Civil Engineering vs. Structural Engineering: Key Differences

Engineering is so broad that it's often described as an umbrella term covering countless domains, each with its own specializations and sub-specializations.

The sheer number of disciplines and roles related to engineering can make it confusing to differentiate between them. For example, consider civil engineering vs. structural engineering. Both fields share a common foundation in designing and maintaining infrastructure, yet they diverge significantly in their focus areas.

So, how would one know which path to choose? Read on to find out how to navigate the choice between civil engineering and structural engineering and determine which might be the best fit for you.

What is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering is a broad field dedicated to the design, construction, and upkeep of infrastructure and the built environment. This discipline includes several sub-fields, such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, environmental engineering, and water resources engineering.

Civil engineers are tasked with planning, analyzing, designing, and constructing a wide array of projects, including buildings, bridges, dams, roads, airports, and water supply systems. Their work involves considering various factors such as safety, functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness to ensure the projects meet the necessary standards and requirements.

What is Structural Engineering?

Structural engineering is a specialized branch within civil engineering that concentrates on the design and analysis of structures to ensure they can support their own weight and withstand various loads.

Structural engineers plan and design structures like buildings, bridges, towers, dams, and tunnels. They focus on the strength, stability, and rigidity of these structures, ensuring they can endure the forces and loads they will face throughout their lifespan. This involves working with materials such as steel, concrete, and timber, as well as using mathematical models and computer simulations to assess the behavior and performance of the structures.

Differences Between Civil and Structural Engineering

Based on the definitions provided, it is evident that civil engineering is a broad field that includes structural engineering as one of its sub-disciplines. However, several other distinctions become apparent upon closer examination.

Education

Students interested in civil engineering typically start their careers with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, which can lead to entry-level positions in the field. To advance their careers and specialize further, they may pursue a master's degree or even a Ph.D. in civil engineering.

You can start a career in structural engineering with a civil engineering degree since it provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals and valuable skills necessary for the field. However, some roles, especially the more advanced ones, require specialized knowledge that a general civil engineering degree may not cover. In these cases, degrees specifically in structural engineering are needed to acquire the expertise and technical proficiency required for such positions.

Specialization 

Civil engineering offers a wide range of specialization options. Some of these include:

• Geotechnical engineering
• Transportation engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Water resources engineering

Each subfield focuses on specific aspects of civil infrastructure and the environment.

Structural engineering, as another specialization within civil engineering, also has its own sub-specializations. These include:

• Building engineering: This sub-specialization focuses on the structural integrity and design of buildings, ensuring they can support loads and withstand environmental forces.
• Bridge engineering: This area deals with the design and construction of bridges, focusing on their ability to handle traffic loads, resist environmental impacts, and ensure long-term durability.
• Earthquake engineering: This sub-specialization is concerned with designing structures to withstand seismic activity. Engineers in this field develop methods to ensure buildings, bridges, and other structures can endure earthquakes without significant damage.

Each of these sub-specializations is related to structural engineering as they all require an understanding of the principles of load-bearing, material strength, and structural stability.

Work Environments

Civil engineers and structural engineers often work in different yet overlapping environments. Civil engineers held about 326,300 jobs in 2022, with the largest employers being:

• Engineering services: 48%
• State government (excluding education and hospitals): 12%
• Local government (excluding education and hospitals): 10%
• Nonresidential building construction: 6%
• Federal government (excluding postal service): 3%

Civil engineers work in a variety of settings, including indoor office environments and outdoor construction sites. Some projects may require setting up temporary offices, such as in trailers, to work onsite. This broad range of environments highlights the collaborative nature of civil engineering projects, where civil engineers often work alongside other engineers, architects, urban planners, and construction teams to design and execute large-scale infrastructure projects.

Structural engineers, while also working in diverse locations similar to civil engineers, tend to have a more specialized focus. They are often found in environments where detailed analysis and design of specific structures are paramount. Much like civil engineers, they can work in office settings, on construction sites, or in temporary onsite offices. The primary difference lies in the nature of their work, which is more focused on ensuring the integrity and safety of the structures they design.

Salaries

When comparing salaries, structural engineers tend to earn more than civil engineers. The average annual salary for structural engineers is $99,400, whereas civil engineers earn an average of $82,674 per year. This salary difference reflects the specialized nature of structural engineering, which often requires more focused expertise and advanced knowledge. 

Within both fields, salaries can vary significantly depending on the specific role, level of experience, and geographic location. However, the higher average salary for structural engineers generally underscores the value placed on their specialized skills in designing and analyzing complex structures.

Civil vs. Structural Engineering - Which Role is Right for You?

Starting a degree program is a significant step, but it's important to remember that it's not the end of the world if you realize it's not the right fit and decide to change paths later on, especially in the case of civil and structural engineering, where you can transfer a lot of knowledge and skills from one to the other. However, taking the time to make an informed decision before committing can save you time and effort in the long run, so consider these tips:

• Evaluate your interests: If you are passionate about designing and maintaining large-scale infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems, civil engineering may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you are fascinated by the intricacies of designing structures to ensure they are safe and resilient, structural engineering might be more suitable.
• Shadow professionals: Spend time shadowing both civil and structural engineers. This will give you a first-hand look at their daily tasks, work environments, and the types of projects they handle. This experience can provide valuable insights into which role aligns better with your interests and aspirations.
• Consider specialization: Think about whether you prefer a broad scope of work or a more specialized focus. Civil engineering offers a wide range of specialties, allowing you to work on diverse projects. Structural engineering, while more specialized, offers depth in areas like earthquake engineering, bridge design, and building construction. Reflect on whether you enjoy variety or depth in your work.
• Pursue internships: Gain practical experience through internships in both fields. Internships provide hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of each role's day-to-day responsibilities and challenges. They also offer networking opportunities with professionals who can provide career advice and mentorship.
• Seek educational guidance: Talk to professors, career advisors, and professionals in both fields. They can offer insights into the academic requirements, career prospects, and the nature of work in civil and structural engineering. Their guidance can help you make a more informed decision.

By thoroughly researching and gaining practical experience in both civil and structural engineering, you can gain a clearer understanding of which discipline aligns best with your skills, interests, and long-term career goals.

Conclusion

Engineering degrees, in general, are excellent options, and these two are no exception. Since civil engineering encompasses structural engineering, you might consider starting with a civil engineering degree to gain a broad understanding before deciding whether to specialize in structural engineering or enjoy the wider scope.

If you're interested in pursuing this career path, UND offers several degree programs in civil engineering, including undergraduate and graduate options, as well as an accelerated civil engineering degree program that combines a bachelor's and master's degree.

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