Definition:

Civil engineering is an engineering science related to planning, design, and construction. It involves public works like bridges, dams, roads, railways, canals, and other large facilities. Civil engineers design buildings, bridges, roads, etc. They also evaluate the economic impact of roads and traffic. Again, they consider the effect of pollution (noise pollution) on the environment and how to conserve nature. Also, they are involve in landscaping and how they can purify the air around us. Civil engineering can also be defined as the proper designing of structures like roads and rails. It includes waste management, recycling, water supply, and the management of water resources.

Another definition for civil engineering is the aspect of science and technology that deals with aviation, highways, and other services. These services aim to improve the life of societies. It involves the job of designing and building roads, water supply structures, and sanitation. These tasks help improve the life of community or society. Civil engineers design and supervise the creation of structures. They use computer technologies and advanced materials. These innovations help design structures that meet the needs of a growing population. They also protect the environment and reduce the dangers from natural phenomena like storms. Lastly, these designs consider the future needs of the community.

Objectives:

Studying Civil Engineering, we aim to equip trained personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills. This enables them to carry out effectively in the sector. Their performance contributes to the development of humanity.

Civil Engineering Course Content:

This course includes lab work, structural engineering, and fluids mechanics. It also covers practical work and structures. Additionally, geotechnical and highway and transportation are part of it. The course further entails water resources and sanitation engineering, etc.

Institutions Offering Program:

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is in Ghana. Accra Technical University and Cape Coast Technical University are also in Ghana. Other notable institutions include Kumasi Technical University, Wa Technical University, and Takoradi Technical University. Some top universities are Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and University of California – Berkeley. You can also consider Tongji University, Tsinghua University, and National University of Singapore. Other prominent institutions include Delft University of Technology, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London. Additionally, University of Melbourne, University of Tokyo, and Harvard University rank highly, etc.

Duration:

Four (4) years for degree. HND -Three (3) years.

Program Related Career Opportunities:

Site Engineers, Structural Engineers, etc.

Formal Employment Opportunities:

Graduates after studying Civil Engineering can become structural engineers. They can also become road and transport engineers. Other options include water resource engineers, water supply engineers, and waste management and sanitary engineers. Additionally, they become environmental engineers or system engineers, etc. Anywhere people build things, you can find civil engineers. Some work in offices, others on construction sites. Depending on the project, civil engineers can work regular business hours or longer.

Opportunities for Self-Employment:

Graduates as Civil Engineers can go into teaching and research, consultancy in the area of building design, construction, and surveying. They can also become contractors (roads, bridges, etc).

Employers:

These include the Ghana Highway Authority, Department of Urban Roads, Department of Feeder Roads, Road Contractors, Ghana Water Company Ltd. Organizations like The Volta River Authority and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency are also included. Additionally, UNICEF, UNESCO, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Municipal Assemblies (as waste managers or overseeing construction works) are mentioned.

Opportunities for Further Academic and Professional Development:

As a Civil Engineer you can further studies in MSc, M.Phil, Ph.D. Short courses and training for engineers can also be sought and graduates can do internships with foreign companies. Professionally, they can become fellows of the Ghana Institution of Engineers.

Program Combinations Required for Admission:

Additionally to the core subjects, prospective students must have credit passes in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. Candidates come from a technical background. Their elective subjects be Building Construction, Technical Drawing, and Elective Mathematics.

Cut Off Aggregate:

Cut off point for 2025/2026 KNUST – 14, Polytechnics – 24.

Special Advice to Students Who Intend to Offer this Course:

First of all, you should have an interest in the course and it should be their number one priority. Ghana is a developing country. It needs the services of civil engineers. Thus, it is easy to find employment and be self-employed as well. Also, students who want to take this course should be good in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. This course is difficult. Students are advised to study hard and read widely to get a good average from the start. They should take vacation training seriously to gain practical knowledge. In short, they should not compromise quality.

Advice to Graduates from this Course Seeking Employment:

Civil Engineer graduates are advised to develop themselves by upgrading their skills. It is also advisable to join a professional body to add weight and credibility to whatever they do.

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Also, read about B.Ed Basic Education