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Best Accredited Civil Engineering Schools in Alabama

  • March 13, 2023

Every aspect of the building has a civil engineer touch, and each civil engineer has an academic laurel on his sleeve.

So, in this article compiled by Kiiky.com, we’ll focus on Alabama’s best accredited civil engineering schools. These schools are marked as the perfect destination to advance your dream of civil engineering.

According to the United States, the Census Bureau pays an average of about $47,351 per hour and about $ 73,415 annually in entry-level education for a bachelor’s degree.

In Alabama, the average salary is $73,340, and while it is slightly lower than the national average, experienced civil engineers are going much further.

According to research, the civil engineering profession is expected to grow approximately 19 percent from 2010 to 2023.

In this post, we’ll consider who is a civil engineer, the prospects for a civil engineering job in Alabama, the requirements to become a civil engineer in Alabama, and the best certified civil engineering schools in Alabama.

Here is an overview of what to expect in this post:

Table of contents

What is Civil Engineering?

Civil Engineering is designing and constructing public works, such as dams, bridges, and other big infrastructure projects. It is one of the adored branches of engineering, dating back to when people first lived in permanent settlements and began fashioning their environments to suit their needs. 

In this, all aspects of building a structure fall under the remit of a civil engineer. This can include planning, design, budgeting, surveying, construction management, and analysis. Civil engineering careers encompass a combination of all these elements.

In recent years, civil engineering has adapted to consider many present environmental concerns, helping to address pollution and scarce water supplies while examining the potential of sustainable energy within the industry.

What Does A Civil Engineer Do?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), civil engineers “design, construct, supervise, operate and maintain large construction projects and systems, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment,”. 

Furthermore, Civil Engineers may also handle site preparation activities, such as excavation, earthmoving, and grading for large construction projects. In addition, civil engineers may conduct or write the specifications for destructive or nondestructive testing of the performance, reliability, and long-term durability of materials and structures. 

Asides the regular office work, Civil Engineers also go to project sites to monitor construction. They ensure projects are being done efficiently and answer questions raised by the workers.

Civil Engineers speak about projects to governing boards and the general public. They also write documents about the project, like responses to proposal requests, status updates, and technical reports.

In addition to a college degree in civil engineering, civil engineers who sign off on project plans or supervise other civil engineers must be licensed according to rules stipulated by state governments. Licensing processes include several exams and require years of work experience. In the end, licensed civil engineers earn the appellation of a professional engineer (or PE).

How To Become A Civil Engineer In Alabama

Civil engineering is an exciting career on each step of the professional ladder. Many different pathways can be taken, whether holding a bachelor’s degree and starting with entry-level positions or moving into collegiate teaching like a seasoned professional. Carefully read through to see the steps needed to begin a career in Civil Engineering.

Earn A Bachelor’s Degree In Civil Engineering

Bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering are widely offered and serve as the basic level of education required to start working. Under such programs, students take mathematics, engineering, statistics, fluid dynamics, and architectural design courses. They learn through various mediums, including class lectures, internships or co-ops, and on-site fieldwork.

In a bachelor’s degree, students may also be able to concentrate their knowledge in a particular area through specialized coursework and a research project.

Those seeking doctoral-level degrees often aspire to teach at the postsecondary level or work in high-level consulting roles. As part of degree specifications, candidates complete a large-scale original research project and undergo examinations.

Complete A Civil Engineering Internship

Almost all programs require at least one semester or summer-long internship to fulfill degree requirements. Students utilize these experiences to apply theories they’ve studied in the classroom, learn practical skills, and gain acumen in a particular area of the field they may be interested in pursuing.

These shots also serve students well for future employment, allowing them to network with other professionals, receive mentorship from a good Civil Engineer, and possibly input their expertise into a job after graduation. Most internships are finished in the junior or senior year of study.

Choosing A Specialty/Concentration

Because the field includes multiple work areas, most students elect to specialize in a particular area. Some of the common concentrations include construction engineering, structural engineering, land development and use, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, and a whole lot more. Undergraduates typically spend 12 to 18 credit hours covering special topics in these areas and may even complete an internship centered on their chosen specialization.

Successfully Relevant Exams For Certification

To be properly licensed, civic engineers who wish to offer their services publicly must go through the following steps. While individual states govern specific rules, some of the most common requirements include:

  • Attend an ABET-accredited institution.
  • Undertake the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination after completing a baccalaureate.
  • Become a Civic Engineering (CE) intern and an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
  • Complete a minimum number of professional hours, meet benchmarks and complete the Principles and Practices of Engineering (PE) examination to become a CE Professional.

The American Society of Civil Engineers supports civil engineers in training with various test preparation aid and information about testing centers. Because individuals must be licensed in all states and Washington D.C. to be able to practice, therefore, you must devote the proper amount of time to studying and preparing for these examinations.

Land An Entry-Level Job

After taking on several internships during college and completing the Engineer-in-Training phase, individuals may acquire many contacts within the field via their networking efforts. Because civil engineering still functions more like a modern apprenticeship model, moving into the first professional role is typically accomplished through existing contacts. All students and interns should ensure they do their best work, ask questions, learn practical skills, and meet as many professionals as possible.  You can scout for jobs via ASCE and Engineering Jobs.

Entry Requirements To Study Civil Engineering In Alabama

Civil engineering skills are strongly rooted in mathematics and science; a high level of knowledge in these subjects is required to predict the performance and capability of the structures they create. For this reason, students with solid backgrounds in physics and mathematics who are also keen on designing functional structures, from bridges to hydropower systems, are top candidates to study civil engineering.

Furthermore, entry requirements for those wishing to study civil engineering degrees vary between institutions, most universities ask for solid academic grades in mathematics and science subjects. Due to the specialized nature of civil engineering, many courses are highly discriminating and competitive, meaning that top grades (in the UK, three As at A-level) are a common requirement among leading schools.

What Jobs Can You Get With A Civil Engineering Degree in Alabama?

After attending an accredited Civil Engineering school in Alabama, your services will greatly be needed in vast fields.

Civil Engineering, as a practical degree, covers a lot of ground regarding knowing our surroundings and how to work with it, but, in the future, you will have to settle on specialization and follow the line. Some of the most popular careers available to a graduate of Civil Engineering are:

Construction manager

Construction managers are in charge of working sites. With knowledge on the most basic things, like weather, costs, team, and time management, managers have to be the eyes and ears of the person who hired them and have to see that everything works perfectly.

Geo technical engineer

Geo technicians have to be on the outlook for everything nature-related and know how to handle waste disposal, flood control, when and where to build a dam or a bridge, and so on.

Environmental engineer

Environmental engineers care for the planet and make it conducive for us all. As an environmental engineer, you will get to go and restore landscapes and nature from what other people ruin. Furthermore, you will get to explain to other people what a healthy indoor and outdoor environment is and what to do in the future to stop wrecking our planet.

Public Health Engineer

A public health engineer designs tools and develops systems that prevent injuries and sicknesses. While most are hired in government agencies, some work in the private sector in consulting companies.

Public health engineers apply engineering principles to detect, control, evaluate, and manage environmental factors that affect public health. Additionally, they investigate public water supplies, sewage systems, public swimming pools, and hospitality businesses regarding water quality controls.

Transportation engineer

A Transportation Engineer designs or updates transportation systems for safe and efficient traffic flow on roadways, airplanes, trains, ships, buses, and more. They do this by analyzing data, identifying and solving problems with innovative solutions.

Transport Engineers earn a mean salary of $79,340 a year. The lowest 10% make about $51,280, while the highest 10% earned around $122,020.

Urban planning engineer

An urban planner engineer is responsible for devising programs and plans regarding land use in towns, cities, and counties. They design policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, and transportation. Additionally, they evaluate environmental impact construction plans may have on land and provides recommendations.

Building control surveyor

Building control surveyors examine areas of health and safety to ensure that building and other regulations are observed when buildings are designed and constructed. They also offer advice when structures do not meet these regulations and will make visits to the construction site at different stages to make sure that the work is being rightly carried out.

Chartered Civil Engineer

If you’d like to work as a chartered civil engineer, you will need to take a postgraduate engineering course (MEng), as well as obtain a certain amount of professional experience. Undergraduate (BEng) students have several other options. Other roles include on-site contract work to oversee and organize practical construction and work for local authorities, utility companies, and large corporations (such as energy companies).

Hydrologist.

Civic engineers also work with hydrologists on projects where underground and surface waters turn into design plans. These professionals learn the principles of precipitation, flooding, groundswell, and soil erosion.

How Much Does A Civil Engineer in Alabama Earn?

The numbers waver, but civil engineers earn an average $73,415. The top 10% of earners make more than $113,827. The bottom 10% make less than $47,351.

How Much Does It Cost To Study Civil Engineering In Alabama?

Though the cost of tuition for civil Engineering schools in Alabama varies, there are similarities. The Average In-State Tuition Cost is $10,986 while the average Out-of-State Tuition Cost is $15,958.

Best Accredited Civil Engineering Schools In Alabama

Civil Engineering is one interesting and classic profession. However, one of the processes that form a Civil Engineer is through undergoing formal education in the university. That being said, here’s a list of Alabama’s best accredited Civil Engineering Schools.

1. Auburn University

Auburn University is one of the best accredited civil engineering schools in Alabama. It’s difficult to beat Auburn University if you wish to pursue civil engineering as a major. Located in the city Auburn, Auburn is a public college with a fairly large student population.

For those interested in something more advanced, Auburn also offers 2 different higher degree levels in civil engineering, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree. Soon after graduation, civil eng students generally make around $55,700 in the first five years of their careers.

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2. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a good decision for individuals pursuing a Civil Engineering degree. Located in the city Tuscaloosa, UA is a public school with a fairly large student population.

For those interested in something more advanced, UA also offers 2 different higher degree levels in civil engineering, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree. Graduates of the civil eng program report average early career earnings of $58,000.

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3. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Students entering this Birmingham school’s engineering program can choose a Bachelor of Science degree program or a fast-track program allowing them to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in just 5 years. The school has 5 disciplines offered available to undergraduates, including civil engineering and mechanical engineering. This school offers several experiential learning opportunities, such as co-ops, undergraduate research, study-away programs, and internships.

Master’s students can also choose from the same disciplines as the bachelor’s level. Students seeking a professional program might consider the Master of Engineering program with a concentration in information engineering and management, advanced safety engineering and management, or construction engineering management.

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4. University of Alabama in Huntsville

Students in this Huntsville university can choose from Bachelor of Science in Engineering programs in 8 disciplines. Major options include mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and optical engineering.

The school takes a special interest in freshman engineering students and schedules periodic meetings to discuss progress and help them with challenges they may encounter. Engineering competitions promote teamwork through events such as the University Student Launch Initiative and the UAHuntsville Moonbuggy Team. All undergraduate programs have received ABET accreditation.

The school also offers a Master of Science in Engineering program that gives students 16 areas of study to choose from, including optics and photonics, environmental engineering, and aerospace systems engineering.

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5. University of South Alabama


USA is a large public school located in the medium-sized city of Mobile.

For those interested in pursuing a higher degree, USA also offers a Master’s Degree in civil engineering. The civil eng program graduates earn about $55,200 in the first couple of years of their careers. USA is also among the top accredited civil engineering schools in Alabama.

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6. Alabama A & M University

Alabama A&M University offers 4 Civil Engineering Degree programs. It’s a medium sized public university in a mid-sized city.

Students in this Normal school can find Bachelor of Science degree programs for 3 engineering disciplines, including civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The school also offers a Master of Engineering in Material Engineering with an electrical engineering emphasis.

Students can earn stipends while sharing their passion for engineering with younger people by working at summer camps, including computing and robotics camps. ABET has accredited undergraduate programs.

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7. Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden State Community College is one of Alabama’s best accredited civil engineering schools. The school offers 3 Civil Engineering Degree programs. It’s a medium sized public college in a small city. In 2015, 79 students graduated in the study area of Civil Engineering, with students earning 63 Certificates degrees and 16 Associate’s degree.

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8. Jefferson State Community College

Jefferson State Community College offers 3 Civil Engineering Degree programs. It’s a medium sized public college in a mid-sized city. In 2015, 7 students graduated in the study area of Civil Engineering, with students earning 4 Certificates degrees and 3 Associate’s degrees.

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9. Bishop State Community College

Bishop State Community College offers 1 Civil Engineering Degree program. It’s a medium-sized public college in a mid-sized city. In 2015, 2 students graduated in the study area of Civil Engineering with students earning 2 Associate’s degrees.

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10. Tuskegee University

There are 4 Bachelor of Science programs offered at this university in Tuskegee, which allow students to pursue training in electrical engineering, aerospace science engineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The chemical engineering program allows students to choose additional specialization tracks, such as environmental or biochemical engineering.

All undergraduate programs have ABET accreditation. In the engineering graduate school program, students can earn a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or a Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science and Engineering. Faculty member research interests include nanostructures, bio-mechanics, nuclear power, and laser velocimetry.

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Conclusion

In summary, before choosing an Alabama civil engineering school to attend, you must ensure that the Alabama civil engineering school is accredited. This accreditation shows that the school is accredited and worthy of training you to become a giant civil engineer.

FAQs On Best Accredited Civil Engineering Schools In Alabama

What do civil engineers do?

Civil engineers “design, construct, supervise, operate and maintain large construction projects and systems, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.”

Is civil engineering a good career?

Civil engineering is an exciting career on each step of the professional ladder. Many different pathways can be taken, whether holding a bachelor’s degree and starting with entry-level positions or moving into collegiate teaching like a seasoned professional.

How much do civil engineers make?

The numbers waver, but civil engineers earn an average of $73,415. The top 10% of earners make more than $113,827. The bottom 10% make less than $47,351.

What is the cost of civil engineering tuition?

Though the cost of tuition for civil Engineering schools in Alabama varies, there are similarities. The Average In-State Tuition Cost is $10,986, while the average Out-of-State Tuition Cost is $15,958.

References

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