Civil Engineering - Do All Engineers Study the Same?

In summary: Yes, go ahead and ask me questions about transportation. It's a great choice to be a civil engineer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the course. I don't think there will be many employments in civil engineering in the future, but that's always a possibility.
  • #1
The_Z_Factor
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Hi, I was wondering something, since my uncle is a civil engineer. Well last week I was talking to him about his job, and he told me he's a civil engineer, and he mentioned water something, and told me he works with the drainage systems in cities and such, and helps increase the effect of drainage systems to reduce flooding.

So I was wondering, do civil engineers do less work or studying in school, course wise, than say..an engineer who deals with something like mechanics or something extremely complex, like maybe bridge building(?), or do all engineers basically take the same amount of work, or study perhaps.
 
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  • #2
Oh dear - they're going to hunt you down...
All engineering is complex and you study pretty much the same amount of stuff at school. Civil engineering if anything is going to mean more exams, since in most countries you can't do much as a civil engineer without somehting like professional engineer / chartered engineer status - a bit like passing the bar after your law degree.
 
  • #3
I'm a Civil Engineer and I sat through the same courses as the other engineers. The main difference in the course work is the 4th college year and after. Each discipline begins to "separate" into course work that is more specialized in their respective field.

I've designed large scale buildings and I've done regional utility work along with Interstate and State Highways. Based on my past work experience, I believe civil engineers "come closer" to larger scale public safety issues than the other disciplines. This is why most civil engineering projects require a Professional Engineer signature and dated stamp.
 
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  • #4
I'm a Civil Engineering student currently in college, and I'd have to say the workload is not much different from that of students reading mechanical engineering, electrical engineering etc. Unfortunately.. :P
 
  • #5
It's funny that you ask that question, about whether Civil engineering is easier than other fields.

I have a few friends who are in Civil (or "simple" engineering, as we call it) who often complain about the workload. A lot of their courses (from what I hear) are pretty much the same thing, though. Wish I could be of more help, but I'm in mech.
 
  • #6
Don't worry about other careers assumptions. Students just assume anything about other careers that's a fact. For example, Architecture students believe interior design is a "piece of cake" compared to their career, physics students believe any engineering is too easy compared to their career, engineering students believe industrial engineering is a glorified business major or that x engineering isn't as tough as y engineering, and others assumptions. These stereotypes will always be found, but don't pay much attention to them.
 
  • #7
Cyclovenom said:
Don't worry about other careers assumptions. Students just assume anything about other careers that's a fact. For example, Architecture students believe interior design is a "piece of cake" compared to their career, physics students believe any engineering is too easy compared to their career, engineering students believe industrial engineering is a glorified business major or that x engineering isn't as tough as y engineering, and others assumptions. These stereotypes will always be found, but don't pay much attention to them.

Great answer !

Is it okay, if I ask you few question related to transportation ?
 
  • #8
have just a month then start my civil engineering course. how is this course as in can it be more innovative or what has been done is enough. someone advice shall there be employments in future? maybe i should change my career. i do like as my best choice.
 

1. What is the difference between civil engineering and other engineering disciplines?

Civil engineering is focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as buildings, roads, bridges, and water systems. Other engineering disciplines, such as mechanical or electrical engineering, have more specialized focuses.

2. Do all engineers study the same subjects in college?

No, each engineering discipline has its own set of core subjects that students must study. While there may be some overlap in certain courses, civil engineering students will primarily study topics related to their field, such as structural analysis and design, transportation engineering, and geotechnical engineering.

3. Can a civil engineer work in other fields besides construction?

Yes, civil engineers can work in a variety of fields, including transportation, water resources, environmental engineering, and even software development. The skills and knowledge gained in a civil engineering education can be applied to a wide range of industries.

4. Is there a specific licensing process for civil engineers?

Yes, in order to practice as a civil engineer in most countries, individuals must obtain a professional engineering license. This typically involves completing a degree from an accredited program, gaining relevant work experience, and passing a licensing exam.

5. Are there opportunities for specialization within civil engineering?

Yes, there are many sub-disciplines within civil engineering that individuals can specialize in, such as structural engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental engineering. Specializing in a specific area allows engineers to develop advanced skills and knowledge in their chosen field.

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