Civil Engineering Programs in Long Beach, California
Getting a Civil Engineering Degree in Long Beach, California
Civil Engineering is a dynamic and vital field that involves designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water systems, and buildings. For those in Long Beach, California, pursuing a Civil Engineering Degree can lead to fulfilling career opportunities in a variety of specializations, including structural, environmental, transportation, and water resources engineering. This guide provides essential information about educational paths, local schools, and career prospects in Long Beach.
About Long Beach
Long Beach, located in Southern California within Los Angeles County, is known for its bustling port, beautiful coastline, and vibrant urban culture. The city is home to diverse neighborhoods such as Belmont Shore, Downtown Long Beach, and Bixby Knolls. Long Beach is also a hub for higher education, offering students excellent opportunities to pursue Civil Engineering degrees. To learn more about the city, visit the official Long Beach website.
Civil Engineering Programs in Long Beach, California
Long Beach offers strong educational options for Civil Engineering students. Below are the top programs available in the city, as well as nearby institutions for those seeking additional choices.
1. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
- Program Offered: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.), Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S.C.E.)
- Accreditation: ABET-accredited
- Location: 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840
- Program Highlights: CSULB features a hands-on curriculum, dedicated faculty, and access to modern facilities. Students benefit from strong connections with local industry partners and internship opportunities.
- Website: CSULB Civil Engineering Program
2. Long Beach City College (LBCC)
- Program Offered: Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology
- Location: 4901 E Carson St, Long Beach, CA 90808
- Program Highlights: LBCC provides foundational coursework and prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions. The program emphasizes practical skills and offers small class sizes.
- Website: LBCC Engineering Technology Program
3. University of Southern California (USC)
- Program Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Programs in Civil Engineering
- Accreditation: ABET-accredited
- Location: Los Angeles, CA (approximately 25 miles from Long Beach)
- Program Highlights: USC offers world-class faculty, research opportunities, and a wide range of specializations in Civil Engineering.
- Website: USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Civil Engineering Employment Opportunities in Long Beach
Long Beach is home to numerous engineering firms, government agencies, and construction companies that employ civil engineers. Here are some of the top employers in the area:
1. City of Long Beach
- Description: The City of Long Beach offers civil engineering roles in public works, urban planning, and infrastructure development.
- Location: Downtown Long Beach
- Website: City of Long Beach Careers
2. Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
- Description: This agency manages infrastructure projects across Los Angeles County, making it a significant employer for civil engineers.
- Location: Alhambra, CA (approximately 30 miles from Long Beach)
- Website: LA County Public Works Careers
3. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
- Description: Caltrans focuses on transportation infrastructure, including highways and bridges, and has roles for civil engineers in project management and design.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Website: Caltrans Careers
Prerequisites for Civil Engineering Programs
To enroll in a Civil Engineering program, you’ll typically need to meet the following requirements:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA: Varies by institution, generally 2.5 or higher
- Entrance Exams: SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate programs; GRE scores for graduate programs
- Prerequisite Courses: Mathematics (calculus, algebra), science (physics, chemistry), and introductory engineering courses
Accreditation and Professional Licensure
Importance of ABET Accreditation
Accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) ensures that Civil Engineering programs meet industry standards and prepare students for licensure.
Becoming a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in California
- Education: Complete an ABET-accredited engineering degree.
- Experience: Gain at least four years of work experience under a licensed PE.
- Exams: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to become an Engineer-in-Training (EIT), followed by the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
- Licensing Body: California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Get Started Today
Earning a Civil Engineering Degree in Long Beach, California, opens the door to an exciting and rewarding career. With excellent local programs, strong industry connections, and diverse career opportunities, there’s never been a better time to start. Contact a school today to begin your journey toward a future in Civil Engineering.