Earning an associate degree in civil engineering or civil engineering tech could be a strategic first step toward helping improve the world we live in. Those who have studied civil engineering help create and maintain the towns, roadways, and buildings we use every day.
There are many different professional fields that fall under the designation of civil engineering, which allows for many potential opportunities of study.
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If you’re considering earning your civil engineer technology degree online, you can read on to learn more about this fascinating field.
Online Associate Degrees in Civil Engineering
Several civil engineering schools offer programs that focus on civil engineering as well as civil engineering technology. Generally speaking, a civil engineering tech is an individual who assists an engineer in the planning, design, and construction processes.
This could be a beneficial first step for those who want to determine whether civil engineering is the right path of study for their interests and talents. Additionally, you could decide to take courses that focus on a particular concentration. You may prefer to examine the construction side of civil engineering or to work onsite in surveying land and testing soil for suitability.
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As you earn your civil engineer associates degree, you may discover a particular interest in your studies, which could lead into a future career path. Areas of interest can include:
- Soil and land management
- Surveying and various types of mapping
- Construction and construction team management
- The machines and technology that assist engineers
- Highways and roadways
- Water resource management
Each field of study can be expanded with additional education or on-the-job training. While some civil engineering roles will involve earning licenses or additional education in the future, your online associate degree in civil engineering can help you get started.
Civil Engineering Technology Careers & Salaries
There are many specialized roles that fit under the professional designation of civil engineering. Some career paths require additional education or licensing. In many cases, civil engineering programs can offer opportunities for you to continue your education in a specific concentration.
You may also wish to pursue a specialized program—such as a construction engineering technology degree online—to enrich your knowledge of a specific area of civil engineering tech. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some career paths related to the study of civil engineering and civil engineering technology.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Construction Managers | $98,890 |
| Environmental Engineers | $96,820 |
| Civil Engineers | $88,050 |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | $68,900 |
| Cost Estimators | $65,170 |
| Surveyors | $61,600 |
| Drafters | $60,290 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $58,320 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $48,390 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $46,910 |
Earning your associate degree in civil engineering can be a strategic first step toward a career in a variety of rewarding professional roles.
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Civil engineers and technicians help shape the world around us, from surveying land to constructing buildings and ensuring the final product is sound. Employment for civil engineers is expected to grow by 8% over the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Civil Engineering Associate’s Curriculum & Courses
While each civil engineering degree will have its own unique curriculum, there are many courses that can be commonly found in many online engineering degree programs.
Some programs offer a concentration, such as water and soil or construction engineering. These programs may include additional courses that build your expertise on that particular subject.
Here are some common civil engineering technology degree online courses:
- Land Surveying Basics: In this course, you’ll learn how to identify property markers and features.
- Introduction to Cartography and Topography: This course will help you create and understand various maps and topographical surveys.
- Auto CAD, or Computer Aided Drafting: Courses such as this can teach you how to use various computer programs in the drafting process.
- Soils Testing: This course instructs students on soil testing procedures, along with the “when” and “why” of analyzing soil.
- Hydraulics and Engineering Mechanics: Hydraulic equipment is common in many areas of civil engineering, which is why this course can be very helpful.
- Job and Cost Estimating: In many cases, civil engineers are tasked with estimating the scope and cost of a job, which is taught in this course.
- Construction Engineering Technologies: In this course, you’ll become more familiar with the various equipment and programs used throughout a construction project.
- Highway Construction and Design: This course will focus on engineering feats that apply to roads and highways.
- Technical Mathematics: You can learn some of the applied mathematics common in civil engineering tech in this course.
- Geotechnical Design: This course encompasses understanding environmental concerns and designing to accommodate them.
In addition, you may be asked to complete courses that aim to enhance your skills in communications and teamwork to prepare you for a professional career.
Online Civil Engineering Associates Degree Admissions Requirements
While each program will have its own admissions requirements and application process, here are a few items schools commonly request:
- SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
- High school transcripts
- Cumulative high school GPA
- Essay or writing sample
In addition, some schools may ask to arrange an interview to discuss your interest in their program. Many schools request that prospective students submit letters of recommendation and an application fee as well. This would be noted in the admissions requirements.
Online Civil Engineering Programs Accreditation
When selecting your civil engineer associates degree program, it’s strategic to only consider schools that hold regional accreditation. You can verify a school’s accreditation status by visiting CHEA, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Civil engineering schools that have received accreditation are specifically reviewed for the quality of instruction and education they provide to students. In many cases, your eligibility for financial aid can be tied to selecting an accredited school.
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Additionally, some licenses and professional possibilities are directly linked to earning a civil engineering technology degree through an accredited program. An accredited associate degree can also help you qualify for higher education programs.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Civil engineering programs can vary in cost, but there are a number of financial aid opportunities available to students who qualify.
To start your financial aid process, you can fill out and submit the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form can determine your eligibility for needs-based aid, such as grants or student loans from the federal government. Your state may offer aid opportunities as well.
Local organizations or civil engineering businesses can provide scholarships for prospective majors, too. If you are currently working, you may wish to check with your employer for tuition assistance options. The school you choose to attend may also have grants and awards available based on a number of factors.
What Is a Civil Engineering Associate Degree?
A civil engineering associate degree is a strategic first step toward a career in one of the many fields encompassed by civil engineering.
In a 2 year online civil engineering degree program, you can learn the introductory details and skills necessary to pursue a profession in a sector of this lucrative field. From the water we drink to the roads that take us where we want to be, civil engineers help keep our communities running smoothly. If being a part of that process interests you, you may wish to pursue a civil engineer associates degree.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Civil Engineer?
A bachelors is often the minimum education requirement for civil engineers, though some employers prefer their engineers to hold a masters.
An ABET accredited bachelors is also a common requirement for state licensure. A license is typically needed, though, for entry-level roles. An associate degree in civil engineering technology can help you qualify for technologist, technician, or surveying roles. Associate credits earned at an accredited school are also likely to transfer into a bachelors program.
What Can I Do with an Associates Degree in Civil Engineering?
There’s a wide range of areas in which civil engineers are involved in the creation and maintenance of our communities. So, there are many potential career paths for those who earn an associates degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology.
Graduates who earn their civil engineering technology degree online tend to start out assisting civil engineers. They might work in areas such as construction, land development, cartography, and soil testing. Civil engineers are also involved in budget planning, equipment maintenance, and geological surveys.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate’s in Civil Engineering Online Degree?
It’s possible to earn a civil engineer associates degree online in 2 years. This is generally possible if you are enrolled full time and follow a traditional 16 week semester calendar.
Enrolling in an online engineering degree program that follows an 8 week semester calendar could actually help you earn your degree in less time, as long as you remain enrolled full-time and year-round. Those who enroll part-time or take a semester off may extend their time to completion.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that the demand for civil engineering professionals will continue to increase over the next ten years. So, there could be continued opportunities for those with a background in the many areas covered by a civil engineer associates degree.
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You may wish to pursue a career in soil testing and land management, in surveying and map-building, or in the construction of the roadways, waterways, and buildings we enjoy every day. Graduates with an associate-level education tend to work in entry-level roles in the field, such as surveyors and civil engineering technicians and technologists.
What’s the Difference Between an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering vs. Architecture Degree?
There are many similarities between an associate degree in civil engineering and an associate in architecture, but there are also many differences, especially in the emphases of each field.
| Civil Engineering | Architecture |
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Each area offers its own area of specialty in the process of creating communities, though both require similar knowledge.
Is an Associates in Civil Engineering Degree Worth It?
Yes, an associates in civil engineering degree is worth it for many professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth in the field of civil engineering is expected to continue at a steady rate over the next ten years. Employment for engineering and architecture occupations overall is expected to grow by 6% over the same period.
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There are many factors that can impact your future career, such as additional educational and licensing opportunities. At the same time, many professionals find that an associates degree in civil engineering is a beneficial way to get started in this lucrative field.
Universities Offering Online Associates in Civil Engineering Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Community College of Allegheny County offers an AS in Engineering Technology. The program requires a minimum of 65 credits to graduate, and it is designed to allow graduates to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs at other schools in Pennsylvania. Example courses include Statics, Engineering Seminar, and Introduction to Programming: Java.
The Community College of Allegheny County is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Community College of Philadelphia offers an Associate in Applied Science in Applied Engineering Technology. This 60 credit program is available on campus, with some courses offered online. CCP has transfer agreements with other colleges and universities to help students continue their education in bachelor’s degree programs.
Community College of Philadelphia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Des Moines Area Community College offers an AAS in Civil Engineering Technology that can typically be completed in 2 years. Some courses are available online for the convenience of working adults. A CET certificate may be earned after completing just nine courses. Students in the program are also provided with paid internship opportunities.
Des Moines Area Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Florida Southwestern State College offers an Associate of Science in Civil Engineering Technology. The program is designed for students who want to pursue careers as civil engineering technicians, surveyors, or other related positions. Courses can be taken full-time or part-time, on campus or online. Accepted students may also be able to earn academic credit if they already have an industry certification.
Florida SouthWestern State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Houston Community College’s Associate in Science in Engineering is equivalent to the first two years of an engineering bachelor’s degree program. Credits from this program are transferable to many other colleges and universities in Texas. Students must complete at least 60 semester hours of coursework to graduate. Some of the program’s courses are offered online.
The Houston Community College is accredited as one body by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Idaho State University offers an Associate of Applied Science that can be earned online and on campus. New, on-campus students can begin every fall, and online students can begin in fall or spring semesters. Students usually finish the program in 2 years. Graduates of the program often become civil engineering technicians.
Idaho State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Lansing Community College offers an AAS in Civil Technology that can be earned online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. The program has open enrollment, and accepted students can begin in any semester, including the summer. Coursework includes Civil Drafting, Construction Safety, Traffic Technology, Civil Technology Internship, and more.
Lansing Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Lone Star College’s Associate of Science in Civil Engineering usually takes 2 years to complete and is offered online and at six different campus locations. Coursework includes Calculus I and II, Introduction to Engineering, General Chemistry for Engineering Majors, and more. Credits from this program are designed to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs at other colleges and universities in Texas.
Lone Star College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Massasoit Community College offers an Associate in Science in Engineering Transfer – Civil. The program is designed to provide credits that can be used toward the first 2 years of a civil engineering bachelor’s degree. The curriculum emphasizes strong communication skills, hands-on learning in labs, and the application of engineering analysis techniques to real-world problems.
Massasoit Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Miami Dade College offers an Associate in Science in Civil Engineering Technology that can be earned online and at multiple campus locations. Online options include synchronous virtual classes with live meetings and asynchronous classes that are entirely self-paced. To graduate, students must complete 63 credits of coursework. It usually takes at least 2 years to finish the program.
Miami Dade College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Midlands Technical College offers an Associate in Civil Engineering Technology. It is designed to prepare graduates for roles as building code inspectors, engineering design technicians, surveying technicians, or other similar jobs. The program usually takes 5 semesters to complete. Courses are available in on-campus, virtual, hybrid, and online formats.
Midlands Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Motlow State Community College offers an associate degree with a concentration in civil engineering. This Tennessee Transfer Pathway program is designed to provide students with credits that can go toward the first 2 years of a 4 year civil engineering degree at other Tennessee schools. This program aims to prepare graduates for work as civil engineering technicians.
Motlow State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Northcentral Technical College offers an Associate in Civil Engineering Technology. The program emphasizes hands-on learning using CAD and other industry tools. Students in the program are required to complete a capstone project and given internship opportunities. Coursework includes Surveying and Mapping, Transportation Infrastructure Design, Basic Engineering Statics, and more.
NTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Seminole State College of Florida offers an Associate in Arts in Civil Engineering that can be earned on campus or online. Class sizes are capped at 30 students, and credits are designed to transfer to other Florida colleges and universities. The curriculum is structured to provide the foundation needed to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
Seminole State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Umpqua Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering and Surveying Technology. Students can choose an applied option in either Surveying or Water Quality.
The curriculum is designed to help students develop job-ready skills, and the program also provides internship opportunities. Coursework includes Digital World and Geospatial Concepts, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) I and II, Problem Solving and Technology, and more.
Umpqua Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Online
Civil engineers have the unique opportunity to help the world in which we live grow—from ensuring our communities are properly and economically built to determining pricing and materials.
You can get a head start in this rewarding field by getting your associate degree in civil engineering online. An associate program can give you an introduction to the many skills possessed by civil engineers.
To get started, you can check out the many accredited schools that offer these programs to discover the option that best fits your interests and talents.
