How to Get an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering  Effortless

Getting an associate degree in civil engineering usually takes two years to complete. Although the duration is fair compared to getting a bachelor’s degree, it will be an added advantage if you can finish before two years effortless. What is your take? Carefully read this post because I have put down information on How you can Get an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering effortlessly and fast this 2024.

The dream of every student, including civil engineering students, is to build an exceptional career and start on Time. With an associate degree, it is 100% possible.

In this article, I have put down information about civil engineering associate degree programs that will be relevant to you, including the best ways to get an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering effortlessly.

I will advise you carefully read through word-to-word without skimming if you don’t want to miss out.

You can quickly navigate the table of contents below to get an overview of all this post entails.

What is Associate Degree in civil engineering?

Associate degrees in civil engineering are civil engineering programs that you can take at the undergraduate level, which is always the first stage after secondary school.

It aims at giving you primary and basic civil engineering skills and knowledge that can help you do well in your field as an engineering student.

Also, it is an engineering program designed explicitly for civil engineering students to further their studies at a university where they will be taught introductory and foundational engineering. 

Check Out: Civil Engineering Technician Job Description: Salary, Programs, Schools, Cost

Why go for an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering?

Many exciting facts exist about pursuing an associate degree in civil engineering before attending four years programs.

First, this program involves classes that expose you as a student to the theory and practice of civil engineering. Moreso, you will be able to handle public works, which include;

• Designing and building the infrastructure of transportation, constructing structures
• We are constructing water systems like waste management, drinking water, and irrigation.
• Also, you will be taught courses like mathematics, computer-aided drafting, surveying, soil and materials testing, cartography, topography, and estimating.
• Most importantly, you will be prepared for fieldwork in construction.
• Also, you can work on civil engineering projects that include buildings, airports, damns, powerhouses, bridges, highways, pipelines, and railroads.
• Then, with an associate degree, you can start your career as a civil engineer without spending much.

Furthermore, getting an associate degree in civil engineering can make your undergraduate program more accessible.

Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Majors

Associate Degrees in Civil Engineering Majors can be of two types: computer-aided drafting (CAD) courses and their applications. There Course topics studied are:

• Surveying
• Cartography and topography
• Computer-aided drafting
• Soils and materials testing
• Materials statics
• Trigonometry
• Highway technology
• Structural design
• Hydraulics. 
• Estimating

How Long Does It take to get an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering?

Usually, associate degree programs in any field take two years to complete. Applying for an associate degree in civil engineering at the undergraduate level will take two years to complete, just like every other associate degree program.

During hthe program, you will be trained to use current hardware, software, and instrumentation used in civil engineering.

Moreso, materials, building structures, natural sciences, and environmental studies courses will be included.

In addition, you will complete courses in English, technical writing, and public speaking to prepare for a professional career in civil engineering.

What kind of job can I get with an Associate degree in Civil Engineering Technology?

Once you have a civil engineering associate’s degree, you can find many job opportunities, although you won’t work as a full civil engineer. You will majorly work as an assistant.

Interestingly, you can work in the state transportation departments, construction firms, or utility companies as any of the following;

• Civil engineering technicians
• Cartographers
• Land surveyors
• CAD operators
• Mapping Technician
• Draftsperson/CADD Operator

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Accounting Certifications in Canada | 2024

Interestingly, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (B.L.S.), you may be able to secure employment as a civil engineering technician without the benefit of a formal training program.

Let’s talk about some of the careers briefly

Draftsperson

As a Draftsperson and CADD Operator, you will work with CAD software to create technical drawings and project plans.

These people work with engineers and architects and contribute to the design of buildings, civil infrastructure projects, electronics, and mechanical tools. The salary range is about $43,284.

Mapping Technicians

This is another career pathway you can be qualified for once you have an associate degree. Here, you will give surveyors and cartographers work support. The surveyors’ significant role involves visiting sites to record survey measurements, search for previous survey points, and record survey data in the field and the office. The salary range is about $46,456.

Cartographers

This job involves knowledge of science, artistry, and technology. As a cartographer, you will specialize in studying and making maps. This career pathway combines science, aesthetics, and technique.

Civil Engineering Technicians

Another career you can start with an associate degree is a Civil engineering technician. Here you will help civil engineers to plan, design, and build highways, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure projects.

You can also help plan, design, and build commercial, industrial, residential, and land development projects.

Land Surveyor

Generally, land surveying is a technique, profession, art, and science that involves determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional positions of points and the distances and angles between them.

What Is the associate degree in civil engineering technology salary Like?

Generally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, every associate degree holder earned $40,820 as of 2012. And the median salary for civil engineering technicians was $47,560, almost $7,000 higher.

However, the civil engineer earning the lowest salary in the field gets $30,430 a year. Or less in 2012, according to the B.L.S., the lowest 25 percent received $37,020 per year or less. The top-earning 25 percent received at least $59,110 per year, and the top 10 percent received at least $71,800 yearly.

What Is the Employment Outlook of an Associate degree holder in Civil Engineer?

In 2019, the B.L.S. projected that employment opportunities for all engineering technicians would increase by nine percent from 2016-2026.

However, due to the necessity of expansion, repair, and replacement for the nation’s infrastructure, employment for civil engineering technicians will be sustained in demand.

The latest wage statistics are also from May 2018. At that time, the B.L.S. determined the mean annual wage for civil engineering technicians to be $52,580.

See Also: 10 Best Masters In Civil Engineering Programs In Canada |

What Are The Requirements For An Associate Degree In Civil Engineering?

Just like every other degree program has essential criteria and admission requirements, so is the associate degree program.

I suppose you want to get a civil engineering associate degree, you must first. In that case, you must be good in mathematics and physical science and have a working knowledge of construction materials, methods, and equipment.

Then you must have a High school diploma (3 years of math & science) and training in drafting. In some schools, before being admitted, you must pass a placement exam before enrolling in engineering courses.

In most cases, low scores will not prevent you from gaining admission. This is another reason that associate degree programs are a good option for many students.

This provides an accessible path of entry to college and a way to build up your academic record before seeking admission to a more competitive four-year public or private school.

How Is An Associate Degree Program Different From A Bachelor’s Degree Program?

Significant differences exist between an associate degree program and a bachelor’s degree program, although both are classified as undergraduate degrees.

With any of the degrees from an accredited school, you can start your civil engineer career. Another fact is that they are both open to students as soon as they complete secondary-level education.

SEE ALSO: Stop making these nine common English mistakes in your university application

Now, let’s discuss the difference in four major areas;

• Requirements
• Time
• Cost
• Credit Hour

Requirements

The first is the entry criteria. Getting the opportunity to pursue an associate degree program in civil engineering is less rigorous and stressful than an undergraduate degree. Also, an associate degree major prerequisite is your high school certificate degree.

Tuition Fees

Another significant difference is in the cost of getting these degrees. While the cost of getting an associate degree in civil engineering tends to be low, a bachelor’s degree is higher.

Though the difference in costs sometimes depends on the school. One thing is sure, bachelor’s degree programs tuition fees can be around two to three times less for an associate’s degree.

Time

The time of each program is dependent on the school. Generally, an associate’s degree usually takes two years to complete a full-time program, whereas a bachelor’s degree program takes four years.

Credit Hour

An associate degree program is typically a 60 credit hours, while a a bachelor’s degree requires up to 120 credit hours.

Are there Civil Engineering Associate Degree Programs Available?

Here are some of the associate degree programs you can go for if you want to pursue a career in civil engineering;

• Architectural and Engineering Computer-Aided Design
• Associate Degree in Civil Engineering – Fresh Water Resources
• Civil Engineering Technology – Associate Degree
• Associate of Science (Architectural and Building Technology)
• Civil Engineering Technology (A.A.S.)
• Associate in Applied Science in Architectural, Engineering & CAD Technologies

List of community college which offers an associate degree in civil engineering

There is a community college that offers an associate degree in civil engineering. Going to any community college can help you get your associate degree as fast as possible.

Here is a list of some community colleges which offers an associate degree in civil engineering

• El Paso Community College
• Salt Lake Community College
• Northern Virginia Community College
• City College of San Francisco

What Is The Available Civil Engineering Associate Degree Programs in Schools?

Are you looking for civil engineering schools that offer associate degree programs? In this section, we have outlined some of the available Civil Engineering Associate Degree Programs in Schools.

Check it Out!

• Kansas State University
• University of New Hampshire
• Ferris State University
• Indiana University
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• Oklahoma State University
• Milwaukee Area Technical College
• University of Cincinnati
• Nashville State Technical Community College
• Pellissippi State Technical Community College

Let’s explore some of these schools

Kansas State University

Address; 119 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-0102

 Kansas State University is a public institution of higher learning in Kansas,, founded in 1863. In 2014, it recorded an increased enrollment of 24,766 students.

This university offers various degree programs, including associate degree programs in civil engineering. Moreso, it offers nine bachelor’s degree completion programs, 23 master’s degree programs, one Doctor of Philosophy program, four minor programs of study, and 23 certificate programs entirely online.

The university has a retention rate of 82% for first-year and a graduation rate of 54%.

Note this school’s associate degree program in civil engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Read More

University of New Hampshire

Address: the University of New Hampshire, Office of Admissions, Smith Hall, 3 Garrison Avenue, Durham, NH 03824

The University of New Hampshire is a public research university founded in 1866. This university offers bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate certificates, master’s, post-masters certificates, and doctorates.

The University of New Hampshire, associate degree programs, are in the following areas; Construction Management Concentration, Surveying and Mapping Concentration, and Sustainable Energy Management Concentration.

This program degrees can help prepare you for careers in any civil engineering field like land development, construction contracting and management, and land-use planning.

You can start with foundation courses to help build a broad, interdisciplinary base of knowledge and skills in science, engineering, technology, design, analysis, and communication. 

The university has a retention rate of 87% for first-year and a graduation rate of 76%.

Read More

Check out: List of Paid Civil Engineering Internships for International Students 2024

SEE ALSO: 13 Important Frequently Asked Questions By International Students in 2024: Study Abroad In France

Ferris State University

Address: 1201 S. State Street, Big Rapids, Michigan, USA 49307

This university Associate Degree in Civil Engineering provides you as a student with instruction in soil and material testing, highway technology, engineering, design, and the construction process.

To apply for this program, you must have a background in mathematics and physical science and a working knowledge of construction materials, methods, and equipment.

Also, this program can help you work in the field of construction or help fulfill requirements toward a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. 

Note this program is accredited by American Council for Construction Education (ACCE-accredited Construction Management program).

Read More

Pellissippi State Technical Community College

Address: 10915 Hardin Valley Road P.O. Box 22990

Pellissippi State Community College is a public community college and among the 13 member community colleges operating by the Tennessee Board of Regents. 

This college associate degree provides an academic/technical foundation to train skilled individuals to effectively assist civil engineers, environmental engineers, architects, developers, or construction managers.

Moreso, it permits engineering students to focus on a specific area of Civil Engineering: Architectural Design Technology and Construction Engineering Technology.

Note that this university’s civil engineering degree is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).

Read More

How to Get an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Effortless

Although it takes two years academic session to complete an associate degree which can come with coursework and school activities stress, there is still the possibility of getting the degree in less than that two years with less stress.

Are you surprised?

Please don’t be

One thing that is so certain is that Time is so precious, it doesn’t wait for no one, and it’s reversible. So getting your associate degree program in civil engineering completed in less than the usual years with less effort is a significant advantage that will surely give you a head-start over your peers in the same field.

So what do you think?

Why not look at the tips on How to Get an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering effortlessly.

First, consider choosing a civil engineering community college. Choosing this college will allow you to pursue an accelerated degree program. Community college can allow you to get your associate’s degree and move into the workforce in a year.

Another way you can get an associate degree in civil engineering without stress is by going for online degree programs. With an online program, you won’t have to strive or stress yourself because you won’t have to worry about getting accommodation, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs that, can trouble you if you don’t put them in place,.

In addition, you can increase your course load. Increasing your course load can help you to obtain your associate’s degree more quickly, allowing you to get employed or your bachelor’s degree program sooner.

F.A.Q.s

Sources

• Learn.org
• Study.com
• Aiuniv.edu
• Work.chron.com
• Academiccourses.coM

Recommendations

• 10 Best Civil Engineering Online Degrees in Canada
• How can I become a Civil Engineer? Best Schools, Cost Programs & Salary
• 15 Top Undergraduate Civil Engineering Schools
• Top 12 Ph.D. Scholarships for Civil Engineering Students