As with many types of engineering, math is an integral part of the job. Students working toward a degree in civil engineering must take several semesters of calculus. This type of math requires a deep understanding of algebra. Calculus uses elaborate equations to figure out different aspects of engineering. Students must have a strong understanding of calculus in order to move forward with a job as a civil engineer.
Civil engineering often involves choosing the materials that will be used in a construction project. Because many of these materials are subjected to the elements of nature, a civil engineer must have a solid understanding of how these materials will be affected. Chemistry is the study of chemicals and its effects on various different materials. To become a civil engineer, students are required to complete two semesters of chemistry with the associated lab hours.
A solid understanding of the laws of physics is an important aspect of design, especially for structures such as bridges, tunnels and underground sewer and water systems. Civil engineers should be familiar with the basic laws of physics and how these laws can affect their work, as well as more specific types of physics. A degree in civil engineering will require courses in various types of physics, including mechanics, thermal physics, quantum physics and electricity and magnetism. Each of these topics applies directly to the job of a civil engineer.
Applied mechanics classes teach students the relationship between materials and the forces that are exerted upon them. Knowing these relationships helps a civil engineer determine what will happen to their structures in various situations and under certain circumstances. Civil engineering students typically must take a statistics class, dynamics and solid and fluid mechanics.
One of the important aspects of a job in civil engineering is being able to communicate well. A civil engineer will be creating plans for other people to read or instructing other workers how to build their projects. Therefore, it is important for a civil engineer to be able to communicate clearly in a way that most people will be able to understand. Most of these communications will take place in writing. Civil engineering majors are required to take technical communication and composition classes.
Graduating with an understanding of how to be a civil engineer is the primary goal of a program in civil engineering. There are specific classes that must be taken that address the tools that will be used in the job and other information necessary to perform the job well. Some of these classes include engineering graphics and design, computer classes, engineering risk and uncertainty and system engineering and economics.
As with many degrees, a degree in civil engineering requires a certain number of electives. In many cases, these electives are selected to focus a civil engineering degree on the specific area in which an engineer plans to work. Some possible areas of concentration include geotechnical engineering, municipal and transportation engineering, structural engineering, water resources and environmental engineering. Elective courses include earthquake engineering, traffic control, pavement analysis, water supply and sewers and experimental stress analysis.