International study programs: Civil engineering
In pursuing your master’s degree in civil engineering, you’ll learn technical skills required to plan and design buildings and infrastructure that communities use, and you’ll ensure they’re effective, safe and meet regulatory standards.
If this sounds like a rewarding area of study, learn what a civil engineering graduate program entails and whether you’d like to pursue it to build your career as a postgraduate international student.
About civil engineering programs
Civil engineering is among the most popular international study programs available to postgraduate students. Many U.S. colleges and universities offer advanced degree programs in civil engineering. Depending on the institution, you might have the option to choose between a Master of Science degree or a Ph.D. Certain programs offer different specializations, like structural and earthquake engineering, civil engineering materials and transportation engineering.
Courses you might be required to take include:
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- Civil engineering and infrastructure
- Civil engineering drafting
- Ethics in civil engineering
- Engineering surveying
- Probability and statistics for engineers
Your program might also include a capstone or thesis requirement.
At many schools, like Cal State LA, learning outcomes upon completing your master’s in civil engineering include developing a specialized foundation in one of many disciplines, like geotechnical or transportation. Your education should also equip you with leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in preparation for work in the public or private sector.
Completing a civil engineering graduate program typically helps your eligibility for a professional engineer’s (PE) license to practice engineering in the real world.
Demand for civil engineering degrees
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, civil engineer professions are expected to grow. Between 2022 and 2032, jobs in civil engineering are projected to grow 5%, faster than the average 3% job growth for all occupations.
Due to this anticipated workforce demand, it’s no surprise that engineering is the second-most sought after field of study among international students. According to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report, 202,801 international students studied engineering in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Civil engineering master’s degree ROI
Determining the return on investment (ROI) for a master’s degree in civil engineering can help you decide whether this graduate program is right for you. Generally, completing a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) program shows some of the best ROI, compared to other areas of study.
The type of university you attend and degree level also contribute to the ROI for a civil engineering graduate program. The American Society of Civil Engineers found that engineers with a master’s degree earned almost US$14,000 more than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Getting your PE license after graduating from a master’s in civil engineering can also increase your salary potential, if you plan on working in the U.S., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
5 jobs you can get with a civil engineering degree
If a graduate degree in civil engineering is on your top list of international study programs, the next step is understanding the type of work you can get with a civil engineering degree. Below are just a few examples of possible occupations and their pay, according to data updated June 6-18, 2024 by Glassdoor.
1. Transportation engineer
Annual base pay range: US$68,000-US$110,000
Annual average salary: US$86,252
As a transportation engineer, you’re in charge of planning and designing various types of transportation infrastructure. This includes transportation systems, like highways, bridges, roads and ports. Some of the tasks under this job include gathering environmental, population and economic data.
You’ll also identify travel patterns, provide solutions for anticipated challenges, write technical documentation on how to properly maintain and troubleshoot the infrastructure, and ensure projects meet regulation and compliance criteria.
2. Structural engineer
Annual base pay range: US$81,000-US$115,000
Annual average salary: US$96,448
Working as a structural engineer involves planning, designing and analyzing the strength and safety of a structure. This might involve evaluating the materials used for the project, monitoring project progress and determining project constraints.
You’ll also account for the project’s impact on the environment and vice versa. For example, if designing a beachfront hotel, you might consider flood zones or salt damage to materials used. Based on your specialized knowledge, you’ll work alongside other engineers and support teams to ensure that the structure is stable and work is performed safely.
3. Traffic engineer
Annual base pay range: US$75,000-US$121,000
Annual average salary: US$96,139
A traffic engineer plans and designs transportation systems, specifically the infrastructures that support it. This includes traffic control, safety features and lighting. They bring attention to potential safety issues, define capacity restrictions and oversee the general project operations.
4. Design engineer
Annual base pay range: US$88,000-US$141,000
Annual average salary: US$111,309
Design engineers interpret the customer’s needs and collaborate with various network engineers to support the customer’s vision. They use computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering to create 3D models and blueprints of a project. They lead tests against the prototype and address constraints when improving the design.
Like other engineers, they’re responsible for ensuring that the design also takes safety, regulations, timeline and budget into account.
5. Public works director
Annual base pay range: US$114,000-US$181,000
Annual average salary: US$143,501
If you’re looking for a profession where you can leverage your excellent communication and leadership skills, working as a public works director might be for you. This requires a deep engineering background, but operates more in an administrative capacity.
You’ll be responsible for multiple teams within a project, some of which include stakeholders who might not have the technical understanding of an engineer. This is where you’ll need to effectively translate engineer-speak regarding plans, challenges and progress in layman’s terms. As a public works director, you’ll also lead hiring, drafting proposals and setting budgets for each project.
Final thoughts: Getting a civil engineering degree
A master’s degree in civil engineering can help you specialize in a discipline you’re passionate about. Engineering ranks as one of the top graduate programs in terms of ROI, but before reaping the rewards of a high-paying career, you’ll need a plan to pay for school.
Explore scholarship and grant programs from your institution and other sources to help keep your out-of-pocket cost as low as possible. If you still need additional financing for graduate school in the U.S. or Canada, a private student loan might help.
See how an MPOWER Financing loan can help you finance your civil engineering degree.
