design to build the physical and digital systems that power society, from bridges and chips to medical devices and aircraft.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering applies physics, materials, and design to machines and mechanical systems, suiting students who want to build, analyze, and test physical hardware.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science combines biology, chemistry, geology, and policy to address climate, conservation, water, and pollution challenges.
Architecture
Architecture combines design, structural reasoning, and building systems to plan habitable spaces, suiting students who pair creative drawing with technical problem-solving.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering applies physics and math to circuits, power, and electronics, suiting students who want to design the hardware and systems behind modern technology.
How this guide is sourced
This is an editorial guide from the CampusPin Editorial Team. Career and wage figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages, and link to each career page. Program availability comes from CampusPin's free institution search; CampusPin does not assert that any specific school offers this exact major until that program data is verified. Last reviewed 2026-06-15. How CampusPin sources data · Report a correction.