Civil Engineering 101 An Introduction to Civil Engineers and What They Do

Civil engineering is one of the oldest of the engineering professions. Ancient feats such as the building of the Egyptian pyramids and Roman road systems are based on civil engineering principles.

Civil engineers can be found in all areas of society from small private contractors to municipal agencies, federal government organizations, and the military. One of the largest civil engineering organizations in the United States is the Army Corps of Engineers, which despite its name is a primarily civilian organization focused on the development of canals, locks, and dams; flood control, and other public works projects.

Civil Engineering Education
Because civil engineering focuses on the study of structural systems, the core courses in a civil engineering curriculum reflect this. Most civil engineers start their learning with basic physics and calculus courses. Later courses can include geology, soil mechanics, and design of steel structures. A civil engineering curriculum is usually rounded out with advanced classes that match the student's desired specialty, which may hydrology, development of concrete structures, and highway design, among other specialties.