Civil, Environmental & Ocean Engineering - Frequently Asked Questions

Civil engineers collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to design safe and functional systems, with urban planners to shape communities and with financial experts to ensure projects are cost-effective.

Civil engineers design and build the world around us — roads, bridges, buildings, airports and water systems. They solve real-world problems, improve communities and help create a safer and more sustainable future. Their work combines creativity, technology and leadership.

To become a civil engineer, one must earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program, often complemented by internships to gain practical experience. To become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), one must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gain relevant work experience under a licensed engineer and then pass the PE exam.

Most students complete their degree in about four years. Those who choose to become licensed typically complete an additional four years of work experience before earning their Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Civil engineering covers large systems like transportation, water, and infrastructure. Architectural engineering focuses specifically on buildings and how their systems — like structure, heating and electrical — work together.

There is some overlap between the fields, particularly in areas such as construction and energy systems. However, civil engineering roles typically require specialized training and knowledge, so a mechanical engineer will need additional education or experience to work as a civil engineer.

Yes! Civil engineers, especially structural engineers, design buildings to make sure they are safe and stable. They ensure structures can handle forces like wind, earthquakes and everyday use.

Environmental engineers collaborate with civil, chemical and mechanical engineers to design systems that protect public health and the environment. They also work with scientists, urban planners, and public health experts to address challenges such as water quality, air pollution and the spread of contaminants.

Environmental engineers develop solutions that protect and improve both the environment and human health. They design systems for drinking water and wastewater treatment, control pollution, improve air quality and support sustainable infrastructure. They also study how contaminants — including pathogens — move through water, air and soil, helping prevent disease spread and ensure safe, healthy communities.

To become an environmental engineer, students earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field (e.g. civil) from an ABET-accredited program. Many gain hands-on experience through internships or research. To become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), graduates pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gain relevant work experience, and then pass the PE exam.

Most students complete their bachelor’s degree in about four years. Those who pursue professional licensure usually gain about four additional years of work experience before earning their Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Civil and environmental engineering are closely related and often work together on the same projects. Civil engineering focuses on designing and building infrastructure such as roads, bridges and water systems. Environmental engineering focuses on protecting human health and the environment by ensuring that air, water and land resources are safe and sustainable. For example, civil engineers may design a water distribution system, while environmental engineers ensure the water is clean and safe to use.

Yes — there is significant overlap between environmental and civil engineering, so environmental engineers can often work in civil engineering roles, especially in areas like water resources, wastewater systems and sustainable infrastructure. Environmental engineers often work within civil engineering teams, and with the right experience or licensure, they can take on broader civil engineering roles. Still, many roles may require a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which depends on relevant education and work experience.

Ocean engineering focuses on designing systems that operate in the ocean. This includes ships, offshore platforms, wave energy devices, underwater vehicles and coastal structures like ports and seawalls. It combines engineering with the challenges of the ocean environment.

Ocean engineers may study aspects of marine science, such as ocean waves, currents and environmental conditions, but their focus is engineering: designing and building systems that can operate safely and efficiently in the ocean.

They are related but not the same. Marine engineering focuses on systems inside ships, while ocean engineering focuses on structures and systems operating in the ocean. Together with naval architecture, they form a connected field of ocean and maritime engineering.

Ocean engineers work in exciting fields like ship design, offshore energy, coastal engineering, defense, and marine technology. They may work for engineering companies, government agencies, or research labs — and often get opportunities to work near or on the water.

Marine and ocean engineers design and operate everything from ships to offshore energy systems. Marine engineers focus on onboard systems like engines and power, while ocean engineers design structures and technologies that work in the ocean, including renewable energy devices.