Structural Engineering vs Civil Engineering: What's the Difference?

Structural engineering and civil engineering are two closely related fields of engineering that are often confused. Structural engineers design buildings, bridges and other structures that support the weight of people and objects, while civil engineers design infrastructure like roads, sewage systems and utilities. Structural engineers build structures while civil engineers plan, design and construct these structures. To become a structural engineer, you need to complete an accredited structural engineering program that includes courses such as the design of structures, materials science, applied mechanics and thermodynamics. Structural engineers use computers to create models of building designs and then test these models with different materials. Civil engineering majors study topics such as architecture, engineering mechanics, hydraulics and materials science in order to understand how engineering principles apply to real-world problems. Civil engineers are responsible for designing roads, buildings and other infrastructure that supports the needs of a community. They work with architects to ensure that new buildings meet community needs in a cost-effective manner. The concepts of structural engineering help civil engineers design durable structures that last a long time but also use less material than alternatives. Both structural and civil engineers are responsible for building large structures. You can study civil engineering topics to help your career grow without having to specialize in either structural or civil engineering.