Career Prospects: Job Opportunities After a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering

While a bachelor's degree in civil engineering can help you secure an entry-level job and a professional license, accelerating your career and earning higher salaries often requires a master's degree.

In this article, find an overview of what you need to know to understand job opportunities and salary benefits of pursuing a master's degree in civil engineering.

Specialized Knowledge and Networking: Benefits of Civil Engineering Master’s Degree

Master’s degrees develop students’ skills in civil engineering by building upon their bachelor’s degree coursework. In graduate-level civil engineering programs, students deepen their understanding of their work and how that work impacts society.

Graduate degree programs also allow students to choose a specialization, further developing their expertise in specific domains of civil engineering, and opening doors to specific interests and job opportunities. Generally, civil engineers who are highly specialized in their domain are sought after in the job market.

In addition to specialization, a master of science in civil engineering will help you network with peers, faculty, and other industry professionals. Degree programs provide networking opportunities and facilitate job hunting for engineering graduates directly through their alumni network.

An Essential Occupation: From Building Bridges to Designing Water Systems

Emsi indicates that civil engineering jobs are projected to grow by four percent in the next 10 years. This positive job outlook is anchored by the fact that civil engineers are essential to the safe and efficient functioning of our society. From building bridges to designing water systems, much of society operates on infrastructure built by civil engineers.

Stable Income Across Job Descriptions

The median salary for all entry-level civil engineers in the U.S. is $88,566, according to Emsi. While highest paying civil engineering positions depend heavily on years of experience, level of education has a significant impact on income in this field. Civil engineers with a master's degree earn a higher average salary than those with a bachelor’s, typically earning an average of $126,673 a year.

Some of the most common job titles for civil engineers with a master’s degree include:

• Civil Engineer

• Construction Engineer

• Construction Project Manager

• Design Engineer

• Engineering Manager

• Environmental Engineer

• Field Engineer

• Geotechnical Engineer

• Mechanical Engineer

• Project Manager

• Site Engineer

• Structural Engineer

• Water Resources Engineer

Take the Next Step in Your Career: Explore Master’s Degree Programs

With a steady increase in new jobs projected for the next decade, investing in a civil engineering career is a smart move for many professionals.

The rise of online master’s degree programs has made investing in such a career more attainable than ever. Top-ranked universities are offering online master’s degrees at affordable prices, designed specifically for busy professionals.

To learn more about the program, including coursework and application requirements, visit our program page and fill out the Request for Information Form.

Last updated: October 2021