Best Online Civil Engineering Degrees 2025
Our list shows the very best online civil engineering degree programs based on student success. Our list features institutionally accredited colleges offering online bachelor's programs in civil engineering ranked by the number of program graduates.
Key Takeaways:
- Old Dominion University ranks #1 for its Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology - Civil Engineering Technology, which graduates 34 students last year.
- The University of North Dakota has a 91% recommendation rate from students we've surveyed.
- Liberty University hosts over 35,000 online students as a whole, making it a popular option.
To learn about our selection process, read our full methodology.
Best Online Civil Engineering Degrees 2025
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Dominion University | 34 | $13,170 | $84,251 | 89% | |
| University of North Dakota | 32 | $15,570 | $86,788 | 94% | |
| Liberty University | 7 | $11,700 | N/A | 76% |
Best Online Civil Engineering Degrees 2025 - Program Details
- Graduates: 34
- Annual Tuition: $13,170
- Median Salary: $73,744
- Recommendation: 89%
Why we like them: ODU earns its top ranking because it has the highest total civil engineering graduates (34 as of the most recent data). The program has ABET (ETAC) accreditation, which ensures a recognized standard of quality and industry relevance. It prepares you for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the initial step towards professional engineering licensure in many states.
- Graduates: 32
- Annual Tuition: $15,570
- Median Salary: $74,705
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: At UND, you can pursue the only online bachelor's degree in civil engineering available across both North Dakota and Minnesota. The program features a combined bachelor's and master's option that allows you to earn both degrees in less time. UND has accreditation by ABET and it ensures preparation for the NCEES FE examination, helping your licensure prospects in all 50 states.
- Graduates: 7
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 76%
Why we like them: Liberty's BS in Civil Engineering has all online classes as well as two required on-campus intensives. These intensives provide in-person training in areas like material properties, fluid dynamics, and surveying, giving students critical practical experience that purely online programs often lack. The program holds ABET accreditation as well.
What Is a Civil Engineering Online Degree?
A bachelor's degree in civil engineering aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to become civil engineers and design critical infrastructure. Program faculty offer classes on physics, materials science, calculus, and structural mechanics to ensure that students understand how to create safe structures such as roads, bridges, and dams.
Given online education's rising popularity, some schools offer online bachelor's degrees through distance learning platforms. Online learners usually take asynchronous classes with no live meetings, but this varies by school. Some civil engineering programs require students to attend campus once or twice a year for intensive laboratory sessions. At other times, enrollees might complete lab work with at-home kits or virtual simulators.
Interested in affordable civil engineering degrees? Explore our rankings of the most affordable online bachelor's in engineering and affordable master's in civil engineering degrees.
Degree Requirements
Online bachelor's degrees in civil engineering usually have 120-130 credit hours of coursework split between general education and major classes. These programs might take as little as four years to complete with a full-time schedule. However, many students take more than four years to finish, and colleges often have part-time degree plans for enrollees who need to balance work with school and other responsibilities.
Particular programs might require an internship or externship to give you practical work experience. This means you'll work in person at a location approved by your program's administrators, even if all of your courses are online.
Civil Engineering Courses
Required courses for a civil engineering major focus on applying the lessons of mathematics, physics, geology, material mechanics, and other disciplines to the construction of public works. Because civil engineers usually work for or alongside government agencies, many degrees include courses in public policy, along with discussions of professional ethics and project management. To give applicants a flavor of a civil engineering bachelor's program, we've listed a few common online courses below:
Calculus for Engineers
This branch of mathematics involves the concepts of limits, differential equations, and derivatives. Engineering students focus on using calculus to determine the stress of forces on the different structures they design and build.
Fluid Mechanics
Faculty discuss the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) and the forces that affect them. Students learn how to calculate flow, drag, the conservation rate of mass and momentum, and viscosity. Civil engineering students are introduced to the practical applications of fluid mechanics theories in their field.
Physics for Engineers
Students learn the nature of forces and their various applications in civil infrastructure. These include kinetic energy, magnetism, waves, electricity, and sound waves. Later units in the course may introduce concepts from advanced engineering physics, such as lasers and nanotechnology.
Structural Mechanics
In this online class, professors discuss structural engineering in terms of the forces that hold structures together and the various materials that civil engineers can use to build. Students test a variety of physical loads to determine a structure's strength. Faculty may dedicate lessons to structural failure and ways to mitigate the physical stresses that can lead to collapse.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering Degree?
Most of these degrees are designed specifically to train the next generation of civil engineers. But not everyone's path is identical after college; you might choose to pursue a graduate degree in this or another engineering specialty, or you may want to enter the workforce right away.
Most civil engineering graduates go on to have careers as . As of May 2022, this occupation has a median annual salary of $89,940, or nearly twice the national median for all jobs combined. The field is growing at an average rate of 5% in the 2022-2032 period. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) most recently counted 326,300 civil engineers working in the U.S., with about 21,200 job openings expected each year through the end of the decade.
You don't necessarily need a state license to , but you'll almost certainly need one to work on public projects. This is the majority of what most civil engineers do, so most end up getting licensed. See your state's department of licensing for details on requirements in your area.
As discussed, civil engineering education provides good training for other engineering fields. Bachelor's graduates might opt for jobs as or instead.
Other Engineering Specializations
Engineering is a broad field with many narrower specialties, including civil engineering. But engineering students usually develop many math, science, design, and soft skills during their education that translate well to other specialties. For example, a civil engineering student's understanding of structural weight loads and design processes might prove useful in an aerospace engineering role.
For this reason, some bachelor's graduates go on to earn different types of engineering degrees in graduate school. Others enter the workforce in related for employers who trust in their transferable skills. Here is a list of engineering disciplines you might also consider once you have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering:
Aerospace Engineering
Those with aerospace engineering degrees create either planes and helicopters (aeronautical engineering) or spacecraft (astronautical engineering). They follow meticulous safety and testing protocols during all design and manufacturing phases.
Chemical Engineering
Those who graduate with chemical engineering degrees can help create new chemicals and develop new uses for existing compounds. Most of them often work in corporate research and development departments.
Computer Engineering
These professionals earn computer engineering degrees in order to design computer hardware and components. They often work closely with software engineers.
Industrial Engineering
An industrial engineering degree is perfect for those who want to design and improve processes for manufacturers. They take into account the equipment, physical layout, and workflow for each space they work on, then collect and analyze data to determine the efficiency of their ideas.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering degree graduates become the engineers who design machines of all kinds. This field has one of the slowest foreseeable rates of job growth because of improvements in mechanical automation and efficiency.
Software Engineering
These professionals, who earned software engineering degrees, design software and applications for computer platforms, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. They typically work closely with software developers, providing the conceptual and project-management knowledge developers help translate into finished products.
Further Education
tends to lead to higher salaries and lower rates of unemployment. Engineering employers may even give preference to management candidates with advanced degrees.
Civil engineering master's degrees feature coursework on advanced concepts, usually within a program concentration to help students specialize. Some common concentrations include geotechnical engineering, structural analysis and design, and transportation systems. Faculty might also emphasize leadership skills that graduates can use in management roles.
For those on a budget, check out our list of the most affordable master's degrees in civil engineering based on low tuition.
Apply To An Online Master's in Civil Engineering
A typical college application timeline begins up to a year before actually starting classes. Most candidates apply to college sometime between November and February when enrolling for the fall term.
Most colleges ask applicants for the following items:
-
Official high school or GED transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 2.0-2.5 (though minimums can vary)
-
A letter of recommendation from a teacher
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A personal statement on education and career goals
-
Official ACT or SAT scores, with minimums that vary by school (note that some schools have dropped entrance exam requirements)
FAQs About Bachelor's in Civil Engineering Programs
What Can You Do With a Civil Engineering Degree?
You can become a civil engineer with a bachelor's degree in this major, but you might also find a related type of engineering job. This depends on how well you can convince interviewers that your knowledge and skills match what they're seeking.
What Is the Difference Between Civil Engineering and Architecture?
Civil engineers design infrastructure, including transportation and public works utilities, while architects design buildings where people live and work. Both jobs call for some of the same knowledge and skills, such as the physics of loads and an understanding of construction materials.
If designing buildings sounds more appealing than designing infrastructure, you might consider an online architecture degree instead.
Is Civil Engineering Hard?
Civil engineering programs are STEM degrees, so most challenges are related to math and science. You might find this major relatively easy if you excel in these subjects, but you could still struggle with new concepts, technological tools, or soft skills such as critical thinking and collaboration.
Why Is Civil Engineering Important?
Civil engineers design and build the everyday infrastructure that helps societies function smoothly. You've benefited from their expertise and hard work if you've ever walked down a street, driven across a bridge, or drank water from a tap.
What Else Should You Consider?
A college education is a serious commitment, so it's important to consider all the factors that matter to you. The questions below might help start this process:
Is this school accredited?
Institutional accreditation is an important marker of quality. It means that an independent organization has thoroughly reviewed the quality of a college's academic standards, curricula, faculty, and services. You can usually find a school's accreditation status on its website or through the U.S. Department of Education's .
Is this online civil engineering program accredited?
Civil engineering program administrators usually seek programmatic accreditation through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Some states require civil engineers to hold an ABET-accredited degree in order to get a license, so it's important to understand the regulations in the state where you want to work before committing to a program. ABET has historically accredited few fully online civil engineering degree programs, so you might need to attend an on-campus or hybrid program to improve your professional prospects.
ABET has a of both online and on-campus programs.
Do I want to study online?
Accreditation is the most important factor when considering an online degree. But beyond this, you should consider the nature of online education itself; starting an online education may feel exciting or nerve-wracking, depending on your personality.
Distance learning is flexible and convenient but also less structured than traditional education, so you need the discipline to stay on top of deadlines. At times, you might feel disconnected from colleagues and professors, so be sure to interact with them in discussion forums and consider creating virtual study groups to forge helpful relationships.
What other factors are important to me?
You may want a college stocked with well-reviewed support services. Perhaps a personal friend recommends faculty members at a particular school. Or you might appreciate a diverse student makeup and robust inclusion policies. Think about what your dream college would have, then try to find a real school that matches this as closely as possible.
Student Reviews of Online Civil Engineering Programs
Practical application engineering versus theoretical. Got a great job doing the exact same thing People who received their Engineering degree do. Be ready to fight the Civil engineering technology stigma though.
Review Date: 9/23/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Started off great at Trine until I realized all the school and professors care about is money. I talked to my advisor for 2 years about getting a minor in environmental engineering. When it came time to schedule classes he sat back and watched me not add a course I needed to achieve my minor. What is the point of an advisor who doesn't advise? Based on what I was using as a reference I was on track to get my minor. He also told me I was done with all of my chat credits, come to find out with only... Read More
Review Date: 11/30/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Manhattan college is a great school for engineering. The alumni are very involved and the college has a mentoring program. It is a school that offers small classes so your professors really get to know you. The career center is very helpful with finding jobs as well as internships.
Review Date: 9/7/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The quality of instruction is extremely high; all of the faculty are very knowledgeable in their fields.
Review Date: 4/23/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Florida International University is a great and affordable public college. There a lot of opportunities for scholarships both for local and international students. It has a lot of diversity in its student population which is part of the FIU experience. The campus is modern with an amazing recreational center and dormitory and one of the best I have seen so far as they are always upgrading and constructing new buildings. Plus the campus is literally in the heart of Miami close to the airport and downtown.The... Read More
Review Date: 6/27/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Utah State has been an amazing experience for me. There are three universities in my state that provide a program for civil engineering. Upon researching the three schools, I thought that Utah State University would be the right fit for me, and I don't regret it at all. Logan is a beautiful city and Utah State provided the atmosphere that I wanted. I made some awesome friends there. The program gave me hands-on experience. Utah State engineering graduates have a great reputation for being very will... Read More
Review Date: 12/17/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attend the University of Illinois for four years and obtained my undergraduate degree in civil engineering.
I think that the way that the university and especially the Grainger College of Engineering stands out is the resources they are able to provide for their students- which put you on the best road to success. Through the college I was able to attend career fairs which landed my first internship- which led to a full time offer, I was able to get free tutoring which helped me significant perform... Read More
Review Date: 7/9/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This school has a lot of potential. My graduating year got the raw end of the stick, we never really got the classes we needed and if you failed a class it was hard to graduate on time. However, they have made great strides in trying to resolve this issue by redoing some of the curriculum in some of the classes and adding more classes that are diverse.
Review Date: 5/16/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended FSU for my undergrad majoring in engineering. The school provides lots of resources for the students; job fairs, printing services, computer labs equipped with common engineering programs. It is a little difficult in the first years of study to have the engineering campus separate from main campus and have to travel between the two. However, once you get into all engineering courses it is nice to have a separate campus, parking is easier and your surrounded by like minded individuals.... Read More
Review Date: 3/1/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Oklahoma State University is a fantastic college with pros outweighing the cons 100 to 1. As an institution, OSU is very accessible because all the different departments are within a short walking distance of one another, and any service a student could need (financial, academic, etc.) are located under one roof. The campus is also very enjoyable to walk through because the various greenery and landscaping combine for a gorgeous outing, even outside of walking to class. The staff is very friendly,... Read More
Review Date: 1/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Located on a fun mountain town with plenty of hiking and is quickly expanding. At the time I began studying at Northern Arizona University I had small class sizes of about 15-20 students. In the coming years, this quickly grew to a 30-40 student class size. I was an honors student and a Interdisciplinary Global Program (IGP) student. The engineering program felt underfunded at times, but I had great instructors that gave me an overall great experience.
Review Date: 12/30/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Georgia Tech has an amazing civil engineering program. The classes are difficult, but there are lots of resources on campus to help you like tutors, TA's, the passion of other students, and weekly professor office hours. There are five concentrations you can participate in including structures, geotech, transportation, and environmental engineering.
Review Date: 3/16/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed my time studying at the University of Alabama at Birmingham because I was able to interact with the professors and students better due classes being smaller. UAB is a diverse, beautiful college and I hope other students choose to study here as well.
Review Date: 5/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Florida Atlantic University Civil Engineering Department is a great place to earn your degree. I am graduating in the fall and must say that it was a great program. The professors teach you the fundamental concepts needed to succeed. While some of the course seem difficult, the professors want to make sure that you learn the subject to prepare you to take the FE. I would recommend anyone to go there.
Review Date: 4/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
University of Oklahoma (OU) is a remarkable university that has a lot to offer their students. The curriculum is challenging, and there are a lot of activities to be involved with here. Some of the most rewarding experiences of my life have come during my time here at OU. Especially the organizations like ASCE, that gave me an idea of what my life will be like after school and how I can prepare for the change.
Review Date: 3/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The UT Austin Civil Engineering is very good about providing its students with resources and opportunities to grow as individuals and as academics. This campus allows you to not only develop yourself as a student but also interact with a booming city in the state of Texas filled with even more opportunities for growth. The department is also equipped with highly achieved professionals in the respective fields.
Review Date: 3/31/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Overall Great School, Not to big students wise, but still all the opportunities and reputation of a big state school. Campus is beautiful and the social scene is excellent. Would recommend for any Engineering student! I love it so much I am staying for grad school at Lehigh
Review Date: 8/26/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
BUY is a great school for anyone who wants to be surrounded by people with high morso standards. As it is operated by the ODD faith you can be guaranteed to always be in a safe and wholesome environment. BUY grads are well respected throughout the world as there reputation proceeds them. Any field chosen at BUY will be a successful choice.
Review Date: 6/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended Brigham Young University from 2011 to 2016. I cannot believe how much I grew in those 5 years. I completed a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. I also had the opportunity to study and live in Jerusalem for a semester through the BYU Jerusalem Study Abroad. BYU was an amazing school to attend. Aside from the wonderful education provided, I was able to receive scholarships and grants through BYU and the Civil Engineering department every semester that I attended.... Read More
Review Date: 6/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Studying at Brigham Young University was a life-changing experience for me. The classes were rigorous, especially since I was studying engineering and pre-medical classes at the same time, and there were times when I felt overwhelmed by it all. Eventually I began to learn how to learn, to think critically, and to solve complex problems. Even more importantly, I had professors and classmates who pushed me to be a better person. BYU is simply the best valued education in the entire US in my biased... Read More
Review Date: 3/29/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes