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Civil Engineering Concentration in Engineering
A civil engineering concentration focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure systems. It typically builds on the engineering program core and adds courses in structural analysis, transportation, geotechnical engineering, and water resources. Most schools offer this track at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, and much of the coursework can be completed through an online engineering degree.
Quick Answers
What is a civil engineering concentration in engineering?
A civil engineering concentration is a focused set of courses within an engineering program that emphasizes structures, transportation, and infrastructure systems.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework includes structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, water resources, and construction management.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Engineering Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Structures, transportation, water resources, and geotechnical systems
- Degree levels: Commonly available at bachelor’s and master’s level
- Career alignment: Civil Engineer – $100,840 median (BLS, May 2025)
- Job growth: 5.0% projected growth, 2024-2034 (BLS, May 2025)
- Employment: 355,410 civil engineers employed nationally (BLS, May 2025)
- Online availability: Available at many accredited programs
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Engineering Program Guide, and review the typical engineering curriculum and accreditation standards that apply across concentrations.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Structural Analysis | Load paths, beam and frame analysis, and structural behavior |
| Geotechnical Engineering | Soil mechanics, foundation design, and earth retention |
| Transportation Engineering | Highway design, traffic analysis, and transportation planning |
| Water Resources | Hydrology, hydraulics, and water treatment systems |
| Construction Management | Project scheduling, cost estimation, and site management |
| Civil Engineering Lab | Materials testing, surveying, and field data collection |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How engineering concentrations compare
| Concentration | Focus Area | Related BLS Career | Median Salary (BLS, May 2025) | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | Thermal systems, mechanics, design | Mechanical Engineer | $102,320 | 9.1% |
| Electrical Engineering | Circuits, power systems, electronics | Electrical Engineer | $111,910 | 7.2% |
| Civil Engineering | Structures, transportation, water | Civil Engineer | $99,590 | 5.0% |
| Computer Engineering | Hardware, embedded systems, digital | Computer Hardware Engineer | $155,020 | 7.3% |
| Industrial Engineering | Optimization, operations, quality | Industrial Engineer | $101,140 | 11.0% |
| Chemical Engineering | Processes, materials, reactions | Chemical Engineer | $121,860 | 2.6% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Next Steps
- Explore related roles in the engineering careers guide and pay context in the engineering salary guide.
- Compare accredited online programs across the online colleges hub.
- Consider a related track such as the environmental engineering concentration.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.