Accredited Online Civil Engineering Degrees

Updated on April 23, 2026

Civil engineering is the backbone of modern civilization. From roads and bridges to water resource management and airports, civil engineers design, build, and maintain the essential infrastructure systems that support daily life and economic growth.

An online civil engineering degree online prepares you to plan, design, and oversee the construction of vital public infrastructure. This field combines civil engineering principles with practical problem-solving to create safe, efficient, and sustainable environments that withstand natural hazards and disasters.

Ready to find your program? Browse over 110 civil engineering degree listings below.

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What Is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering focuses on the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects that support communities, transportation systems, and economies.

Professionals in this field:

Design roads, bridges, airports, and buildings using engineering design techniques
Develop water supply, wastewater treatment, and environmental engineering systems
Plan transportation networks and large-scale construction projects
Ensure structural safety and compliance with environmental and economic factors
Oversee construction management and infrastructure systems maintenance

Civil engineering is defined by its focus on large-scale public systems and civil infrastructure that impact everyday life and societal contexts.

Students comparing all program options across fields can also explore

What You Can Do With a Civil Engineering Degree

This civil engineering bachelor’s degree prepares you for a wide range of engineering and construction careers with strong career opportunities.

Common career paths include:

Civil engineer
Structural engineer
Transportation engineer
Construction manager
Civil engineering technician

Graduates may work in public sector agencies, private sector construction firms, consulting companies, or international infrastructure development organizations.

Students exploring related fields may also consider:

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Career Paths in Civil Engineering

Civil engineering offers multiple specialization areas based on interests and career goals.

Examples include:

Construction Engineers
Manage construction projects, budgets, timelines, and safety requirements for site development
Geotechnical Engineers
Analyze soil and earth conditions to ensure stable foundations and support environmental engineering
Structural Engineers
Design buildings, bridges, and other structures for strength, safety, and resilience
Transportation Engineers
Plan and develop roads, highways, airports, and transit systems to improve transportation infrastructure

Civil engineering technicians may also support projects by collecting data, monitoring progress, and preparing reports.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Civil engineering offers stable demand and solid earning potential in the job market.

Civil engineers earn an average salary of over $84,000 annually
Technicians earn around $50,000 annually
Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations

Public infrastructure investment, population growth, and the need for resilient infrastructure systems continue to drive demand.

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Why Choose Civil Engineering

This field is ideal for individuals who want to work on tangible, large-scale projects impacting communities and the environment.

Key benefits include:

Opportunity to build and improve essential infrastructure and coastal engineering projects
Strong job stability and growing demand
Diverse specialization options including environmental engineering and construction management
Visible, real-world impact on communities and societal contexts

What You’ll Learn in a Civil Engineering Program

Programs focus on civil engineering principles and practical applications through civil engineering online courses.

Common coursework includes:

Structural analysis and structural design
Hydrology, water systems, and wastewater treatment
Construction methods, materials, and construction management
Transportation engineering and site development
Surveying, mapping, and geotechnical engineering

Many programs also include hands-on experience through labs, fieldwork, or internships, often requiring some in person courses or capstone design projects.

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Is Civil Engineering Right for You?

This field is best suited for individuals who are analytical, organized, and strong problem-solvers with technical skills.

You may be a good fit if you:

Have strong math, science in civil engineering, and problem-solving skills
Enjoy working on large, complex engineering topics and projects
Are detail-oriented and organized to plan tasks effectively
Have leadership and communication abilities to function effectively in a collaborative and inclusive environment

Civil engineers often balance technical work with project management responsibilities.

Education Path and Degree Options

There are several pathways depending on your career goals and schedule.

Online associate degree in civil engineering (for technician roles)
Online bachelor of science in civil engineering (required for most engineering roles and the engineering exam)
Online master’s degree in civil engineering (for advancement, specialization, or graduate studies)

A civil engineering bachelor’s degree is typically required to become a licensed professional engineer and to pursue advanced career opportunities.

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Certifications and Career Advancement

Licensure and certifications are important for civil engineering careers.

Common requirements include:

Professional Engineer (PE) license (often required for advancement and recognized by accredited institutions)
Certification through organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Continuing education to maintain licensure and stay current on civil engineering principles and technologies

Certifications can increase job opportunities and earning potential in the private sector and beyond.

Visit GetEducated's Engineering Career Center. You may also wish to read the following engineering related articles:

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How to Choose the Right Program

When selecting an online program, consider:

ABET accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (important for licensure and employment)
Availability of hands-on labs, internships, or in person courses
Specialization options (e.g., structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation systems)
Alignment with state licensing requirements and the ability to prepare for the engineering exam

Programs with practical experience and a capstone design project provide the best preparation.

GetEducated has the following ranking reports for civil engineering degrees:

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Cost of Civil Engineering Degrees

Costs vary depending on the program and format.

Master’s programs can be under $28,000
Bachelor of science programs may range widely, with online programs often more affordable due to reduced commuting and housing costs

Choosing an affordable, high-quality accredited institution is important for maximizing return on investment.

Compare Accredited Online Civil Engineering Programs

GetEducated helps you find programs aligned with your goals.

You can:

Compare accredited online civil engineering degree online programs
Review tuition, program features, and course offerings
Explore specialization options and career opportunities
Find flexible programs designed for working professionals with busy schedules

Browse programs below to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a civil engineering degree online?

A civil engineering degree online prepares you to design, build, and maintain infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water systems, and buildings through flexible online classes.

What do civil engineers do?

Civil engineers design infrastructure projects, oversee construction, ensure safety standards, and maintain public systems using civil engineering principles and technical skills.

Do you need a license to be a civil engineer?

Yes. Most civil engineers need a Professional Engineer (PE) license for advanced roles, independent work, and to meet requirements of accredited institutions.

What jobs can you get with a civil engineering degree?

You can work as a civil engineer, structural engineer, transportation engineer, construction manager, or in related civil and environmental engineering roles.

How much do civil engineers make?

Civil engineers earn an average salary of over $84,000 annually, with higher salaries possible based on experience, specialization, and job market demand.

Is civil engineering a good career?

Yes. It offers strong job stability, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to work on impactful infrastructure and large scale construction projects.

Is civil engineering difficult?

Yes. It requires strong math, problem-solving, organizational skills, and attention to detail to solve complex engineering problems.

Can you specialize within civil engineering?

Yes. Common specializations include structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation systems, environmental engineering, and construction management.

Found 116 Accredited Online Engineering Degree Programs