Civil engineering technology revolves around the design and construction of roads, bridges, buildings, or other types of infrastructure. To become an expert in this field, you can start by finding schools that offer the best online civil engineering associate degrees. An online associate degree in civil engineering will give you an opportunity to get your foot in the door and help you start this lucrative career even faster.
This article will serve as your compass for exploring various online civil engineering associate degrees from different schools. Among other benefits, earning an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering will make you eligible for many high-paying civil engineering associate degree jobs. Keep reading to discover how to choose the perfect program for you.
Where Can I Get a Civil Engineering Associate Degree Online?
You can get a civil engineering associate degree online from accredited educational institutions such as Idaho State University, Northcentral Technical College, Midlands Technical College, Jones County Junior College, Seminole State College, and Wake Technical College.
What Schools Offer the Best Civil Engineering Associate Degrees?
- Midlands Technical College
- Idaho State University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Wake Technical College
- Jones County Junior College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree?
The admission requirements for an online civil engineering associate degree are an online application, standardized tests (ACT, SAT, or GRE), official high school transcript or GED equivalent, and a non-refundable application fee. Some schools also require a minimum grade point average in a previous degree (if any), a letter of recommendation, or a personal essay.
However, admission requirements may differ across civil engineering schools, if you’re attending part-time or full-time, or if you’re a resident or international student. Carefully review admission requirements for your preferred school before applying. You can also inquire from the school’s admissions officer for better clarity.
Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- High school transcript or GED equivalent
- Non-refundable application fee
- Standards tests (ACT, SAT, or GRE)
- A GPA of 2.5-3.5
- Personal essay or letter of recommendation
How to Get a Civil Engineering Associate Degree Online
You get a civil engineering associate degree online by fulfilling all the graduation requirements, such as completing the required coursework and earning the minimum GPA before graduation. Note that the prerequisites for a civil engineering associate degree may vary across schools.
Civil Engineering Degree Requirements
- Undertake general education courses, electives courses, core courses, and a capstone project
- Meet all competency requirements for specialized areas
- Complete not less than 60 credit hours
- Have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 at the end of the program
- Pay tuition and other fees when due
Best Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Allen County Community College | Associate of Science in Pre-Engineering | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Columbus State Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Community College of Philadelphia | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | The Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Associate of Science in Engineering Fundamentals | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC) |
| Idaho State University | Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology | The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Jones County Junior College | Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Midlands Technical College | Associate in Science in Civil Engineering Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| New York City College of Technology | Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering | The Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Seminole State College of Florida | Associate in in Arts Civil Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Wake Technical Community College | Associate in Applied Science Civil Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Civil Engineering: Top Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree Programs
We have curated this list of the best schools for civil engineering that offer the best online civil engineering associate degrees. These schools differ in curriculums, mode of operation, accreditation, graduation rate, and tuition, but they all offer quality education. Check the next section below for more details.
What Is an Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree?
An online civil engineering associate degree is proof that an individual has acquired preliminary knowledge about civil engineering, design techniques, and AutoCAD. It is a type of degree earned via electronic learning or distance education.
Unlike the in-person associate degree, an online civil engineering associate degree is less ambiguous and more flexible, usually completed in two years or less. Fortunately, it is accepted in different organizations and is one of the easiest ways to progress to a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or any related field.
Online vs In-Person Civil Engineering Degrees
Online and in-person civil engineering degrees vary in tuition costs, delivery methods, duration, credit units, and school structure. Yet, neither is superior nor inferior to the other. They both have similar curriculum, courses, admission and graduation requirements, employment opportunities, salary range, and value in the industry.
You can use either to land a good-paying civil engineering associate degree job or further your education. To further distinguish between the two and help you make an informed choice, we have outlined the benefits of each degree in the section below.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Associate Degree in Civil Engineering
- Remotely accessible. You can acquire an online Associate Degree in Civil Engineering from the comfort of your home, anywhere in the world. Consequently, you’ll need an Internet-enabled smartphone or PC to fulfill the graduation requirements.
- Strong skillset. Acquiring an online associate degree in civil engineering helps you gain practical knowledge of digital literacy, AutoCAD, and other technical skills related to civil engineering.
- Networking options. Acquiring an online associate degree in civl engineering also allows you to network with people from different spheres of life. This means that you will not limit your connections to your location alone.
- Affordability. Unlike in-person associate degrees, acquiring an online civil engineering associate degree is more affordable. You don’t have to break the bank to begin your career in civil engineering as you won’t have to worry about certain superfluous fees.
- Easy transition. With an online Associate Degree in Civil Engineering, you can easily transition to an online bachelor’s degree program in any school without worrying about location. Instead of renting a new apartment in another state, you can continue learning from home.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Associate Degree in Civil Engineering
- Hands-on experience. An in-person Associate Degree in Civil Engineering provides hands-on experience in the engineering field. You will most likely visit construction sites while pursuing an in-person degree to carry out real-world practicals.
- Job opportunities. An in-person Associate Degree in Civil Engineering makes you eligible for many more entry-level jobs than you would be with just having a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Industry recognition. This degree is highly-recognized in the engineering field. It also gives you an edge in the industry, especially when recruiters demand a physical degree.
- Real-life connections. With an in-person degree, you can build real-time relationships with like-minded people to facilitate your career growth. You get to meet and interact face-to-face with these people instead of in virtual meetings.
- Professional certification. An in-person Associate Degree in Civil Engineering proves your knowledge. It shows that you are proficient in civil engineering and can navigate the industry with little or no help.
What Types of Online Associate Degrees Can You Get in Civil Engineering?
The types of online associate degrees you can get in civil engineering are the Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering. They are also the most common online associate degrees across accredited institutions. However, the exact degree you’ll earn depends on your specialization, preferences, and the awarding system of your desired school.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Science Degree or Associate of Applied Science Degree in Civil Engineering?
An Associate of Science is better than an Associate of Applied Science because it covers a wide range of topics and is the general study of civil engineering and its practices. The Associate of Applied Science is a job-specific degree involving the application of civil engineering knowledge in a particular field.
Getting any degree in civil engineering depends on your career needs. The Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering are similar in duration and ranking. You can also use either of them to land a job or further your education.
How Much Does a Civil Engineering Associate Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a civil engineering associate degree costs around $11,391. This number reflects the overall two-year degree cost in the US. To minimize the financial workload, you can apply for scholarships or financial aid from the government, school, or non-profit organizations. On the bright side, you will be eligible for several civil engineering associate degree jobs after graduation.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Civil Engineering Associate Degree Online?
It takes about two years to get a civil engineering associate degree online. Associate degree programs in civil engineering consist of no less than 60 credits. You can also share these credit hours among general education courses, electives, and major courses for an average of 15 credits per semester.
The duration of your degree varies by institution, curriculum, and study program. If you have previous college credits in civil engineering, you can also transfer up to 45 of those credits toward your associate degree.
Are Online Civil Engineering Degrees Respected?
Yes, online civil engineering degrees are respected. You can work in an organization or even become a private contractor. NCES also reveals that over seven million people pursued their undergraduate degrees via distance education in 2019. This shows that civil engineering online associate degrees have a solid standing in today’s job market.
Is Civil Engineering Hard to Learn Online?
Yes, civil engineering is relatively hard to learn online, considering the number of skills required of associate degree graduates. The program involves advanced math and science courses which some people may find challenging. All engineering programs are perceived to be complicated but you can scale through with proper guidance.
Civil Engineering Bootcamp vs Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree: Which Is Better?
An online civil engineering associate degree is better than a bootcamp because it gives you the leverage for an online bachelor’s or master’s degree. A civil engineering bootcamp is handy if you’re looking to learn about the field in less than two years. Each learning option has different features, so we have listed some of their benefits below.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree
- Robust portfolio. As distance learning gains traction, an online civil engineering associate degree adds color to your resume. It shows recruiters that you’re conversant with recent innovations in the industry.
- Specialized curriculum. Pursuing an online Associate Degree in Civil Engineering allows you to gain specific knowledge about subjects relevant to your specialty. The program has more detailed online courses than a focused civil engineering bootcamp.
- Job prospects. An online degree makes you eligible for different job opportunities, both online and physically. You can work as a freelance building contractor and still be an employee in a physical organization.
- Advanced expertise. Acquiring your Associate Degree in Civil Engineering online means you’ll gain experience in advanced engineering digital practices, such as AutoCAD and mapping.
- High salary. An online civil engineering associate degree holder can earn up to $55,000 annually without adding other incentives attached to the degree. Your annual salary can also increase as you advance in your career.
Top 5 Benefits of a Civil Engineering Bootcamp
- Shorter duration. It takes a shorter time to complete a civil engineering bootcamp. You can gain basic knowledge of the engineering field in less than two years.
- Less expensive. Attending a civil engineering bootcamp is more affordable than pursuing an online associate degree as the program length is much shorter.
- Hands-on training. Civil engineering bootcamps offer hands-on training to ensure students acquire all the necessary experience to thrive in the industry.
- Flexibility. Civil engineering bootcamps are flexible. Online students can easily combine studying with other extracurricular activities. So, you can gain knowledge and pursue other goals at the same time.
- Career support services. Unlike online associate degrees, bootcamps offer you the knowledge and extra career assistance to land a good-paying entry-level job. Some of their career services revolve around resume reviews and salary negotiation.
Why You Should Get a Civil Engineering Associate Degree Online
You should get a civil engineering associate degree online because it will help you acquire the necessary skills within a short time and offers remote, flexible learning programs. It is a proper means to begin your civil engineering career after high school.
Furthermore, getting a civil engineering associate degree online will increase your financial prospects in the engineering field, as it is a highly sought-after degree. Earning the degree online will enable you to build a successful career and pursue other goals simultaneously.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Associate Degree Program in Civil Engineering?
You will take several courses in an online associate degree program in civil engineering, including the standard civil engineering topics like surveying/mapping, natural sciences, CAD, a capstone project, soil mechanics, and construction management. There will be a mix of general education and degree-related courses. Let’s briefly discuss these engineering courses below.
Fundamentals of Surveying and Mapping
This course is an introduction to surveying and mapping concepts in civil engineering. It provides students with the foundational knowledge of basic surveying principles, land surveys, laws governing lands, and infrastructure. Students learn to identify surveying instruments and computations and how to use or generate survey maps.
Soil Mechanics
Learning about soil mechanics is essential to becoming a civil engineering associate degree holder. This course introduces the basics of soil practices, including soil compaction and exploration, moisture, density, and soil uniformity. Students learn to use multiple modern systems to identify and classify soils.
Construction Materials Testing
This course introduces students to the basics of testing materials such as steel, wood, concrete, and plastic that are used in the construction industry. Students also learn about how the nature of materials can affect construction activities and the overall building structure. At the end of the course, students gain experience in material identification and verification.
Engineering Technology and Project Management
This course explores on-site and off-site construction management concepts. It teaches students about project management and the roles and responsibilities of civil engineers when handling construction projects. Additionally, students learn about on-site administrative practices, resource allocation, and how to communicate effectively across teams.
Civil Engineering Technology Capstone
The capstone project is often one of the most challenging courses while pursuing an online civil engineering associate degree. This course provides a project-based learning experience for students to showcase and apply their civil engineering skills. With proper guidance, students learn how to work in real-time before earning their Associate Degree in Civil Engineering.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Civil Engineering Degree Graduates
An online civil engineering graduate has several continuing education paths, virtually and physically, including pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a four-year university, fulfilling licensure requirements to become a licensed engineer, earning a master’s degree, or acquiring a PhD. Following any of these paths will also make you eligible for senior roles.
Related Online Civil Engineering Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Civil Engineering Associate Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best civil engineering associate degree programs are the learning format and flexibility, career services, curriculum, specialization options, cost, admission and graduation rates, and accreditation. We’ll discuss five of these factors below to ensure you have a smooth school search journey.
Accreditation
Look for the accreditation status of your desired school and program before enrolling to avoid spending your time and money on an unrecognized institution. You can also check if the program or school accreditation body is authorized in the US. Doing this will avert future discrepancies regarding your career.
Curriculum
Consider the curriculum, specializations, course outlines, and overall academic calendar of the school you want before applying for an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering. You can evaluate the possible learning outcomes and skills you’ll get from the course schedule. Most schools have this information on their website, or you can contact the school’s admissions office.
School Reputation
A school’s reputation can significantly affect your learning journey. Acquiring your civil engineering associate degree at a well-known academic institution increases your employment opportunities, so research the school’s past stories and its position in national school rankings.
Admission and Graduation Rates
The admission and graduation rates are metrics used to determine the quality of a civil engineering associate degree program. They give you insight into how many students enroll in and graduate from the program. You can look out for the rates on the National Center for Education Statistics or the school’s official website.
Cost
One of the most critical factors prospective students should consider when choosing the best civil engineering associate degree program is the tuition cost and fees. Knowing the price will help you gauge if the program will put you under financial stress. You can check for tuition costs for your program on the school’s website before applying.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree?
The most affordable online civil engineering associate degree is the Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering at Wake Technical College. The program consists of 69 credits at $76 per credit, for a grand total of $5,106. Please notice that this number does not include transportation, books, or other accommodations.
Can I Get a Civil Engineering Associate Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a civil engineering associate degree online for free. While this is so, you can apply for financial assistance or consider standalone MOOCs. However, you may have to pay for the certificate from a MOOC or forfeit having one.
Moreover, you can apply for scholarships or grants from government and non-profit organizations. If your application goes through, you can complete your civil engineering associate degree program for a reduced price or possibly even free of charge. You can inquire about financial aid opportunities from your school’s financial office.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree Graduates
Civil engineering associate degree graduates have promising salaries and job outlooks. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a two percent growth rate in the civil engineering field from 2020 to 2030. This projection is due to the increase in population and the indispensable need to improve old and worn-out infrastructures.
BLS has also predicted that there will be over 5,000 civil engineering job opportunities each year in the next nine years. By earning the required skills, networking with industry leaders, and curating a well-defined resume, you can land one of the top-paying jobs for civil engineering associate degree graduates. Keep reading below for more information.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Civil Engineering Associate Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a civil engineering associate degree, especially with the expected growth in the industry. Besides, online civil engineering associate programs prepare students for the job market, providing career services and internship placements. An online civil engineering associate degree can also compete with a traditional degree during recruitment sessions.
What’s the Average Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree Salary?
According to PayScale, the average salary for someone with an online civil engineering associate degree is $62,000 per year. While this is a median salary, it may differ according to the job position, experience, skillset, qualifications, company structure, and location.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree?
Some of the jobs you can get with an online civil engineering associate degree are civil engineering technician, quality control inspector, and surveying/mapping technician. You can also become a construction equipment operator or building inspector. Generally, most engineering occupations have a high annual wage, so you’ll have several high-paying career options to choose from after graduation.
Civil Engineering Degree Jobs
- Quality control inspector
- Construction equipment operator
- Drafter
- Construction and building inspector
- Civil engineering technician
Potential Careers With an Online Civil Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree?
With an online civil engineering associate degree, you can make between $40,000 and $60,000 per year. You may also make above this range depending on your job position, experience and skillset, location, and company. You can be confident about making a legitimate income with your online civil engineering associate degree.
We have listed some high-paying jobs, salaries, and job growth rates in the civil engineering field below. This will enable you to weigh your options and know what jobs to apply for. Check out the next section for more details.
Highest-Paying Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Civil Engineering Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Construction and Building Inspector | $61,640 |
| Drafter | $60,290 |
| Civil Engineering Technician | $58,320 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $48,290 |
| Quality Control Inspector | $38,580 |
Best Jobs for Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree Grads
The best online civil engineering associate degree jobs will be a great fit for graduates with an associate degree in civil engineering, construction, building management, or any other related engineering field. These jobs are also part of the numerous in-demand jobs in the engineering and infrastructure industry.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online civil engineering associate degree is worth it if you want to begin your civil or construction engineering career sooner. Earning an online civil engineering associate degree will provide you with all the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the industry at a relatively low price.
You can also use your online civil engineering associate degree to further your education, acquiring a bachelor’s and master’s degree. The degree is recognized in the US and can land you a good-paying job within a short time after graduation. It is worth giving a shot, especially as the salary is optimistic.
Additional Reading About Civil Engineering
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Online Civil Engineering Associate Degree FAQ
Yes, civil engineers require a license to operate or provide services to the public. Meeting all licensure requirements shows that you have the necessary skills for the industry. An engineering license also makes you a more attractive job candidate, eligible for promotions, and increases your earning potential.
The major engineering associate degrees are civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering. Note that these associate degrees have different job and education requirements, courses, learning structures, and tuition rates.
The computer requirements needed to take civil engineering online classes are a computer microphone and speakers, up-to-date Windows or Mac OS, and antivirus software. You also need a web camera, AutoCAD, design software, high-speed Internet, elibrary, video conferencing applications, and durable storage capacity.
The eight subfields of civil engineering technology are construction engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, surveying and mapping, soil mechanics, and hydraulic engineering. You can major in these engineering fields while pursuing your online civil engineering associate degree.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
