Is pursuing a master’s degree in civil engineering worth it?
Most civil engineers begin their careers by obtaining a bachelor's degree. Today, however, the increasing need to differentiate yourself in the job market and the demand for deeper expertise have many wondering: would pursuing a graduate degree really be worth it?
While salary considerations are an important, top-of-mind factor in determining your return on investment, this article will cover other benefits like networking, deepening your knowledge of the field through specialization, and increasing your social impact.
Elevated salary and projected industry growth
As earnings often correlate with educational level, obtaining a master’s degree in civil engineering can have a significant impact on income. Moreover, the demand for civil engineers is expected to grow five percent between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Career paths and networking
While advancing your higher education in civil engineering beyond a bachelor’s degree isn’t mandatory, a master's degree can help you stand out against other candidates, obtain higher salaries, and reach more lucrative career paths.
Civil engineers with a graduate degree can find engineering jobs in:
Construction projects
Infrastructure projects
Renewable energy
Water resources
Enrolling in a civil engineering master's program can also help you build a strong network with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. Many programs provide networking opportunities that help engineering graduates find work directly through their university or alumni network.
A pathway to developing a specialization
Master’s programs typically build upon an undergraduate degree in civil engineering and offer the chance to develop advanced skills. By entering a graduate-level civil engineering program, you will deepen your understanding of how outside factors impact projects, as well as how your projects impact society at large. For example, a master’s degree in civil engineering will help you develop innovative thinking approaches to address complex problems.
Graduate degree programs also provide an opportunity for specialization, allowing you to further develop your expertise in a specific area of civil engineering or a related field, opening doors for more specific job opportunities.
Engineers with a graduate civil engineering degree can specialize in fields such as:
Construction engineering
Geotechnical engineering
Materials engineering
Transportation engineering
Flexibility: Can I work while getting a civil engineering master’s degree?
The availability of online master’s programs in civil engineering has ensured that these degrees are more accessible than ever, offering students the option of attending while maintaining their full-time jobs.
Engineering students can attend online programs part-time and at their own pace, and can immediately apply what they learn in the classroom directly to the real world.
The value of a master’s degree in civil engineering
A master’s degree in civil engineering can help you achieve your goals of higher earnings, specialized expertise, expanded networks, and a deeper understanding of the field.
Last updated: January 2024