What Are The Best Colleges And Courses To Study Civil Engineering
There are many colleges and universities that offer civil engineering degrees. Some of the best schools for civil engineering include:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology This college offers a comprehensive civil engineering program that is ranked first in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
- University of California- Berkeley This college offers a well-rounded civil engineering program that is considered one of the best in the country.
- Georgia Institute of Technology This school has a top-ranked civil engineering program, which is perfect for students who want to focus on transportation and infrastructure.
- University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign- This college has a well-rounded civil engineering program that offers students a variety of specializations to choose from.
- Pennsylvania State University- This school has a highly ranked civil engineering program that focuses on both theory and practical application.
Commissioning Requirements For The Civil Engineer Corps
Open to both men and women. Applicant must be a citizen of the United States. Applicants must be at least 19 years old and be of such age that they will not have passed their 36th birthday on their commissioning date. This may be waived up to their 54th birthday at time of commissioning. Applicants with prior service who possess particularly exceptional qualifications and documented sustained superior performance in an expeditionary force unit do not require a waiver provided they can be commissioned prior to their 42nd birthday.
Restricted Line And Staff Corps Specialties
Midshipmen not physically qualified to serve in the unrestricted line but who can be commissioned as active duty officers may choose from a wide variety of alternatives and pursue a career. Restricted line and staff corps officers may choose careers in the fields of intelligence, information warfare, information professional, oceanography, medicine, civil engineering, supply and aviation maintenance. They serve aboard ships, with aircraft squadrons and at shore bases around the world. Graduating midshipmen who are accepted to medical school may be commissioned in the Medical Corps even if physically qualified to serve in the unrestricted line.
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What Is A Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer
Navy Civil Engineer Corps officers are Navy Staff Corps officers who are the Navys facilities specialists, responsible for the engineering, planning, administration, building, and upkeep of the Navys shore infrastructure.
Navy CEC officers supervise almost $12 billion in design, construction, and service contracts each year.
As a CEC officer, you will manage the efforts of a vast and diversified civilian and military workforce while operating and maintaining complex buildings and utility systems for shore activities.
From the start, you will keep an eye on construction, look for problems, and come up with solutions.
You will get engineering management skills, responsibility, and authority that far outweigh what the private sector has to offer.
There are hundreds of Navy and Marine Corps shore installations located across the world, each functioning as a tiny city.
There are hospitals, airfields, power plants, housing, retail, and office buildings, among other things, that need the technical and contractual skills of the Navy CEC officer.
As a CEC officer, you will:
- Perform a variety of different functions. You will, however, focus a lot of your time on facility building and administration, as well as engineering for expeditions.
- Serve your nation by utilizing your engineering and architectural abilities as well as the significant responsibility that comes with being a commissioned Staff Corps officer in command.
Take The Officer Aptitude Rating

After the officer recruiter confirms that you meet the basic requirements for the CEC officer program, they will schedule you to take the Officer Aptitude Rating exam.
You must pass this exam in order to be a CEC officer, which is one of a few Staff Corps officer positions that require the OAR.
Again:
A minimum OAR score of 45 is required to apply for the Navy CEC officer program. This may be waived down to a lower score of 40.
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Complete Physical Exam At Meps
After you have submitted all the required medical documentation to your officer recruiter, they will schedule you for a thorough physical examination at MEPS.
MEPS are Department of Defense-run joint-service facilities that employ military and civilian workers.
Moreover, MEPS looks at applicants based on their physical traits, intellect, and moral standards as set by each branch of the military.
Hotel accommodation may be available for MEPS upon request.
Financial Resources For Military Servicemembers And Veterans Going Back To School
Typically, a civil engineer will need at least a bachelors degree in civil engineering, but an advanced degree, such as Master of Civil Engineering, will put civil engineers in a position for advancement. Paying for your degree may be front of mind for many Veterans and Servicemembers, so Norwich provides resources for education funding. We highlighted some of the most essential information for education funding, which includes:
- GI Bill® a government program that provides education and tuition benefits to military members who have completed their service. Veterans can use the bill to receive four years of full tuition to pay for in-state student fees. Veterans also can use tuition benefits for vocational flight schools, correspondence schools and non-college degree-granting institutions.
- Montgomery GI Bill® offers active-duty Servicemembers and Reserve Servicemembers a monthly education benefit for up to three years for vocational training.
Veterans and Servicemembers should pursue multiple scholarships and government funding to ease the process of earning an advanced degree.
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What Is The Job Outlook For A Navy Civil Engineer Corps
The job outlook for a Navy Civil Engineer Corpsman is excellent. The Navy is currently in the process of expanding the CEC, and there are many opportunities for advancement. With experience, civil engineers can move up the ranks to become commanding officers of naval bases or even heads of the CEC.
As per the bureau of labor statistics, the job outlook for civil engineers is much faster than the average for all occupations. So if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, the Navy Civil Engineer Corps may be the perfect fit for you.
Presentation On Theme: This Community Brief Has Been Generated By The Community Leaders Including Detailers And Community Managers It Has Been Vetted By The Navy Personnel Presentation Transcript:
1 This community brief has been generated by the community leaders, including detailers and community managers. It has been vetted by the Navy Personnel Command and OJAG for statutory compliance and approved by SECNAV. ONLY MATERIAL APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WILL BE PRESENTED TO STATUTORY SELECTION BOARDS. FY-12 Active-Duty Staff Corps Community Brief Disclaimer
2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 CE C OS EXPEDITIONARY STAFF/ FEC STAFF/JOINT STAFF SEABEES/FACILITIES MGT PW Div Officer Cmpny CDR NCFStaff PW DH Civil Engineer Corps Career Progression Career Path Typical Billets PG SCHOOLJPME/AMP/EXEC BUS COURSEETP PWO/APWO CO CBMU/UCT NMCB XO/S3 FEC AOPS FEAD/DROICC Joint Staff WARFARE QUALIFICATION/AC1/EIT OR NCARB FILE CO, XO, EXPEDITIONARY STAFF/FEC STAFF/ JOINT STAFF AC2/ACQ CORPS/PE OR RA PWO CO NMCB/NCTC ACB XO FEC OPS/AOPS ROICC AREG ENGR NCF Staff Joint Staff MAJOR CMD/MAJOR JOINT /MAJOR STAFF FEC CO/XO CO SRG/NFELC CO NCR/ACB FEC OPS PWO REG ENGR NCF Staff Major Joint Qualifications/Certifications/Licensure Education AC3
3 CATEGORYO-3O-4 OFFICER INVENTORY344273 LATERAL TRANSFERS22%31% OCEAN FACILITIES PROGRAM3% WARFARE QUAL63%96% ACQUISITION LEVEL 190%99% MASTERS DEGREE18%78% PROF REGISTRATION – EIT78%100% PROF REGISTRATION – PE/RA26%81% Civil Engineer Corps Lieutenant Commander
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Usmc Shore Party Commanders
- Guam: 3rd Marine Regiment, Cmdr. Wehlen CEC 3rd Battalion 19th Marines / Naval Construction Battalion 25 beaches Red 1 and Red 2
- Bougainville: 3rd Marine Division Cmdr. Brockenbrough CEC 71st CB with detachments from the 25th, 53rd, and the 75th CBs . beaches: Blue 1,2,3 Yellow 1,2,3,4 Green 1,2 Red 1,2,3
- Iwo Jima: 23rd Marine Regiment Cmdr. Raymond P. Murphy CEC, 133rd CB beaches Yellow 1 and Yellow 2.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduation from the Naval Academy brings new opportunities for leadership, learning, professional advancement, travel and excitement. From the very first assignment as an officer in the naval service Naval Academy graduates will have more responsibility and challenge on the job than almost any civilian just out of college. Many of our recent graduates are leaders of sailors and Marines throughout the world on forward-deployed ships, submarines, squadrons, SEAL teams or in Marine units ..
Your service commitment begins at graduation, when you are commissioned as an ensign in the Navy or a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Nearly all physically qualified graduates are commissioned into the unrestricted line of the Navy or Marine Corps. There are limited opportunities for graduates to be commissioned in a restricted line or staff corps specialty such as: Supply Corps, Civil Engineer Corps, Information Dominance Corps, or Medical Service Corps.
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Civil Engineer Corps Officer Training
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in civil engineering must first attend Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island.
Following that, officers will attend Civil Engineer Corps Officer School where they will obtain specialized military training in areas like management, administration, contract management, public works, and specific military positions such as construction battalions.
Write A Motivational Statement

The officer Selection Board obtains comprehensive information about you through the Application Processing and Summary Record , so this is one of the most critical documents in your application.
There is room on the APSR form for a motivating remark. You must make sure that your motivational statement fits inside the space on the APSR form.
The following questions should be addressed in your motivating statement:
- Why are you interested in becoming a Navy CEC Officer?
- Why are you interested in becoming a Navy Officer?
- What services do you provide to the Navy?
- Why should you be selected by the selection board?
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Initial Assignments And Training:
DCEs work with a Coast Guard assignment officer following selection. The assignment officer will review the individuals education, experience, and qualifications, in addition to their expressed assignment interests, and assign orders to a position at a Coast Guard operational or field unit that best aligns the selectees talents & potential with the needs of the Coast Guard. Following commissioning course in New London, Connecticut) new officers will execute permanent change of station orders and report directly to their first unit for a brief period. DCEs will then go TDY to the DCO course. The DCO course will be 5 weeks in duration. At DCO training, DCEs receive initial indoctrination to the traditions and programs of the Service, and training on service-specific administration essentials needed for their success as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard. Following completion of DCO training, DCEs will return to their unit.
CG Naval Engineering Assignments: Assignments will be influenced by the selectees specific degree, training, experience, and desires, but is ultimately determined by the needs of the service. Selectees will be assigned to one of the following fields:
CG Civil Engineering Assignments: Assignments will be influenced by the selectees specific degree, training, experience, and desires, but is ultimately determined by the needs of the service. Selectees will be assigned to one of the following fields:
Us Navy Civil Engineer Compensation
Navy officers earn annual wages, which vary greatly depending on rank and years of service, as well as housing and subsistence allowances. Navy ensigns starting out earn basic pay of $37,000 per year, according to Military.com. They are eligible for flight, sea and hazardous duty bonuses in addition to benefits such as complete dental and medical coverage, 30 days of paid vacation per year, discounted travel and unlimited use of recreational facilities and officers clubs around the world.
As of 2022, officers are also eligible for the Civil Engineering Collegiate Program, where they can receive up to $139,000 toward the cost of an degree, as indicated on the U.S. Navy website. Program participants earn a monthly stipend averaging $3,900 for up to two years prior to graduation. Monthly compensation ranges from $2,900 to $5,800, depending on basic housing allowance and rank while attending school. Other benefits include full medical and dental insurance.
References
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What Navy Civil Engineering Corps Officers Earn
Navy pay depends on an officer’s rank and length of military service. The Department of Defense issues a revised pay table annually. Most Navy officers begin with the rank of ensign and a pay grade of O-1. As of 2013, ensigns earned between $2,876.40 and $3,619.20 in monthly base pay. The next pay grade, O-2, represents a lieutenant junior grade, and they earned between $3,314.10 and $4,586.40 per month. A lieutenant, or O-3, earned between $3,835.50 and $6,240. In addition, officers could receive up to $1,100 per month as a subsistence allowance and at least $660.90 as a monthly housing allowance.
Contact Your Local Officer Recruiter
You must then contact the officer recruiter in your area.
They will be able to tell you about the Navy CEC officer positions that are still available and any other details about the Navy CEC selection board that is coming up soon.
The recruiter will need your birth certificate, passport, social security card, and current resume to show that you are who you are and that you are qualified for the job.
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Prepare Your Professional Resume
If you have not yet updated your resume or curriculum vitae, now is the time to do so.
The application process starts with the review of your current resume or curriculum vitae, so please have this ready.
So when you contact a local recruiter, which is the next step, they will want a copy of your most recent resume.
Your local officer recruiter may even want a hand-signed and dated resume.
How To Become A Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer
If you are interested in becoming a Navy Civil Engineer Corps officer, you should first understand that obtaining a commission in the United States Navy, particularly in the Navy CEC program, is extremely tough.
Notably, this is not the same as applying for a civilian civil engineering career, as Navy CECs have a direct impact on national security.
People who are in the military must do better and behave better than people who are not in the military.
If none of this has deflated you, you may have the required sense of pride and integrity for this profession.
To become a Navy CEC officer, you must be an American citizen, no older than 36 years old, with an engineering or architecture degree from an accredited institution and a score of at least 45 on the Officer Aptitude Rating exam.
The following are the step-by-step procedures for becoming a Navy CEC officer, as well as the different requirements for Navy Civil Engineer Corps officers:
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What Is The Navy Civil Engineer Corps
The Navy Civil Engineer Corps is a branch of the United States Navy that provides civil engineering services to fleet activities and shore facilities worldwide. The primary purpose of the CEC is to support mobility, counter-mobility, suitability, and sustainment for all Naval forces by providing design, construction, and maintenance services for naval shore installations and afloat units.
The CEC is a full participant in the Department of the Navys Total Force Policy, which integrates active and reserve components into a single force capable of meeting the challenges of todays security environment. The CEC has approximately 5,000 officers and enlisted personnel who are highly skilled in engineering, construction, environmental protection and restoration, and public works.
CEC officers are responsible for implementing Navy policies and programs related to civil engineering, while enlisted personnel is responsible for carrying out the actual work of civil engineering. Civil engineers in the CEC are known as NAVY CIVIL ENGINEER CORPSMAN or NECs.
Navy Engineering Vs Civilian Engineering

Engineers in the Navy are either military members called engineering duty officers or civilian engineers the military hires to complete complex engineering projects. While Navy engineers can choose to specialize in certain areas of engineering, as military members they receive their job assignments and are required to perform them. For example, the Navy might suddenly deploy its engineers to manage ship repairs after a hurricane. Through their time in the Navy, engineering duty officers develop strong leadership and project management skills in addition to their engineering experience.
The Navy hires civilian engineers who work for government agencies or construction, engineering or manufacturing firms to perform engineering jobs that require skills beyond the engineering duty officers’ training. For instance, the Navy might employ civilian engineers who specialize in areas such as transportation, manufacturing, nuclear operations, automotives, avionics, product safety, materials science or photonics. Civilian engineers might work with the Navy on projects around the world. The Navy typically only allows engineering duty officers, however, to work on military ports or bases.
Both Navy and civilian engineers must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited engineering program to work for the Navy. In addition, Navy engineers receive military-specific training through the Officer Candidate and Civil Engineer Corps Officer schools.
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Civil Engineer Collegiate Program
You may apply for Officer Candidate School up to three years before you receive your bachelor’s degree or up to one year before completing your master’s degree. If selected, you’ll be placed on active reserve duty as a Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program or Civil Engineer Corps collegiate and receive more than $1,600 per month while completing your studies.
You can earn up to $60,000 during your sophomore, junior, and senior years while receiving many benefits enjoyed by regular Navy personnel, including 30 days vacation earned each year. Following college graduation, you’ll receive military training at Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla., and earn your commission as a naval officer.