Alaska Civil Engineering Schools

  • State:                      Alaska, Engineering school name
  • Degree:                  Civil Engineering
  • Skillset:                  Mathematics, physics, spatial reasoning, project management
  • Associated jobs:      Planning and building of homes, water systems, roads, and airports
  • Median salary:        $77,000 (US, 2010.), $55,000 to $66,000 (Alaska)

Civil Engineering is among the oldest engineering fields – as such, it can be credited with building quality houses and commercial buildings, as well as  supporting infrastructure. In modern times, civil engineers are professionals that are continuously working to build and maintain our homes, water systems, roads, and airports, ensuring their safe and efficient operation. In order to do so, civil engineers must be adept at mathematics, physics, and also have very good spatial reasoning. The spatial reasoning helps them while designing buildings, while knowledge in mechanics and strength of materials (physics subdisciplines) enables them to confirm that they are strong enough.

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Alaska

To become a civil engineer, it is necessary to be formally trained, by acquiring either a bachelor’s or master’s degree (associate degrees are also available). Base courses include mechanics, the strength of materials, and computer-aided design (CAD). Additionally, since civil engineers are often in charge of various construction sites, multiple of their courses are associated with project management. Finally, there are other supporting courses, such as applied engineering, computer technology, economics, and the English language.

In Alaska, a vast and rapidly developing state, there are numerous special opportunities for civil engineers. There are various available jobs due to increasing needs for infrastructure, including transportation and water systems. Additionally, due to specific climate conditions, the field of arctic engineering is especially prominent. Arctic engineering studies how the effects of ground freezing, snow, and ice affect engineering designs to prevent them from failing.

Due to the rapid development of technology, civil engineers never stop learning. This is done through seminars, which can be online webinars and face-to-face seminars, and are conducted by the American Society of Civil Engineers. While providing useful knowledge, engineers are often required to attend such seminars – in the state of Alaska, civil engineers must be licensed. The board of licensing determines the necessary qualifications for candidates, which often include attending seminars.

While the job of civil engineer itself is both interesting and challenging, it also provides good benefits. In 2010, the median annual salary for civil engineers was $77,000. This figure can be considerably higher for civil engineers with advanced degrees who have acquired management positions. In Alaska, the average salary for civil engineers is between $55,000 to $66,000 though some variation exists for those with years of experience. The trends are beneficial – according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the need for qualified civil engineers in the US increased by 19% from 2010 to 2020. The continuing need for infrastructure repairs across the United States will help to keep demand high for this specialty.


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