Introduction to an Online Master's in Civil Engineering Degree

Civil Engineering is a broad field that includes structural, environmental, geotechnical and other specialties within the area of engineering in general. An online master's in Civil Engineering includes a concentration in a specific subcategory, all of which are math and science intensive. Structural engineers study load bearing and weight distribution for construction, and geotechnical engineers study the physics of soil and are experts in pavement technology, for instance.

Career Possibilities

Typical Careers

The following careers, typically pursued by graduates of online master's programs in civil engineering, and their median annual incomes come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bls.gov:

• Construction Manager: $73,700
• Engineering Manager: $105,430
• Civil Engineer, Local Government: $79,648

Job Outlook

The BLS estimates that civil engineering jobs will grow 18% through 2016, faster than the national average. Engineering management jobs are expected to grow 8%, and construction management jobs are expected to grow 16%. Jobs will vary region by region, but civil engineering job opportunities in general are expected to be good because much of the nation's infrastructure is in need of repair or replacement.

Degree Specifics

Typical Coursework

Typical classes for an online master's in Civil Engineering may include Probability and Statistics for Civil Engineers, Engineering Project Management, Differential Equations, Urban Transportation Planning, Intermediate Hydrology and more. Classes vary according to the specialty, and all specialties are math and science intensive.

Skills You Will Learn

As you earn your online master's in Civil Engineering, you will study applied mathematics intensively. Depending on your specialization, you will be an expert in construction, fluid dynamics or the materials sciences. You will also develop management skills and learn to oversee large scale projects.