{"id":2852,"date":"2025-08-21T14:45:41","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T21:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/?p=2852"},"modified":"2026-02-24T13:20:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T21:20:25","slug":"online-civil-engineering-degree-careers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/online-civil-engineering-degree-careers\/","title":{"rendered":"What can you do with an online civil engineering degree?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Explore civil engineering jobs and career paths<\/h2>\n

Now is a great time to earn an online civil engineering degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, more than 22,000 new civil engineering jobs will emerge between 2023 and 2033. And these aren\u2019t low-paying positions. In 2024, a median annual civil engineering salary was $99,590, per the BLS.<\/p>\n

While some civil engineers enter the field for its financial benefits, many stay for the job satisfaction. Consider this: In a 2024 survey from the American Society of Civil Engineers<\/a>, more than 85% of respondents said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their careers.<\/p>\n

There are a number of ways for you to gain this level of career satisfaction, including by earning your civil engineering bachelor\u2019s degree online from Oregon State University<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cCivil engineering jobs are incredibly rewarding \u2014 not only financially and professionally, but also in terms of societal contribution,\u201d said Holly Russell, assistant dean of online programs with the College of Engineering at Oregon State University. \u201cGraduates can find themselves working for public agencies, private firms or international organizations, designing solutions to modern societal and infrastructure challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n

What do civil engineers do?<\/h2>\n

Civil engineering is often associated with worksites surrounding large structures, such as bridges, towers and dams. While structural engineering is a major career opportunity for graduates of online civil engineering programs, it\u2019s not the only option out there.<\/p>\n

Civil engineers can also design models and plans others will build upon. Some participate in on-site coastal engineering and environmental improvement projects. And some civil engineers work close to home in geomatics projects to improve or repair community infrastructure.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe scope of civil engineering is vast,\u201d Russell said. \u201cThis variety ensures that students can find a niche that aligns with their personal interests and skills while still contributing to society in meaningful ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s explore some of the specific areas in which civil engineers shine.<\/p>\n

Structural engineer jobs: Focus on big, lasting projects<\/h2>\n

Most of the large structures that surround and support us every day came from the imagination and talent of structural engineers. Many civil engineering students become structural engineers when they enter the workforce.<\/p>\n

Structural engineering involves using mathematical skills to analyze the forces a structure is subject to and then designing accordingly, according to the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California<\/a>. As a structural engineer, you\u2019ll be a part of long-lasting projects that will improve your community for decades.<\/p>\n

Coastal and ocean engineering jobs: Protect fragile communities and creatures<\/h2>\n

Coastal engineering involves both understanding and harnessing the power of oceans and coastlines. This work is critical for everyone, as climate change causes<\/a> rising water levels and more destructive storms.<\/p>\n

Maritime engineering projects you could work on after earning an online civil engineering degree include adapting ports for higher sea levels, developing coastal defenses to reduce erosion risks and enhancing flood protection.<\/p>\n

Oregon State is uniquely positioned to support students interested in coastal and ocean engineering.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe university\u2019s proximity to the Pacific coast provides students the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research in wave dynamics, shoreline erosion, sea-level rise and marine infrastructure,\u201d said Russell. \u201cStudents have the opportunity to learn from nationally recognized experts in the field who conduct research at state-of-the-art facilities, such as the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory and the Hatfield Marine Science Center.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis focus on applied, research-driven education prepares graduates for roles in addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing coastal communities worldwide,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Planning engineering jobs: Lean into technology and envision the future<\/h2>\n

Some engineering jobs involve data analysis and modeling, helping teams to understand their job sites or helping to refine existing plans to make them more effective or efficient.<\/p>\n

As a geomatics engineer you will collect data with tools like satellites, sensors and uncrewed aircraft. With that information, you will develop sophisticated models that could be used in a variety of different projects.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs digital mapping, smart infrastructure and data-driven city planning become more central to civil engineering, there\u2019s rising demand for professionals skilled in geomatics. Graduates entering this field now are not only filling essential roles left by retirees but are also positioned to shape how next-generation infrastructure is conceptualized and built,\u201d said Russell.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d rather work with natural substances, consider becoming a geotechnical engineer. You\u2019ll use your knowledge to understand and predict the behavior of soil and rock used in foundations and construction projects.<\/p>\n

Environmental engineering jobs: Use your skills to improve the planet<\/h2>\n

What do environmental engineers do? They put their engineering skills to good use to make the world a better place.<\/p>\n

Environmental engineers work on a variety of projects, according to the BLS<\/a>, from waste management to agricultural waste disposal to water resource management.<\/p>\n

You might design wind turbine foundations or develop technology to capture energy generated by waves and tidal movement. You might also increase biodiversity by creating structures that can serve as artificial habitats for struggling marine species.<\/p>\n

In the U.S. News & World Report<\/a> list of best engineering jobs, environmental engineering lands in the top 10. Experts say these engineers have very rewarding jobs that make a difference, and the technical demands of their jobs keep them involved and engaged while at work.<\/p>\n

Prepare for meaningful civil engineering work<\/h2>\n

As a student in Oregon State\u2019s online civil engineering bachelor\u2019s degree program<\/a>, you can choose from one of the following specialties to tailor your education and prepare for the job you want:<\/p>\n