Civil Engineering vs. Architecture: What's the Difference?

When you first hear about them, architecture and civil engineering can sound like virtually the same thing. Both jobs involve bringing structures to life, and professional architects and engineers alike will visit the site of a new construction project before returning to the office to look over blueprints.

However, there are marked differences between the fields—from the education requirements to the everyday responsibilities. And while both disciplines often attract a similar type of student, the required skills are surprisingly varied.

In this extensive guide, we’ll explore these subjects in depth before comparing civil engineering and architecture head-to-head.

What is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering deals with all aspects of public and private civic infrastructure. Civil engineers oversee and take part in the planning, construction, and upkeep of structures and systems, such as: 

• Dams
• Roads
• Buildings
• Railways

Most of the time, civil engineering focuses solely on human-made structures, but it occasionally overlaps with the natural world of environmental engineering.

As a branch of science-forward engineering, civil engineering is more concerned with the functionality of a project than its aesthetic value. That’s not to say that civil engineers don’t design beautiful bridges or awe-inspiring airports; rather, the emphasis is on creating something that works.

What is Architecture?

Architecture is a blend of art and science that relates more specifically to the design of buildings. Whether it's a residential, commercial, or industrial structure, an architect had a hand in envisioning the project alongside their client.

In contrast with civil engineering, the field of architecture tends to focus more closely on the aesthetic aspect of a structure (though, of course, adhering to building codes and safety practices are essential parts of the role). Architects are also more likely to work in an office, where they typically handle responsibilities like:

• Calculating project costs and estimating construction time
• Drawing building plans (by hand or using computer software)
• Negotiating contracts
• Choosing contractors

Civil Engineering vs. Architecture: Education Requirements

As a civil engineer or an architect, your work will impact public safety and efficiency. As such, most jobs in either discipline require at least a bachelor’s degree. The training involved to get this degree is what proves an individual is capable of such a job. It demonstrates that they are responsible enough to take on a job that impacts public safety and efficiency.

Let’s look at the educational journey for each field.

Education for Civil Engineers

Many universities offer specific bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering. Other degrees accepted by employers for civil engineering jobs may include construction management or other branches of engineering. Regardless of the exact degree you pursue, these undergraduate programs typically take 3-5 years to complete and usually culminate in a bachelor of science (BS) degree.

Your course load will depend on your institution and major of choice, but you can expect to take classes like:

• Introduction to Engineering
• The Engineering Method
• Sustainable Development
• Soil Mechanics
• Building Science Fundamentals
• Surveying
• Calculus
• Engineering Calculations

Some colleges also offer fast-track programs to help students attain a master’s degree as efficiently as possible. For example, North Central College offers a partnership program with the Illinois Institute of Technology that enables students to complete a bachelor’s and a master’s in civil engineering in just five years. Graduate degrees can help unlock more job opportunities, often with higher salaries.

Still wondering how to become a civil engineer? Prospective civil engineers may also want to earn their Professional Engineer (PE) license. Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree, you can take the Professional Engineer exams and work under a licensed engineer for four years to earn your PE license. PE licensure is exceptionally valuable, as civil engineers must be licensed to submit plans to public authorities.

Education for Architects

For most architects, a five-year bachelor of architecture (B.Arch) program is the preferred degree program. However, some schools also offer a BA or BS in architecture through four-year programs. Architects wishing to continue their education and expand their career options can also enroll in a two- or three-year master’s program.

No matter which type of degree you pursue, you’ll take plenty of architecture-focused courses such as:

• Foundations of Design
• Geometric Modelling
• Sustainable Design
• Architectural History
• Project Delivery
• Physics
• Landscape Architecture

Many states require that architects hold a degree from a school recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), so be sure to check your state’s requirements through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) before applying to colleges.

Following graduation, the next step for most architects is to work as a paid intern in an architectural firm (as required by most states). Internships typically last around three years and are generally set up through the NCARB’s Architectural Experience Program.

Finally, architects in all U.S. jurisdictions will need to pass the Architect Registration Examination before working in the field according to the NCARB. Periodical continuing education courses may also be required to maintain licensure.

Civil Engineering vs. Architecture: Essential Skills

Though architecture and civil engineering share many of the same foundational skills, the two disciplines start to diverge after the first few years of study. To help you prepare for college and beyond, we’ve assembled a list of essential skills in each field.

Must-Have Skills for Civil Engineers

So, what does a civil engineer do? Civil engineers work on a wide variety of projects with people in numerous other roles. Aspiring civil engineers should be prepared to learn and master:

• Physics
• Mathematics
• Engineering software (such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D)
• Quantity surveying (cost management)
• Interpreting construction documents
• Leadership and communication skills
• Creative problem-solving and critical thinking

While you’ll study all of this and more in college, familiarizing yourself with these topics ahead of time will give you a leg up.

Must-Have Skills for Architects

Throughout their careers, architects design countless styles and types of buildings. As such, every future architect should thoroughly understand the following areas:

• Mathematics
• Geometry
• Physics
• Art and design skills
• Building codes and zoning laws
• Problem-solving
• Computer literacy
• Interpersonal communication