Civil Engineering Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Dec 25, 2023

Civil engineering is a broad engineering discipline concerning the design, building, and upgrades of large civil projects. This includes everything from housing estates, recreational areas, highways and mass transit (and its supporting infrastructure) to hydroelectric dams, tall buildings, and bridges.

An online Civil Engineering Graduate Certificate program is the ideal way to convert other related engineering qualifications to this important area. You can work in civil projects, construction and development, and urban infrastructure.

What Are the Online Civil Engineering Graduate Certificate Requirements?

To study a Civil Engineering Graduate Certificate, the school will require fulfilment of a list of entry requirements:

A relevant bachelor's and master's degree in civil or environmental engineering
3.00 minimum GPA. Prestigious schools may ask for a higher GPA, usually up to 3.5
Full supporting transcripts
If you do not speak English as a first language, you will need certification through one of many authorized and accredited programs: IELTS, PTEA, and TOEFL. You may find some accept DuoLingo and ELS112
Two or even three letters of recommendation from academic sources or employers
Application fee
A short personal statement or essay

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Civil Engineering Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

Online Civil Engineering Graduate Certificate programs include a variety of courses. While exact courses will vary by school, most include the following:

Building Modeling for Design & Construction
Parametric Design and Optimization
Strut-and-Tie Modeling for Structural Concrete
Virtual Design and Construction
Engineering Economics ad Sustainability
Decision Analysis for Civil and Environmental Engineers
Global Project Finance
Project Risk Analysis
Accounting and Finance for Engineers
Venture Creation for the Real Economy
Renewable Energy and Storage
Polymers for Clean Energy and Water

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online Civil Engineering Graduate Certificate?

An online Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering can open doors to exciting careers, such as:

Contracting Civil Engineer: Working at a civil engineer firm, you will work on engineering projects around urban centers, buildings, bridges, and any other public works.
CAD Technician: Computer Aided Design is the use of 3D modelling and design through information technology. It has a wide range of civil engineering applications including buildings and systems.
Site Engineer: This type of civil engineer looks at a site to decide the best placement and organization for efficient design and use of the available land.
Structural Engineer: Your focus will be in designing the structure of a building or complex to ensure it complies with safety standards and to withstand any localized weather conditions.
Building Services Engineer: You work designing and managing a building's interior, utilities, and systems such as acoustics, heating, and lighting, and overseeing health and safety issues.
Engineering Geologist: Often required on all construction jobs, where building takes place in sensitive areas or where geology might have certain attributes requiring specialist building knowledge.
Geotechnical Engineer: Here, you will examine sites for potential safety issues and make recommendations based on geology and other potential environmental concerns.
Quantity Surveyor: These professionals concern the cost and risk of construction projects. Balancing the books, you will manage building regulations and oversee the cost-risk analysis.
Urban Designer: Your job is to realize viable urban development, balancing function, aesthetics, and environment. This can be for housing estates or recreational areas.