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Civil Engineering

WHAT IS CIVIL ENGINEERING?

Civil Engineering is focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of structures and infrastructures such as dams, bridges, aqueducts, canals, highways, power plants, sewerage systems, and airports. Civil Engineers consider the current and future needs of an expanding population while taking into account environmental protection and natural phenomena.

WHAT DOES A CIVIL ENGINEER DO?

Civil Engineers work in a wide variety of industries. Civil Engineering functions can be divided into three categories: functions performed before construction (feasibility studies, site investigations, and design), those performed during construction (client interaction, consulting engineers, and contractors) and those functions performed after construction (maintenance and research). Some common tasks include: 

  • Using technology to design, construct, and maintain structures and infrastructure within the public and private sector

  • Designing and overseeing the construction of public works such as roads, bridges, dams, tunnels, buildings, airports, water and sewerage systems

  • Using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to create, manage, analyze, and map all types of location data; solving problems that involve spatial factors

  • Designing and/or overseeing projects involving the production and safety of drinking water

  • Calculating load capacity to improve structural designs

  • Using advanced materials to design and build environmentally friendly structures

DESIGN INTENSIVE AREAS

MSU Civil Engineering majors are required to complete 12 - 13 credits from at least four areas which can help to align with a specific academic or career interest. The design intensive areas include:

Environmental

Geotechnical

 Pavements

Structures

Transportation

Water Resources

CAREER DATA

Below you will find data collected from graduates for the period 2021 – 2023. The data provides a sampling of industries, companies, and jobs that Civil Engineering graduates pursue. However, this data set is not the only story. Civil Engineering graduates work within a variety of industries and jobs. This information is meant to encourage your exploration. It’s your journey and we’re here to help. Connect with a career coach to discuss options and possibilities.  

Common Industries

 

  • Civil Engineering

  • Architecture & Planning

  • Utilities & Renewable Energy

  • Mobility/Automotive

  • Construction

 

 

Top Employer Representation (Companies hiring 2 or more graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • Michigan Department of Transportation

  • The Walsh Group

  • AECOM

  • Black and Veatch

  • Wade Trim

  • Fishbeck

  • FK Engineering Associates

  • Kimley-Horn

  • ROWE Professional Services

  • Fleis & Vandenbrink

 

Common Entry-Level Job Titles (Sample job titles from graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • Civil Engineer

  • Project Engineer

  • Staff Engineer

  • Civil Analyst

  • Field Engineer

  • Structural Engineer

  • Design Engineer

  • Transportation Engineer

KEY STATISTICS

Learn about the specific data associated with Civil Engineering graduates so that you can better understand the average compensation and placement rates within the major. (Represents 2023 data.)   

96.4%
Placement Rate
(Employment/Education)

$65,895
Average Starting
Salary

$21.95/hr
Intern Average
Hourly Wage 

RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

  • American Society of Civil Engineers

  • Chi Epsilon

  • Environmental Engineering Student Society

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