Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
They are designers, builders, and developers of structures. Civil Engineers are the individuals behind the completion of every building and infrastructure we see everywhere. Becoming one of them begins by studying Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
Civil engineering is a global profession that entails the design, construction, operation and advancement of every building or structure. This degree is often categorized into several sub- disciplines including; geo-technical engineering, transportation engineering, structural engineering, environmental engineering, atmospheric science, forensic engineering, coastal engineering, municipal engineering, earth science and surveying, and development engineering.
The study of getting a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering prepares students for tasks like planning, designing, building and keeping environmental sustainability to decrease or avoid creating adverse effects to the environment. In addition, civil engineering study may require some important qualities such as decision making skills, project management, writing and drawing skills, complex problem solving skills and math skills.
Education and License
A Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree is usually a four year program that includes coursework in statistics, math, methods and engineering mechanics, drawings, structural calculations, soil characteristics and among other classes, depending in the specialization. Classes contain a blend of conventional classroom learning and field and laboratory work. The degree ought to be taken from an accredited program by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).
After finishing the bachelor’s degree, students must take the FE exam or the Fundamentals of Engineering assessment. After passing this assessment and meeting their state’s conditions, they are considered as Civil Engineering (CE) Intern or an Engineer-in-Training. Completion of the required relevant work experience will allow them to take the professional engineer (PE) examination. If they passed the examination only then they will be given the license to practice their profession.
Common duties and responsibilities of a Civil Engineer:
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Examine survey reports, maps, and other information regarding their projects
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Test soils to ascertain the strength and adequacy of building foundations
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Oversee the construction costs, law compliance, environmental factors, construction materials, equipment, and other factors relating to planning.
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Check and test construction materials like metal, asphalt and concrete
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Show and explain their findings to the public on issues including environmental impact statements, bid proposals, or property descriptions
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Participates and manage the surveying to determine reference points, elevations and construction guide.
Civil Engineering Job Outlook
Civil engineers usually work in workplaces and construction sites. They may as well spend time traveling from one location to another. Depending on their specialization to monitor procedures or resolve issues in construction sites. According to the data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics about 262,800 jobs are held by civil engineers in May 2010.
Moreover, the largest number of employed civil engineers came from several industries including Architectural, engineering and other related services with 48%, state government 13%, local government 11%, federal government 5% and non-residential construction with 5%.
Based on the study of U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, civil engineers median yearly salary in May 2010 was $77,560 . Hourly median pay is $37.29. With the fast growing population and endless construction of new buildings and facilities employment for civil engineers might rise up to 19% beginning 2010 up to year 2020.
Although the world is facing financial crisis which may lead to difficulty in funding new construction projects, the fact still remains that there will always be a demand for civil engineers. Whether there is enough funding for constructions, repairs and maintenance, the expertise of civil engineers is always on call.
To set out on a journey towards becoming a civil engineer may be a lot challenging than any other fields in engineering. Studying in a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program is always fulfilling and gratifying in the end.
