Civil engineering is the oldest branch of the engineering profession.
Civil engineering involves application of the laws, forces, and materials of nature to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities that serve our needs in an efficient, economical, safe, and environmentally benign manner. Civil engineers work for consulting firms, manufacturing firms, and for federal, state, and local governments. The specialty areas within civil engineering include structures, transportation, geotechnical, construction, and water resources. Traditionally civil engineers work on public works projects like large buildings, bridges, highways, canals, and dams.