Civil Engineering vs Architecture

6 minute read
Civil Engineering vs Architecture

Want to make a career which deals with designing and building structures? Then both Civil Engineering and Architecture are a well fit for you. Both these notable fields are concerned with the construction of various structures like buildings, roads, bridges, dams etc. But have you ever thought about if both the fields are so closely related then, what makes the two independent disciplines? For all those who are eager to know about the difference between Civil Engineering vs Architecture, here is a blog to help you with the same. 

Difference Between Civil Engineering and Architecture 

Civil Engineering and Architecture are similar fields but they have distinct workings. Civil Engineering is concerned with structural elements of the design as it is focused on making the structures more endurable to extreme weather conditions, checking the quality of material used in the formation of a building, etc. Whereas, Architecture is all about enhancing the spatial functionality along with the aesthetics of the structure. The field of Architecture emphasizes on bettering the artistry, look, functionality, etc of a structure. 

The description of the roles of both the Civil Engineers and Architects will help you understand the distinction between Civil Engineers vs Architecture. While constructing a building, the primary role is that of an Architect as they will design the structure. All the details like style, shape, colour etc will be completely managed by them. Once all this is done, the role of a Civil Engineer comes into play as they analyze and make sure that the construction becomes rock solid. Civil Engineers will gauge out the best material required in the making of the construction. In simpler words, Architects will help you design your dream structure whereas Civil Engineers will ensure that it stays rock solid for years and years. 

Roles and Responsibilities of a Civil Engineer

The following are the roles and responsibilities of a civil engineer:

  • Monitoring and managing the designing and development of small scale – large scale construction projects
  • Make on-site visits, conduct analysis and prepare a report
  • Evaluate possible risks and manage expenses
  • Perform frequent quality checks
  • Handle budget allocated for equipment and materials

Roles and Responsibilities of an Architect

The following are the roles and responsibilities of an architect:

  • Create designs while maintaining the quality standards and construction documentation
  • Supervise the project from the planning process to execution
  • Provide innovative solutions to designing issues and coordinate with contractors
  • Collaborate with various teams working on the project in the local areas
  • Adjusting the modifications to meet the demands of the clients

Career Scope For Civil Engineering vs Architecture 

These interconnected fields possess a vast career scope to secure your future in. After pursuing degrees in the respective fields, you will be able to grab positions like- 

Civil Engineering Architecture
Construction Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
Transportation Engineer
Structural Engineer
Architecture Design 
Architecture Engineer
Interior Designer
Architecture Draftsman 
Architectural Assistant

Do you want to secure an ever-growing career in these reputable fields? Here are some essential details about courses, eligibility criteria, top universities etc. 

Eligibility Criteria

As both the fields revolve around similar lines, the eligibility criteria for both do not differ on a large scale. However, the competitive exams which one has to qualify to enter the program may differ in their nature. Go to the below-mentioned entry requisites and they will help you decide how to choose between Civil Engineering vs Architecture- 

  • For bachelors courses, you must have formal schooling of 10+2 with Science Stream subjects
  • Entering masters courses would require you have a bachelor’s degree in similar or relevant fields
  • A good score in English proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL
  • GMAT and GRE scores as per the demand of the program
  • LOR and SOP in the mentioned format as on the official website

Note: The aforementioned details are general, reached out to Leverage Edu experts for specific details of each of the fields. 

Over the past few years, both the fields have experienced inclination of candidates towards the high-end these courses majorly duw to to the diverse career scope of both the fields. Let us take a look at the courses available in Civil Engineering and Architecture: 

Civil Engineering Courses Top Architecture Courses
-Diploma in Engineering
-Civil Engineering
-Bachelor of Engineering Honours Civil Engineering 
-Bachelor of Engineering Civil and Infrastructure
-Master of Professional Engineering
-Civil Engineering
-Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering
-Master of Engineering studies in Civil Engineering
-Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Diploma in Architecture
-Bachelor of Architectural Studies
-Bachelor of Design in Architecture
-Bachelor of Architectural Design
-Master of Architecture
-Master of Architecture High
-Performance Technology
-Master of Architecture Housing

Before you move on to the next comparative measure of Civil Engineering vs Architecture, read our blog popular Civil Engineering books!

Civil Engineering vs Architecture: Top Universities  

An array of renowned universities abroad offer courses in Civil Engineering as well as Architecture,  opting which you can fulfil the dream of acquiring quality education. Before selecting an institution for your preferred course you must go through the curriculum, career prospects as well as the research opportunities available at the university. When talking about foreign education for Indian students look at the universities mentioned below which will help you firm your choice between civil engineering vs architecture:

Top 10 Universities for Civil and Structural Engineering

University Location QS Rankings for Civil and Structural Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUSA1
National University of SingaporeSingapore2
Delft University of TechnologyNetherlands 3
University of California, BerkeleyUSA 4
University of CambridgeUK5
Imperial College LondonUK6
Nanyang Technological UniversitySingapore=7
Tsinghua UniversityChina =7
ETH ZurichSwitzerland 9
EPFLSwitzerland 10
Credits: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Top 10 Universities for Architecture 

University Location QS Rankings for Architecture
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUSA1
University College London UK2
Delft University of TechnologyNetherlands 3
ETH ZurichSwitzerland 4
Harvard UniversityUSA5
National University of SingaporeSingapore6
University of California, Berkeley USA7
Tsinghua UniversityChina 8
University of CambridgeUK9
Politecnico di MilanoItaly 10

Average Salary of a Civil Engineer vs Architect

The average salary of an architect and civil engineer are as follows:

Job Profile Avg. Salary
Civil Engineer 3.4 Lakh
Architect 17.5 Lakh

FAQs

Which is better: Civil Engineering or Architecture?

Both Civil Engineering and Architecture are lucrative career pathways. These courses offer both academic and professional opportunities for students. Architecture deals with maintaining the aesthetics and design, whereas Civil Engineering deals with the selection of material and structuring the whole building.

What is the difference between Architecture and Civil Engineering?

Both Architecture and Civil Engineering professionals work in the same area that is the construction of a building, monument or any other solid structure. The difference lies in their intent, an Architect deals with the designing of the structure, whereas the Civil Engineer explores the materials required and construction of the overall structure.

Can Civil Engineers do Architecture?

Civil Engineers can do the work of Architects if they have a professional certification or diploma in the field. As both these professions are very similar, many times, Civil Engineers pursue a short term course in Architecture.

Is Architecture harder than Civil Engineering?

It is difficult to say which of these courses is harder than the other as this is a subjective matter. Architecture courses include designing, sketches, usage of designing software and other related things. Whereas, Engineering is a technical field that includes practicals, Mathematical theorems, etc.

Is a civil engineer the same as an architect?

While architects design and plan structures ranging from houses and factories to skyscrapers and museums, civil engineers supervise the entire design-to-completion process for buildings, roads, dams, bridges, water systems, and other major works.

Now that you are aware of the difference between Civil Engineering vs Architecture, you can easily pick a suitable course for yourself. Reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu who will assist you in kickstarting your career in your chosen field!

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8 comments
    1. Hey

      Both Architecture and Civil Engineering are highly specialised courses and require years of studying and practical experience, thus, it is not easy for professionals in either find to make a quick switch to the other. Hope this answers your question!

  1. The facts that have been discussed here are really important. Thank you so much for sharing a great post.

    1. Hey

      Both Architecture and Civil Engineering are highly specialised courses and require years of studying and practical experience, thus, it is not easy for professionals in either find to make a quick switch to the other. Hope this answers your question!

  1. The facts that have been discussed here are really important. Thank you so much for sharing a great post.