Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Civil Engineering

Total credit hours per program: 15 credit hours

Cost per credit hour: $445

Total cost with fees: $6,675

LSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

* Students interested in the MS in Civil Engineering are advised to consult with their advisors in selecting the right elective course.

Any student with a bachelor's degree in related STEM fields such as petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, geophysics, and applied mathematics who want to transition to civil engineering are qualified for admission to this PBC program. 

• SAT/GRE/GMAT tests are not required for entering this program. 

This program addresses critical workforce needs at both local and national levels: 

• At the local level, Louisiana faces significant infrastructure challenges requiring skilled civil engineers. The state's unique geographical conditions with coastal erosion, flooding risks, and aging transportation systems demand specialized expertise that this program helps develop.
• Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in civil engineering positions, particularly as federal and state infrastructure initiatives expand. The American Society of Civil Engineers consistently highlights the critical need for qualified professionals to address infrastructure challenges across the country.

The PBC prepares graduates for entry-level positions in several high-demand areas: 

• Land Surveying Technician
• Civil Engineering Technician
• Construction Engineering Inspector 
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Structural engineering
• Transportation engineering 

These positions represent starting points for graduates, with opportunities for advancement as they gain experience and potentially pursue further education and professional licensure.

By creating a pathway for STEM professionals to transition into civil engineering, this program directly addresses workforce shortages while providing valuable career opportunities for graduates. 

LSU’s online PBC in Civil Engineering is designed to prepare you for a master’s degree in civil engineering while meeting critical prerequisite course requirements of the online M.S. Civil Engineering program. Students will develop essential career skills including technical competency in analyzing and designing civil infrastructure systems, application of fundamental engineering principles to real-world infrastructure challenges, and critical problem-solving abilities for complex structural, geotechnical, and transportation systems.

Skills Developed:

• Identifying, formulating, and solving complex engineering problems using principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. 
• Applying engineering design to create infrastructure solutions that meet specified needs while considering public health, safety, welfare, and global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. 
• Recognizing ethical and professional responsibilities in civil engineering contexts and making informed judgments considering the impact of engineering solutions on global, economic, environmental, and societal systems. 
• Developing strategies to independently acquire and apply new knowledge, preparing for lifelong learning in the civil engineering profession. 

The online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Civil Engineering is designed for students with STEM backgrounds, taught by experienced instructors and provides the knowledge needed to pursue the M.S. in Civil Engineering without an undergraduate degree in civil engineering. Whether aiming to qualify for graduate education or transition careers into civil engineering practice, this program provides the fundamental knowledge in civil engineering.

Students would choose the PBC in Civil Engineering at LSU for several distinct advantages:

• Direct pathway to the online MS in Civil Engineering by fulfilling all prerequisites in a structured, cohesive program.
• Opportunity to transition from related STEM fields into civil engineering without completing a second bachelor's degree.
• Access to LSU's renowned faculty with extensive experience in infrastructure design, analysis, and management.
• Flexible online format allowing working professionals to gain credentials while maintaining employment.
• Focus on practical, industry-relevant skills in high-demand areas like structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and transportation.
  
  

Why choose LSU?

The passion and excellence that LSU stands for have earned the school a coveted "Tier One" spot in U.S. News & World Report's “Best Colleges.” As the state’s flagship university, LSU has been preparing students for rewarding careers for over 150 years. Today, LSU is equally proud of its strides to make education more accessible through innovative online degree programs that are every bit as rigorous as its on-campus programs.

Through the dedication of an exceptional faculty and staff, LSU is one of only 30 universities in the United States designated as a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution. In addition, LSU is the only public top-tier university to receive the honor of being placed in the "very high research activity" category by the Carnegie Foundation.