ABOUT CIVIL ENGINEERING

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      Civil engineers design, build, and maintain the foundation for our modern society – our roads and bridges, drinking water and energy systems, sea ports and airports, and the infrastructure for a cleaner environment, to name just a few.
      
      Civil engineering touches us throughout our day. Think of a civil engineer when you:

      • Turn on your tap to take a shower or drink clean water
      • Flick on your lights and open your refrigerator 
      • Drive to work on roads and bridges through synchronized traffic lights
      • Take mass transit or take a flight for a vacation
      • Toss your empty coffee cup in the recycling bin
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    • SPANNING A HOST OF SPECIALTIES 

      Civil engineers often specialize in one of a number of technical areas. A few examples:

      • Transportation
      • Coastal engineering
      • Structural
      • Environmental
      • Geotechnical
      • Construction
      • Architectural
      • Engineering mechanics
      • And more

      TIME-HONORED CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS

      The Golden Gate Bridge. The Eiffel Tower. The Hoover Dam. The creativity and innovative spirit of civil engineers is showcased in the projects they have created throughout the world. ASCE’s Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks program honors the best of those at least 50 years old.

      CIVIL ENGINEERS WHO MADE THEIR MARK

      Civil engineering achievement starts with people. Get to know the civil engineers who have left a legacy, and those who arejust starting to build their own.

      LEARNING FROM TRAGEDY

      Since the Johnstown Flood in 1889, ASCE has answered the call to study and learn from engineering failures due to natural disasters and man-made causes. These studies provide needed answers and new knowledge and become the basis for changes to building codes and engineering and construction practices to make the public safer.

      ENCOURAGING YOUTH INTEREST

      Civil engineers volunteer their time to raise the public’s understanding of how their profession changes the world and boosts our quality of life. Check out ASCE's resources for reaching students on the appeal of a civil engineering career.

      PROMOTING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

      The future strength of the civil engineering profession will come from an engineering workforce that mirrors the population it serves. 

      A VISION FOR THE PROFESSION

      An ASCE summit took the lead in exploring the future and defining the civil engineer’s role in that new world. Explore what civil engineers aspire to in The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025.

      HEAR FROM LEADERS IN THE PROFESSION

      ASCE lets you relax and listen to the views and stories of prominent civil engineers through the Insights podcast interview series. 

      You can also view compact discussions of the top civil engineering issues of the day in the ASCE Interchange video series.