The field of Civil engineering is one of the oldest branches of engineering. Civil engineering is about railways, roads, schools, offices, hospitals, water and power supply and much more. According to Wikipedia Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewerage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways. According to research, the civil engineering occupation is expected to grow about 19 percent. In this article, we’ll be looking at who a Civil Engineer is, Civil Engineering job prospects in Illinois, necessary requirements to become a Civil Engineer in Illinois, and the best accredited Civil Engineering schools in Illinois. But meanwhile, here below is an overview of what you’ll see in this article.
What Is Civil Engineering?
Civil Engineering is the design and construction of public works, such as dams, bridges, and other big infrastructure projects. It is one of the adored branches of engineering, dating back to when people first commenced living in permanent settlements and began fashioning their environments to suit their needs. In this, all aspects of building a structure fall under the remit of a civil engineer. This can include planning, design, budgeting, surveying, construction management, and analysis. Civil engineering careers encompass a combination of all these elements. In contemporary years, civil engineering has adapted to consider many present environmental concerns, helping to address issues of pollution and scarce water supplies, while examining the potential of sustainable energy within the industry.
What Does A Civil Engineer Do?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), civil engineers “design, construct, supervise, operate and maintain large construction projects and systems, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment,”. Furthermore, Civil Engineers may also handle site preparation activities, such as excavation, earthmoving, and grading for large construction projects. In addition, civil engineers may conduct or write the specifications for harmful or nondestructive testing of the performance, reliability, and long-term durability of materials and structures. Asides the regular office work, Civil Engineers also go to project sites to monitor construction. They ensure projects are being done efficiently and answer questions raised by the workers. Civil Engineers speak about projects to governing boards and the general public. They also write documents about the project like responses to requests for proposals, status updates, and technical reports. In addition to a college degree in civil engineering, civil engineers who sign off on project plans or supervise other civil engineers must be licensed according to rules stipulated by state governments. Licensing processes include several exams and require years of work experience. In the end, licensed civil engineers earn the appellation of a professional engineer (or PE).
How To Become A Civil Engineer In Illinois
Civil engineering is an exciting career on each step of the professional ladder. Whether holding a bachelor’s degree and starting out with entry-level positions or moving into collegiate teaching like a seasoned professional, there are many different pathways that can be taken. Carefully read through to see the steps needed to begin a career in Civil Engineering.
EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
Bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering are widely offered and serve as the basic level of education required to start working. Under such programs, students take a number of courses in mathematics, engineering, statistics, fluid dynamics, and architectural design. They learn through a variation of mediums, including class lectures, internships or co-ops, and on-site fieldwork. In a bachelor’s degree, students may also have the opportunity to concentrate their knowledge in a particular area through specialized coursework and a research project. Those seeking doctoral-level degrees most often aspire to teach at the postsecondary level or work in high-level consulting roles. As part of degree specifications, candidates complete a large-scale original research project and undergo examinations.
COMPLETE A CIVIL ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP
Almost all programs require at least one semester or summer-long internship to fulfill degree requirements. Students utilize these experiences to apply theories they’ve studied in the classroom, learn practical skills, and gain acumen in a particular area of the field they may be interested in pursuing. These shots also serve students well for future employment, allowing them to network with other professionals, receive mentorship from a good Civil Engineer, and possibly input their expertise into a job after graduation. The majority of internships are finished in the junior or senior year of study.
CHOOSING A SPECIALTY/CONCENTRATION
Because the field includes multiple areas of work, most students elect to specialize in a particular area. Some of the common concentrations include construction engineering, structural engineering, land development, and use, transportation engineering, or geotechnical engineering, and a whole lot more. Undergraduates typically spend 12 to 18 credit hours covering special topics in these areas, and may even complete an internship centered on their chosen specialization.
SUCCESSFULLY PASS RELEVANT EXAMS FOR CERTIFICATION
Civic engineers who wish to offer their services publicly must go through the following steps to be properly licensed. While specific rules are governed by individual states, some of the most common requirements include:
Attend an ABET-accredited institution.Undertake the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination directly after completing a baccalaureate degree.Become a Civic Engineering (CE) intern, also known as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).Complete a minimum number of professional hours, meet benchmarks along the way, and complete the Principles and Practices of Engineering (PE) examination to become a CE Professional.
The American Society of Civil Engineers offers support to civil engineers in training with a variety of test preparation aid and information about testing centers. Because individuals must be licensed in all states and Washington D.C. to be able to practice. Therefore, you have to devote the proper amount of time to studying and preparing for these examinations.
LAND AN ENTRY-LEVEL JOB
After taking on a number of internships during college and completing the Engineer-in-Training phase, it’s possible that individuals will acquire a good number of contacts within the field via their networking efforts. Because civil engineering still functions more like a modern apprenticeship model, moving into the first professional role is typically accomplished through existing contacts. All students and interns should make sure they are doing their best work, asking questions, learning practical skills, and meeting as many professionals as possible. You can scout for jobs via ASCE and Engineering Jobs.
Entry Requirements To Study Civil Engineering In Illinois
Civil engineering skills are strongly rooted in mathematics and science, and a high level of knowledge in these subjects is required in order to predict the performance and capability of the structures they create. For this reason, students with solid backgrounds in physics and mathematics who are also keen on designing functional structures, from bridges to hydropower systems, are top candidates to study civil engineering. Furthermore, entry requirements for those wishing to study civil engineering degrees vary between institutions, most universities ask for solid academic grades in mathematics and science subjects. Due to the specialized nature of civil engineering, many courses are highly discriminating and competitive, meaning that top grades (in the UK, three As at A-level) are a common requirement among leading schools.
What Jobs Can You Get With A Civil Engineering Degree in Illinois?
After attending an accredited Civil Engineering school in Illinois, your services will greatly be needed in vast fields. Civil Engineering, as a practical degree, covers a lot of ground when it comes to knowing our surroundings and how to work with it, but, in the future, you will have to settle on specialization and follow the line. Some of the most popular careers available to a graduate of Civil Engineering are:
Construction manager
Construction managers are in charge of working sites. With knowledge on the most basic things, like weather, costs, team, and time management, managers have to be the eyes and ears of the person who hired them and have to see that everything works perfectly.
Geo technical engineer
Geo technicians have to be on the outlook for everything nature-related and know how to handle waste disposal, flood control, when and where to build a dam or a bridge, and so on.
Environmental engineer
Environmental engineers take care of the planet and make it conducive for us all. As an environmental engineer, you will get to go and restore landscapes and nature from what other people ruin. Furthermore, you will get to explain to other people what a healthy indoor and outdoor environment is, and what to do in the future to stop wrecking our planet.
Public Health engineer
A public health engineer is charged with designing tools and developing systems that prevent injuries and sicknesses. While most are hired in government agencies, some work in the private sector in consulting companies. Public health engineers apply engineering principles in order to detect, control, evaluate, and manage environmental factors that affect public health. Additionally, they investigate public water supplies, sewage systems, public swimming pools, and hospitality businesses regarding water quality controls.
Transportation engineer
A Transportation Engineer designs or updates transportation systems to allow for safe and efficient traffic flow on roadways, airplanes, trains, ships, buses, and more. They do this by analyzing data, identifying problems, and solving them with innovative solutions Transport Engineers earn a mean salary of $79,340 a year. The lowest 10% make about $51,280, while the highest 10% earned around $122,020.
Urban planning engineer
An urban planner engineer is responsible for devising programs and plans regarding land use in towns, cities, and counties. They design policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, and transportation. Additionally, they evaluate environmental impact construction plans may have on land and provides recommendations.
Building control surveyor
Building control surveyors examine areas of health and safety to ensure that building regulations and other regulations are observed when buildings are designed and constructed. They also offer advice when structures do not meet these regulations and will make visits to the construction site at different stages to make sure that the work is being rightly carried out.
Chartered Civil Engineer
If you’d like to work as a chartered civil engineer, you will need to take a postgraduate engineering course (MEng), as well as obtaining a certain amount of professional experience. Undergraduate (BEng) students have a number of other options. Other roles include on-site contract work to oversee and organize practical construction, as well as work for local authorities, utility companies, and large corporations (such as energy companies).
Hydrologist.
Civic engineers also work with hydrologists on projects where underground and surface waters turn into design plans. These professionals learn the principles of precipitation, flooding, groundswell, and soil erosion.
How Much Does A Civil Engineer in Illinois Earn?
The average salary for a civil engineer in Illinois is $79,785. The average salary for civil engineers in local government surpasses the profession’s average by a little.
How Much Does It Cost To Study Civil Engineering In Illinois?
Though the cost of tuition for civil Engineering schools in Illinois varies, there are similarities. The Average In-State Tuition Cost is $15,122 while the average Out-of-State Tuition Cost is $32,264. These are for undergraduate studies. The Average Graduate In-State Tuition Cost is $18,083 while the average Out-of-State Tuition Cost is $31,490.
Best Accredited Civil Engineering Schools In Illinois
Civil Engineering is one interesting and classic profession. However, one of the processes that form a Civil Engineer is through undergoing formal education in the university. Here in this part, you’ll find the list of the best accredited Civil Engineering Schools in Illinois.
1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign is the best civil engineering school in Illinois. The school is a four years public school that has civil engineering programs offered in bachelors, masters, doctoral, and professional degrees. The school has recognized to be among the top best civil engineering school in Illinois. In 2018, the offered about 205 bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering. This brought the school to rank number 2 amongst schools that offer bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering. The University of Illinois at Urbana has also been ranked number #2 of the most popular school for civil eng master’s degree candidates in the country. In addition, 25 students received their doctoral degrees in civil eng in 2018, making the school the #5 most popular school in the United States for this category of students.
2. Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution located at Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern University has a total enrollment of 8,161, with an acceptance rate of 9% only. This shows how competitive the school. Northwestern University is an excellent option for students pursuing a Civil Engineering major. Civil engineering programs from the institution is among the top in Illinois. The institution offers 2 different higher degree levels in civil engineering. The most popular of the programs offered in this school is the Master’s Degree. The Northwestern University Civil Engineering programs are approved by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
3. University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Chicago is one of the best civil engineering schools in Illinois. The school is a public research university that was founded in 1965. The University of Illinois at Chicago is a large institution with an enrollment of 19,254 and an acceptance rate of 77%. The Civil, Material, and Environment Engineering department is the department responsible for training professional civil engineers. They offer 2 different higher degree levels in civil engineering and the most popular of the programs is the Master’s Degree. The University of Illinois at Chicago Civil and Environmental Engineering programs are approved by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
4. Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology is a private research institute founded in Also known as Illinois 1890 and located in Chicago, Illinois. The school is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission (NCACS HLC). Illinois Tech is one of the best civil engineering schools in Illinois. The civil engineering program gives students a problem-solving insight into their career. Programs in Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering programs offered at Illinois Tech are both accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Illinois Tech also offers 2 different higher degree levels in civil engineering, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree.
5. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a private institution located in Illinois. The university is a large public school located in the large suburb of Edwardsville. The school is home to a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is among the top civil engineering schools in Illinois. The civil engineering programs in SIUE are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET which is proof that the university meets the laid out standard. Students interested in pursuing a career in civil engineering in Illinois can find different degree programs here.
6. Lewis university
Lewis University is a private institution that was founded in 1932. The school is located in Romeoville and has an enrollment of around 6,800 students. Lewis University is one of the accredited civil engineering schools in Illinois offering more than 80 undergraduate programs, 37 masters and two doctoral programs. The university is named among the top 5 best private college value and one of the accredited schools that offers the best civil engineering programs in Illinois. They have some of the best educators and research facilities for civil engineering. The Lewis university Civil Engineering programs are approved by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
7. Bradley University
Bradley University is a private not-for-profit university that was founded in 1897. The school is located at Peoria Illinois with and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,606. Bradley University is one of the best accredited civil engineering colleges in Illinois that offers programs in Civil Engineering. They offer Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in civil engineering. One exciting thing about this school is the fact that none of the courses at Bradley are taught by teaching assistants but full-fledged professors. The Bradley University Civil Engineering programs are approved by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
8. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Southern Illinois University is established in 1869 and located in Carbondale, Illinois. SIUC offers one of the best Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in civil engineering in Illinois. The civil engineering program places a high value on technical knowledge, leadership, and research. Students of the civil engineering field learn to create and maintain the infrastructure of modern industrialized society. The Southern Illinois University Engineering programs are approved by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
9. Joliet Junior College
Joliet Junior College is the first public community college founded in the United States. The school is located in Joliet Illinois and has an enrollment of 4685 undergraduate students. The school has an acceptance rate of 100%. Joliet Junior College offers one of the best civil engineering programs in Illinois. The school does a lot more than design buildings and bridges. They work in the aerospace industry, designing jetliners and space stations and lots more.
10. College of Lake County
College of Lake County is a public community college located in Grayslake, Illinois. The school has a total enrollment of 4,164 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 100%. College of Lake County is one of the accredited schools that offers the best civil engineering programs in Illinois. The school runs a two-year program that will prepare you for a successful engineering career. The College of Lake County Civil Engineering programs is approved by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Civil Engineering is the design and construction of public works, such as dams, bridges, and other big infrastructure projects. Though the cost of tuition for civil Engineering schools in Illinois varies, there are shared similarities. The Average In-State Tuition Cost for undergraduate students is $15,122 while the average Out-of-State Tuition Cost is $32,264. Civil engineering has to do with the application of mathematics, physical, and scientific principles for solving the problems of society. International students who wish to pursue a career in any civil engineering college in Illinois must first meet the minimum standardized test score requirements for SAT, ACT, GPA, GRE, and TOEFL scores if required and other requirements.
Conclusion
It is important to only enroll in schools that their civil engineering programs are accredited. This is because you may never get to have a swell time in your career if you don’t acquire your degree from any of the accredited civil engineering schools in Illinois. This is very important. Always be sure to meet all the requirements before applying.
