What can you do with a Civil Engineering degree from Washington State University?

First, some facts. Of the Civil Engineering graduates from Washington State University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:

These are estimates based on AI analysis of 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 79%, Civil Engineering graduates from Washington State University have a much higher likelihood (+12%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

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Also, after graduating, only 18% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Civil Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Civil Engineering degree from Washington State University?
• What do Civil Engineering graduates from Washington State University do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Civil Engineering degree from Washington State University? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Civil Engineering degree from Washington State University?
• What are the best colleges for Civil Engineering?

View a random Civil Engineering graduate from Washington State University and our analysis:

Relevance score: 49% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2012 from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Landscape Designer Solid Ground Landscapes Dec 2012 - Jul 2013 While the role of Landscape Designer involves design and planning skills, it is not directly related to the core qualifications of Civil Engineering, though some knowledge may be applicable. Expedition Guide Crystal Seas Kayaking Apr 2013 - Aug 2015 The position of Expedition Guide does not require any civil engineering skills or knowledge, focusing instead on guiding and outdoor activities unrelated to engineering principles. Bar Manager Cask & Schooner Apr 2017 - Oct 2022 As a Bar Manager, the job does not utilize any skills or knowledge related to civil engineering, as it is centered on hospitality and beverage service. Lead Carpenter Island Shelter Co. Apr 2015 - Nov 2022 The role of Lead Carpenter aligns closely with Civil Engineering, as it requires practical application of structural knowledge and building techniques directly relevant to the degree. Sales & Design Swiftwater Solar Apr 2023 - Present Sales & Design at a solar company may incorporate some engineering principles, but the primary focus is on sales and design aesthetics rather than the core technical skills of Civil Engineering. ABOUT No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Civil Engineering degree from Washington State University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• Project Engineer
• Manager of Sales
• Civil Engineer
• Graduate Research Assistant
• Transportation Engineer
• Project Manager
• Staff Engineer
• Area Sales Manager
• LA Inland Empire District Sales Manager
• Crop Insurance Agent

From the analysis of LinkedIn job profiles, it seems that graduates with a degree in Civil Engineering from Washington State University have largely found roles that are closely related to their field of study. The most common types of jobs include positions like Transportation Engineers, Civil Engineers, and Project Engineers, which all require the application of the principles learned during their academic training. Many have taken on roles at organizations such as the Arizona Department of Transportation, Boeing, and various engineering firms, where they tackle real-world challenges using their civil engineering expertise. These positions typically involve planning, designing, and managing construction and infrastructure projects, which are right in line with the skills gained during their education.

However, not all graduates ended up in relevant engineering roles. Some took on jobs in sales, education, or other areas that don’t require civil engineering knowledge. For instance, positions like Sales Manager or Bilingual Paraeducator don’t leverage the technical skills they learned in school. While it's great to see many graduates working successfully in civil engineering-related fields, there's a noticeable portion whose jobs are quite a shift from engineering, suggesting that not every graduate ends up in a directly relevant role. Overall, it looks like those who stayed close to their civil engineering roots are thriving, while others may have ventured into diverse career paths that don’t utilize their degree as effectively.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Civil Engineering graduates (this is across all Civil Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Washington State University):

What kind of career trajectories do Civil Engineering graduates from Washington State University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

So, looking at all these graduates from Washington State University with Civil Engineering degrees, it’s clear that they've generally landed on solid career paths related to their field. Right after graduation, many of them started off in roles that helped them gain practical experience, like internships and entry-level positions at engineering firms or government departments. For instance, graduates from 2010 went on to become Transportation Engineers, while 2011 grads began their careers at Boeing, one of the biggest players in aviation. It seems like these first jobs are often in engineering or technical roles that make good use of their degree.

Fast forward five to ten years, and many of these graduates are moving up the ranks and taking on more significant responsibilities. The trend shows that they typically transition into managerial or specialized roles, such as Project Managers or Associate Engineers in reputable companies. While a few seem to have veered off into unrelated sectors like sales or non-engineering roles, the majority are still engaged in civil or structural engineering, continuing to build a solid foundation for their careers. Overall, it looks like a degree in Civil Engineering from WSU opens up a lot of good opportunities for a successful and relevant career in the field.

How hard is a Civil Engineering degree from Washington State University?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering can be pretty challenging, and that goes for Washington State University too. You’ll be diving deep into subjects like calculus, mechanics, and materials science, which can be tough if math isn't your strong suit. Plus, there's a good amount of problem-solving and projects involved, so it definitely keeps you on your toes. That said, if you’re genuinely interested in the field and are willing to put in the effort, it's definitely doable. Just be ready to balance your time and study hard — it's not exactly a walk in the park, but it’s rewarding for those who are passionate about it!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 5 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering.

Do Civil Engineering graduates from Washington State University tend to make good money?

Looking at the career paths of these Washington State University civil engineering grads, it seems like they’re generally doing pretty well when it comes to money. Many of them have snagged solid positions in governments or big companies like Boeing and various engineering firms, which typically come with decent salaries and benefits. For instance, those working as project engineers, managers, or in transportation roles are likely earning good pay straight out of college. Sure, some started with temp or assistant roles, which might not have paid much initially, but they all seem to have moved up the ladder fairly quickly, reflecting a pretty bright financial future in the field. Overall, if you’re considering civil engineering, it looks like a smart choice for a stable and profitable career!

What buzzwords do Civil Engineering graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering (this is across all Civil Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Washington State University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Civil Engineering?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Civil Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
California State University, Long Beach	100	10
California State University-Long Beach	97	11
University of Missouri-Columbia	96	13
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	96	14
San Jose State University	95	11
University of Arkansas	95	10
Michigan State University	94	10
Northeastern University	94	15
University of Utah	93	11
University of Wisconsin-Platteville	93	11
University of Washington	92	16
Brigham Young University	92	18
Iowa State University	92	18
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo	92	28
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona	92	36
Oregon State University	92	13
University of Massachusetts Amherst	92	12
University of Nevada, Reno	92	13
Missouri University of Science and Technology	92	11
University of Central Florida	91	15
Manhattan College	91	18
Clarkson University	91	11
Florida International University	90	10
University of Wisconsin-Madison	90	16
The University of Texas at El Paso	90	10
Michigan Technological University	90	10
University of California, Davis	89	21
University of Delaware	89	16
Rowan University	89	10
San Diego State University	88	13
Arizona State University	87	16
University of South Florida	87	10
Auburn University	87	17
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	87	10
University of South Alabama	87	10
Virginia Tech	86	13
New Jersey Institute of Technology	86	31
Texas A&M University	85	38
Florida State University	85	15
North Carolina State University	85	20
Texas Tech University	85	12
Wentworth Institute of Technology	85	10
The Ohio State University	84	19
California State University-Sacramento	84	29
University of Florida	83	17
Louisiana State University	83	25
University of Kentucky	83	10
Penn State University	82	32
The University of Texas at Arlington	82	15
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	81	15
West Virginia University	81	10
University of Maine	81	11
Colorado State University	79	19
Washington State University	79	16
North Dakota State University	79	10
The University of Texas at Austin	77	17
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities	77	10
Georgia Institute of Technology	77	17
Mississippi State University	76	16
Clemson University	74	20
University of Colorado Boulder	72	11
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	70	11
Purdue University	69	22
United States Military Academy at West Point	43	10