Looking to pursue a career in civil engineering? Consider earning your bachelor’s degree online! With the convenience and flexibility of online learning, you can earn a degree in civil engineering from the comfort of your own home.
In this article, we’ll explore the best online bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering for 2024, based on factors such as program quality, affordability, and career outcomes.
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or a working professional looking to advance your career, these programs offer a great opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field of civil engineering.
List Of Accredited Online Civil Engineering Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | 34,799 | $11,700 |
| Old Dominion University | 6,609 | $30,960 |
| University of North Dakota | 2,118 | $15,037 |
| Idaho State University | 1,535 | $25,326 |
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Civil Engineering 2024
Liberty University
Online Enrollment
34,799
Annual Tuition
$11,700
Location
Lynchburg (VA)
Liberty University is a large private, nonprofit institution that offers an online bachelor of science in civil engineering program. The program requires 130 credit hours. The program takes 3.5 years to finish and prepares students for civil engineering careers after graduation. The curriculum includes government regulations, environmental hazards, and water resource protection.
LU online students use canvas to complete their coursework asynchronously. Online students can access tutoring, academic advice, IT support, and a writing center. Admission requirements include a college application and high school or college transcripts.
Old Dominion University
Online Enrollment
6,609
Annual Tuition
$30,960
Location
Norfolk (VA)
Old Dominion University, a large public university, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. The program requires 126 credits to complete. Students can choose between three concentrations: (1) Construction Management, (2) Structural Design, and (3) Site Development. The curriculum also includes Fluid Mechanics and Structural Analysis.
Canvas is used by online students at ODU to complete their coursework both synchronously and asynchronously. Online services at ODU include career counseling, technical support, and coaching. Applicants must apply along with official transcripts from high school, GED, or SAT/ACT scores.
University of North Dakota
Online Enrollment
2,118
Annual Tuition
$15,037
Location
Grand Forks (ND)
The University of North Dakota, a public university with a medium student population, offers an online bachelor of science in civil engineering program for students interested in a career in civil engineering. Students can complete the program in four to five years. Core courses may include Fluid Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.
UND Online students complete their coursework using Blackboard in a hybrid format. Online student resources include tutoring, technical support, writing assistance, and an online library. UND’s Admission requirements include high school or college transcripts and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
Idaho State University
Online Enrollment
1,535
Annual Tuition
$25,326
Location
Pocatello (ID)
Idaho State University is a public, medium-sized institution that offers an online bachelor of science in Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology. The online degree is 130-133 credits.
Students who enter the program first earn an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology before continuing their coursework to earn a 4-year degree. Some courses include Route Survey and Design (RSD), Principles of GIS, and Public Works.
Online students at ISU complete their coursework using the digital learning platform Moodle. Online students can also access counseling, career services, disability assistance, and tutoring. ISU requires applicants to submit an application and meet minimum SAT or ACT scores.
What Is a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering Degree?
The bachelor’s in civil engineering is designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to be civil engineers. Faculty in the program offer courses in physics, materials science, calculus, and structural mechanics so that students can create safe structures like roads, bridges, and dams.
In response to the growing popularity of online learning, some schools offer bachelor’s degree programs online through distance education platforms.
Most online learners take asynchronous courses without live meetings. However, this can vary from school to school. Students in some civil engineering programs must visit campus for intensive lab sessions once or twice per year.
Other times, students may complete laboratory work using virtual simulators or kits that they can use at home.
Degree Requirements
Most online bachelor’s degree programs in civil engineering have 120-130 credits split between general education classes and major courses.
The programs can be completed in as little as 4 years with a full schedule. Many students, however, take longer than four years to complete their degree.
Colleges often offer part-time degrees for those who must balance school with work or other responsibilities.
Some programs may require you to complete an externship to gain practical experience. You’ll be required to work at a site approved by your program’s administrators, even if your entire course load is online.
Civil Engineering Courses
The required courses for civil engineering majors focus on applying mathematics, physics, and geology lessons to public works.
Many degrees in civil engineering include public policy courses and discussions on professional ethics and project planning.
This is because most civil engineers work for government agencies or with them. Below are a few online courses you can take to get a taste of the civil engineering bachelor’s degree program.
Calculus for Engineers:
This branch of math involves limits, differential equations, and derivatives. Calculus is used by engineering students to calculate the stresses of forces on different structures.
Fluid Mechanics:
The faculty discusses fluids (liquids, gases) and their forces. Students learn to calculate flow, drag, and the conservation of mass and momentum. Fluid mechanics is introduced to civil engineering students to help them understand the practical applications.
Physics for Engineers:
Students will learn about the different forces and how they are used in civil engineering. They include kinetic and magnetic energy, electricity, and sound waves. The course will introduce advanced engineering physics concepts, including lasers and nanotechnology.
Structural Mechanics:
This online course discusses structural engineering, including the forces that hold together structures and the different materials civil engineers can choose to build with. Students can test the strength of a structure by applying different physical loads. The faculty may devote lessons to structural failures and how to minimize the physical stresses that can lead to collapse.
Apply To An Online Master’s in Civil Engineering
The typical timeline for college applications starts up to a full year before classes begin. Most candidates will apply to college between November and the beginning of February when they enroll for fall.
Most colleges ask applicants for the following items:
- Official high school or GED transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 2.0-2.5 (though minimums can vary)
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher
- A personal statement on education and career goals
- Official ACT or SAT scores, with minimums that vary by school (note that some schools have dropped entrance exam requirements)
Careers in Civil Engineering Technology
| Job Title | Avg. Annual Salary | Average Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Managers | $77,292.17 | 151 |
| Transportation Engineers | $82,723.35 | 138 |
| Materials Engineers | $111,009.59 | 9 |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | $63,897.56 | 12 |
| Surveyors | $59,787.91 | 19 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $53,022.40 | 31 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $59,093.71 | 45 |
| Cost Estimators | $72,493.47 | 186 |
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $93,834.93 | 414 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $46,574.37 | 70 |
| Water Resource Specialists | $106,683.20 | 20 |
| Sustainability Specialists | $81,139.32 | 770 |
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | $118,646.10 | 104 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $75,212.79 | 25 |
FAQs About Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering Programs
Why Is Civil Engineering Important?
Civil engineers are responsible for designing and building the infrastructure to keep societies running smoothly. If you’ve ever driven over a bridge or walked along a street, their hard work and expertise have been put to good use.
Is Civil Engineering Hard?
Since civil engineering programs are degrees in STEM, most challenges will be related to math and sciences. If you are good at math and science, you may find this major easy, but you might struggle with other concepts, technology tools, or soft skills like critical thinking and teamwork.
What Is the Difference Between Civil Engineering and Architecture?
Civil engineers are responsible for designing transportation, public works, and utilities infrastructure. Architects design the buildings in which people live and work. Both jobs require some of the same skills and knowledge, including understanding construction materials and the physics behind loads. Consider an online architecture degree if you prefer designing buildings to designing infrastructure.
What Can You Do With a Civil Engineering Degree?
With a bachelor’s in civil engineering, you can also get a job related to the field. It depends on your ability to convince interviewers that you have the skills and knowledge they seek.
