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undergraduate

Civil engineering


What is a civil engineering major?

Civil engineering students generally apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of structural, load-bearing, material moving, transportation, water resource, and material control systems; and environmental safety measures.

18%

of students said interesting challenges were a highlight of this major.

83%

of students found this major to be difficult.

23%

of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.

97%

of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.

20%

of students said complex concepts were a challenging aspect of the major.

How much do civil engineering majors make?

median average salary

$95,000/yr

The national average salary for civil engineering graduates in the United States is $95,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $195,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $40,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, civil engineering graduates typically make between $65,000 and $134,000 per year.

How popular is civil engineering as a major?

Each year, around 14,400 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 120 students obtain an associate degree in civil engineering. In 2021, 15,193 students received a bachelor's degree and 127 students received an associate degree. This is relatively the same number of civil engineering majors as there were in 2020. Civil engineering is one of the most popular majors within engineering.

Advice from civil engineering majors

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CUNY Hunter College
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