Hey guys,

I'm taking a break from the norm today and sharing a blog from Michigan Tech about the importance of getting a master's degree in civil engineering. I share my two cents in the Quick Tips video at the end of the post. 

Global infrastructure is becoming more advanced, and many cities are experiencing rapid growth. This has led to a rising demand for civil engineers. They are needed to build and rebuild roads and bridges, upgrade levees and dams, manage and maintain water systems among other functions. Civil Engineers are crucial to the construction of buildings, airports, and structures of all types. In short, civil engineers are essential to modern society. (Civil engineering degree jobs are expected to grow 11% from 2016 to 2026.[1])

A civil engineering bachelor degree offers the knowledge and technical skills students need to kick-start their career. A civil engineering master’s degree provides a deeper level of expertise. It sets working engineers on the path to leadership. Prestigious schools such as Michigan Tech offer an entirely online comprehensive master’s in civil engineering with a focus on structures.

Benefits of an advanced civil engineering technology degree:

Growing Demand

Positions that demand a civil engineering degree are on the rise. Employment opportunities in various industries, both within the commercial and governmental sectors, will continue to grow. Urbanization and increasing global population have generated the need for new infrastructure. Civil engineers are in demand to create new infrastructure systems and maintain aging ones. They are also needed for renewable energy and sustainable projects that will help protect natural resources.

Great Pay

According to the Department of Labor, the median annual wage for civil engineers in 2017 was $84,770.[2] The top paying states are Alaska, California, New Jersey, Texas, and the District of Columbia. The industries with the highest average salaries are petroleum and coal products, manufacturing, oil and gas extraction, waste collection, pipeline transportation of crude oil, renewable and environment industries, and specialized design services. Students who attain a master’s degree can look forward to faster career growth and earnings, and management potential.

Career Prospects

Students who have a master’s degree have an edge. Specializations will equip them with advanced skills and increase career prospects. As society strives to engineer better structures and systems, the demand for engineers with advanced technology-based skills will continue to rise. Michigan Tech’s online Master of Science in Civil Engineering—Structures degree caters to this demand. It includes structural engineering theory, practical design, and analysis to prepare graduates for a rewarding career.

Creative Potential

The potential of civil engineering degree programs is immense. Students train in general civil engineering and then go on to specialize in an area of their choice. An advanced curriculum allows them to gain more in-depth knowledge and prepares them for emerging industry trends. Along with mathematical and analytical skills, they also learn problem solving, decision-making, delegating tasks and advanced communication skills. They learn to leverage these skills and their knowledge to gain competitive positions as engineering managers. They are trained to work on multifarious projects with equal expertise.

Varied Opportunities

The work of civil engineers is vital to industries new and old. They have the advantage of choosing from a variety of careers.  Civil engineers can work for the government on a federal, state, or local level. Construction and infrastructure repair is a significant part of any country’s infrastructure, so jobs in these sectors continue to grow. Private sector jobs are on the rise too. Jobs range from developing pipeline transportation, construction of residential and nonresidential buildings, to the building and repair of public infrastructure facilities. Emerging technologies and demand for sustainability in construction has opened up opportunities in renewable energy projects.

If you want to become a structural engineer, getting an advanced degree is advisable. It will help improve technical knowledge in your field. The projects are challenging and have high growth prospects for those with technical competence. Online courses for civil engineers offer flexibility and options to juggle work and studies together.

Michigan Tech is known for its brand of engineering graduates. Students are trained to engineer responsible and sustainable infrastructures for the modern society. To learn more 888-442-6855 or visit our website.

[1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm

[2] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm

What did you think of this Civil Engineering Academy video short? Leave a comment below and let me know if you think pursuing a master's degree in civil engineering is worth it.

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