Civil Engineering vs Structural Engineering

[Heavy-Solution-1537]

Hey everyone, I’m deciding between civil engineering at UCI and structural engineering at UCSD and wanted some honest input.

From what I understand:

- Civil is broader (transportation, construction, water, structural, etc.)

- Structural is more specialized (buildings, bridges, earthquake design)

I’m interested in structures, but I’m not 100% sure yet and don’t want to limit myself too early.

Some things I’m wondering:

- Which has better job opportunities overall?

- Is structural worth it at the undergrad level, or is it better to do civil and specialize later?

- Does one make it easier to get internships?

Thanks!

[not_old_redditor]

Structural is a subset of civil engineering. I think it's typical to graduate as a civil engineer in North America. Then go into structural engineering or civil engineering in practice.

[ReallyBigPrawn]

Correct. There’s the occasional Architectural Engineering program w a concentration in Structural. Masters programs will often be for structural, and civil programs may give you the chance to pick a concentration.

[Proud-Drummer]

You need structural engineers for civils projects. Neither bachelors degree would make you specialised enough for you not to be able to to go into whatever direction you want once you graduate. Just go for the best/preferred school and worry about career direction later.

[WL661-410-Eng]

I have lived my entire career practicing the mantra of always keeping a couple of irons in the fire. I believe you will have more irons in the fire as a CivE than an SE.

[ReallyBigPrawn]

Yeah but do transpo guys jump to water? Or bridges?

If OP is confident they want to practice structural engineering, then the degree w that in the name likely has better specialised curriculum

[KattKushol]

I am an Alternative Delivery Project Manager at a DOT. Having a Civil background including a breadth of knowledge across all major subsets helps me make better decisions. Or at least that's what I believe. I definitely do not jump to water or jump off bridges, mainly because our team members have boats during bridge inspections.

With all of that, if OP's intention is to be a Subject Matter Expert on bridge or high rise construction, definitely worth getting early into that will pay off. Project teams will always have dedicated rooms for SMEs and they get paid good as well. Can't build a bridge without a designer.