Structural Engineering vs Civil Engineering: Understand the Differences

Structural Engineering is one of the core branches of Civil Engineering that focuses on designing building structures. This course provides knowledge of structural analysis and supervision of the construction site. Civil Engineering is one of the popular branches of engineering, which covers various aspects of planning, building, and implementing large infrastructure projects.

Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering are two closely related fields of engineering or to be specific, it is a branch of Civil Engineering that focuses on building and infrastructure development. Although, these two branches have unique differences in terms of their scope, courses, eligibility, fees, career options, and salaries.

Structural Engineering vs Civil Engineering: Course Curriculum

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering courses are offered in both BTech and MTech degree programmes that cover a broad range of topics such as designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure. Some of the major topics that are included in the Civil Engineering course curriculum are:

• Mechanics of Soils
• Structural Analysis
• Transportation Engineering
• Irrigation & Environmental Engineering Drawing
• Engineering Geology
• Construction Management

Structural Engineering

Structural Engineering is a specialised branch of Civil Engineering. It focuses on analysing and designing structures to ensure they can withstand various forces and loads. Structural Engineering emphasises the safety and durability of structures like buildings, towers, and bridges. Some of the subjects covered in the structural engineering course are:

• Advanced Mechanics of Solids
• Structural Dynamics
• Energy and Environment
• Offshore Structural Engineering
• Analysis And Design of Tall Structures

Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering: Eligibility Criteria

Civil Engineering course is offered in both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, and Structural Engineering course is offered in postgraduate programmes. Structural programmes are offered by top IITs and NITs. The eligibility criteria for both the courses are at UG and PG level is similar.

Undergraduate Programme:

• Candidates must complete their 10+2 in the Science stream, with major subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• They need to score at least 50 per cent on their board exam.
• Candidates need to appear for the entrance exams, such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced.
• They need to appear for JoSAA counselling process after clearing the JEE Main entrance exam.

Postgraduate:

• Candidates should have completed their BTech degree programme in a similar specialisation, such as BTech in Civil Engineering or BTech in Mechanical Engineering.
• They need to appear for the GATE entrance examination.

Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering: Colleges and Fees

Civil Engineering courses are offered by a lot of private and government colleges in India. In the table below, we have mentioned a few BTech and MTech Civil Engineering colleges and their fees.

Structural Engineering course is mainly offered at the postgraduate degree level. In the table below, we have mentioned the Structural Engineering colleges and their fees.

Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering: Career Options and Salary

Civil Engineers can join a diverse field, having opportunities in both public and private sectors. The civil engineering salary is Rs. 7.4 LPA. Some of the major job roles after pursuing civil engineering are:

• Civil Engineer
• Project Manager
• Geotechnical Engineer
• Construction Engineer
• Urban Planner

The structural engineering course provides knowledge of structural safety and design. The structural engineering salary is Rs. 11 LPA. Graduates can work as structural engineers and design engineers:

• Structural Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Consultant
• Researcher

Conclusion

Structural engineering is a specialised profession that focuses on creating long-lasting sturdy structures, while civil engineering is a more general field with a variety of applications in infrastructure development. Candidates should choose one course based on their interests and professional objectives, as both disciplines provide great career options.