Average IQ for Civil Engineering Majors
Average IQ Range
114–124
IQ Classification
High Average range
Overview
Civil engineering designs and maintains the built environment: roads, bridges, buildings, water systems, and environmental infrastructure. The discipline requires strong mathematical reasoning for structural analysis and hydraulics, spatial visualization for design, and systems thinking for large-scale infrastructure planning. Civil engineering has historically been the most applied and accessible of the major engineering disciplines, though the curriculum is still mathematically intensive with calculus, differential equations, and matrix structural analysis forming core components.
To understand what these IQ ranges mean, see our complete IQ score ranges guide. You can also check where specific scores fall: Is 120 IQ Good?
SAT & GRE Correlation
Civil engineering majors average GRE Quantitative scores of 156–161, reflecting strong but somewhat lower quantitative performance than EE or physics. SAT Math scores for admitted CE students at top programs typically range from 720–780. The FE Civil exam covers statics, structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, and transportation engineering.
For more on how standardized test scores relate to IQ, see our SAT to IQ conversion guide and GRE to IQ conversion guide.
Top Programs
- MIT
- UC Berkeley
- Georgia Tech
- University of Illinois
Career Paths
- Structural Engineer
- Transportation Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
Curious how these careers compare? See our full IQ by career chart.
How Does Civil Engineering Compare to Other Majors?
| Major | Average IQ Range |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 114–124 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 116–126 |
| Architecture | 115–125 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ of a civil engineering major?
Civil engineering majors are estimated to average IQ scores of 114–124. The field requires solid mathematical reasoning for structural analysis, fluid mechanics, and geotechnical engineering. While somewhat less abstractly mathematical than electrical or chemical engineering, civil engineering demands genuine quantitative competency and strong applied problem-solving skills.
Is civil engineering a good career?
Civil engineering offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and the satisfaction of designing visible infrastructure that directly serves communities. Job growth is steady due to ongoing infrastructure investment. Civil engineers can specialize in structural, transportation, geotechnical, hydraulic, environmental, or construction engineering. Professional Engineer (PE) licensure enhances career prospects and is required for independent engineering practice.
What is the PE exam for civil engineers?
The Professional Engineering (PE) Civil exam is a proctored examination covering structural analysis, transportation, geotechnical, water resources, construction, and environmental engineering. It is taken after passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and gaining four years of supervised experience. PE licensure is required to legally offer engineering services to the public in most US states.
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MyIQScores Editorial Team
Researchers in cognitive psychology, psychometrics & educational science
Last updated
May 10, 2026
All content on MyIQScores is reviewed for scientific accuracy against peer-reviewed research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics. Our editorial team cross-references each article with published literature before publication and updates pages whenever new research warrants a revision.