About civil engineering

Civil engineers design, build, and maintain the foundation for our modern society – our buildings, roads and bridges, drinking water and energy systems, sea ports and airports, and the infrastructure for a cleaner environment, to name just a few.

Spanning a host of specialties

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

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 are just 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.