How can I tell whether architecture or civil engineering suits me better?
Compare the kinds of things you want to work on and how you want to approach problems. Architecture may be a direction to explore if you are interested in the space, form, and use of buildings and in communicating ideas through drawings or models. Civil engineering may be a direction to explore if you are interested in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ground, and water, and in considering safety, function, and scale through mechanics or data. Also reflect on your interest in mathematics, physics, making things, and outdoor or field-related activities, then compare courses and exercises at the universities you are considering through trial classes or information sessions.
Key points
- Compare architecture and civil engineering by the subjects you want to address and your approach to problems.
- For architecture, consider your interest in buildings’ space, form, and users, and in design and presentation through drawings or models.
- For civil engineering, consider your interest in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ground, and water, including structural, environmental, and disaster-prevention questions.
- Review each university’s curriculum and assignments, and use trial classes or information sessions.
Things to check
- The boundary between architecture and civil engineering, and the emphasis of courses, vary by university and department; some programs cover both, so check official information for the programs you are considering.