Civil Engineer Education and Training Key Terms

Enhance your civil engineer earning potential through education and training key terms

By Renee Baumgardner

The field of civil engineering includes the design of bridges, roads and other infrastructure, construction of dams, operation of landfills and water and wastewater treatment plants. One’s civil engineering education does not end upon completion of the degree. Continued education and training such as completing certificate programs in Urban Water Resources Design is essential to remain informed on the latest in technology and materials related to the field. Courses in civil engineering related fields that can enhance one’s career and earning potential include courses in surveying engineering technology.

Surveying engineering technology

Surveying engineering technology involves the development of technical reports, knowledge of field and office survey procedures and techniques and ability to perform land title surveys. Careers available to individuals holding a degree in surveying engineering technology include land surveying, field technician, mapping technologist, project surveyor and GPS surveyor.
Try: For information on surveying engineering technology, refer to the Alfred State University website.

Urban Water Resources Design Certificate

An Urban Water Resources Design Certificate entails the study of urban hydraulic and hydrologic systems and involves course work in open channel hydraulics, urban hydrology and storm water management, water resources planning management and watershed modeling.
Try: Refer to Villanova University’s College of Engineering website for information on earning a certificate in Urban Water Resources Design.

Civil engineering continuing education courses

Continuing education courses are an effective way for one to stay current on the field of civil engineering and may allow one to earn continuing education credits. Available asphalt-related continuing education courses include asphalt pavement preservation and rehabilitation and hot mix asphalt pavement construction.
Try: For information on civil engineering continuing education courses, refer to Auburn University’s College of Engineering.

Forensic engineering seminars

Forensic engineering involves the investigation of materials or structures that do not operate as designed and cause property damage, personal injury or loss of life. Forensic engineering investigations determine the cause of the failure such as faulty materials, materials past their life cycle or construction methods. Types of forensic engineering investigations include bridge and building collapses and industrial and vehicle accidents.
Try: Visit the PEPDH.com website for information on forensic engineering seminars.

Cold regions engineering

Cold weather is a factor civil engineers have to take into account when designing, constructing and maintaining projects. Cold weather affects pavement and other materials, roads, bridges and other infrastructure, such as water and sewer utilities.
Try: For information on cold regions engineering conferences, refer to the American Society of Civil Engineers website.

Professional engineer licensing

A civil engineer may earn professional licensing by meeting qualifications such as earning an engineering degree from an accredited college or university, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, meeting work experience requirements and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination.
Try: Refer to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying for more information on obtaining Professional Engineering licensure.