Civil engineering is actually a very broad discipline which deals with the creative design, development, and implementation of the practical physical and of course artificial environment, which includes public works like bridges, roads, canals, dams, airports, sewers, pipelines, buildings, and railways, among other things. Some of the topics included in civil engineering include civil infrastructure design; water resources and engineering systems; building analysis and design; thermodynamics, kinetics, and dynamic response of complex materials; environmental issues; and mechanical design and drafting. A civil engineer also assists in the development of new technologies. It is interesting to note here that civil engineers have some of the most sought-after jobs in the world, including astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell.

Now let us move on to some of the topics in civil engineering. There are many issues that require the expertise of civil engineers. For example, some of the most famous bridges and dams in the US include the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, suspension bridge over swollen Lake Washington, and Hoover Dam. These engineering marvels not only serve as great works of art but are also necessary for the overall infrastructure of society. Hence, it is not surprising that civil engineers are in high demand around the world.

As stated earlier, civil engineering degrees provide students with the knowledge and skills to design and implement infrastructure projects. They may then be employed by various governmental agencies and private firms engaged in water supply, power generation, communications, manufacturing, transportation, irrigation, or waste water treatment. In addition, there are also many opportunities for civil engineering graduates as designers and engineers in different industries. A good example is the aerospace industry, which needs civil engineers in a variety of roles, from program management to testing and inspection of various components.

Furthermore, civil engineers design structures such as bridges, tunnels, buildings, sewers, dams, reservoirs, storm drainage systems, and others. They also play an important role in planning and designing cities, towns, villages, national parks, and other public institutions. These infrastructure projects involve huge amounts of money, which cannot be ignored by businesses. So to make these projects successful, civil engineers are needed. Moreover, they ensure the safety of people and property by designing safe infrastructure projects.

In order to pursue a career in this field, a student must acquire a college degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he/she can obtain a license to work as an assistant civil engineer or project leader. Project leaders are those who supervise project teams in carrying out the projects. The license enables them to oversee large-scale projects, such as dams and bridges. On the other hand, assistants are those who perform various duties under the supervision of project leaders. Usually, these individuals are employed in smaller firms.

Many universities offer civil engineering degrees. The curriculum of a typical civil engineering program includes theory and practical courses. The topics that students are taught include mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, electrical engineering, metallurgy, civil construction, environmental impact analysis, and geotechnical study. Students who wish to pursue graduate study in this field can either choose to specialize in one specific field or opt for general studies. The subjects that form the core of civil engineering degrees include mechanical drafting, civil engineering, and structural engineering. Students who complete their study in a university can be eligible for competitive employment.

Another common field within civil engineering is the materials science field. Materials science involves the scientific study of construction materials, such as steel, concrete, aluminum, stone, wood, fiberglass, and plastics. Some of the civil engineering degrees in the materials science category include the study of architectural materials, such as fireproofing, lintels, and construction materials. The architectural materials curriculum usually includes classes that explore the properties of metals, such as their hardness, elasticity, ductility, and durability. Other materials that students learn about include construction methods for creating materials, machines used in construction, energy consumption for construction, and environmental considerations for materials.

A third major area of civil engineering deals with water supply systems. Engineers who specialize in water supply systems must develop systems that efficiently distribute water and ensure safety. These engineers are charged with determining how best to conserve energy and eliminate waste in the water system. These engineers also examine the relationship between climate and water supply and making adjustments that will keep the system working efficiently. They may find methods to reduce pollution that would otherwise come from a poor water supply system or they may find better ways to prevent oil from leaking into the ground and flooding rural areas.