Civil Engineering Programs in Fresno, California

Getting a Civil Engineering Degree in Fresno, California

Civil engineering is a dynamic field that focuses on designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. If you’re considering a career in civil engineering, Fresno, California, offers opportunities to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field. This guide will walk you through the process of earning a Civil Engineering degree in Fresno, highlighting local programs, employment opportunities, and professional pathways.

About Fresno, California

Fresno, located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, is the fifth-largest city in the state and a hub for agriculture, transportation, and development. Known for its proximity to Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Forest, Fresno combines urban living with access to natural beauty. For more information about the city, visit the official Fresno city website.

Civil Engineering Programs in Fresno, California

Fresno is home to several options for civil engineering education, primarily through California State University, Fresno, commonly known as Fresno State. For those willing to travel, additional programs are available in nearby cities to complement Fresno’s offerings.

1. California State University, Fresno (Fresno State)

• Location: Fresno, CA
• Programs Offered: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil Engineering
• Program Highlights: Fresno State’s civil engineering program emphasizes practical learning through internships and co-op opportunities. Students can specialize in areas such as structural engineering, environmental engineering, and transportation engineering.
• Website: Fresno State Civil Engineering Program

2. California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)

• Location: Bakersfield, CA (approximately 110 miles from Fresno)
• Programs Offered: B.S. in Engineering Sciences with a Civil Engineering Concentration
• Program Highlights: CSUB provides a strong foundation in engineering principles with an emphasis on civil engineering applications.
• Website: CSUB Engineering Programs

3. University of California, Merced (UC Merced)

• Location: Merced, CA (approximately 55 miles from Fresno)
• Programs Offered: B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Program Highlights: UC Merced’s program integrates environmental engineering principles with civil engineering, preparing students to address sustainability challenges in infrastructure design.
• Website: UC Merced Civil Engineering Program

Civil Engineering Employment Opportunities in Fresno

Fresno offers various employment opportunities for civil engineers, ranging from government agencies to private engineering firms.

1. City of Fresno

• Location: Downtown Fresno
• Description: The City of Fresno employs civil engineers to work on public infrastructure projects, including transportation systems and water management.
• Website: City of Fresno Careers

2. Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group

• Location: Fresno, CA
• Description: A leading engineering consulting firm specializing in civil engineering, land development, water resources, and environmental planning.
• Website: Provost & Pritchard Careers

3. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – District 6

• Location: Fresno, CA
• Description: Caltrans District 6 oversees transportation infrastructure in the region, employing civil engineers for roadway design, maintenance, and environmental assessments.
• Website: Caltrans District 6 Careers

Prerequisites for Civil Engineering Programs

To enroll in a Civil Engineering program, you’ll need to meet certain prerequisites:

• Undergraduate Programs:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Completion of college preparatory courses in mathematics (including Algebra I and Geometry), laboratory science, English, and a foreign language.
  • SAT or ACT scores (may vary by institution).

• Graduate Programs:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
  • GRE scores (varies by institution).
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate studies.

Accreditation and Professional Licensure

Accreditation is critical when choosing a Civil Engineering program, as it ensures the education meets industry standards and enables eligibility for licensure.

• Accrediting Body: Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

  • Verify program accreditation at ABET’s website.

• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in California:

  1. Earn a degree from an ABET-accredited program.
  2. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to become an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
  3. Gain at least four years of work experience under a licensed PE.
  4. Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
  • Learn more at the California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Get Started Today

A Civil Engineering degree can open the door to a fulfilling and impactful career. Whether you’re interested in designing bridges, managing water resources, or improving transportation systems, Fresno, California, offers excellent educational and professional opportunities. Take the first step by reaching out to local schools and exploring your options.