Is Civil Engineering a Hard Major? (Straight Forward Answer)

Is Civil Engineering is a hard major? Civil Engineering is often portrayed as a difficult and hard major. In this video, I explain the benefits of a civil engineering degree and why I believe it's not a hard major.
Remember that if you put your mind to it you can do it!
...and as always, Stay Civil!
~Daniel
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0:00 - Intro
0:25 - Math and Physics Requirements
0:49 - Class Workload
1:14 - Applicability of Course Work
1:50 - Broad Scope of Civil Engineering Degree
2:20 - Civil Engineering Community
2:47 - Conclusion
3:05 - Outro
#civilengineering #students

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

What other videos would you like to see? Any other Civil Engineering Questions?

[@eziocutarelli678]

Is there an overlap from Civil Engineering to urban planning and design?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

@Ezio Cutarelli Site Development, using GIS, and Transportation Engineering are all topics covered within the broad scope of civil engineering. So there is _some_ overlap. I had classmates who were Sustainable Urban Environment (SUE) majors in my Intro to Civil Engineering and Transportation Engineering class as well as a few of my electives. (Transportation Economics and Sustainable Cities are two that I can think of.) I wouldn't say get a degree in Civil Engineering if you plan on going for Urban Planning but (speak to your advisor to confirm) I *think* you can start as a civil major and switch after a semester if it's not for you.

[@abdulmohsin6410]

Will About Project Engineer and planning Engineer!!

[@davido3026]

Grading, drainage street design, utilities ; traffic lights are done by civil enfineers​@eziocutarelli678

[@kashyap4245]

Civil Engineering is simple, but not easy. When it comes to practical, it is one of the toughest.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Well said!

[@kashyap4245]

@@ThatCivilEngineer Thanks for the compliment.

[@hazoony_1598]

thanks man this was heavily needed! im a senior in high school i was completely nervous about college and now i feel more comfortable

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Glad I can help!

[@Busta4Life]

my dad suggested me to take this course when i get to college.. honestly, i just hope i can support my family while my parents rest easy as they retire and i take over..

[@imrandoesthings]

It's easier than most engineering degrees, but it's still difficult nonetheless. Engineering is tough.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Good point! Engineering has some baseline difficulty but I think it's often over-hyped.

[@kashyap4245]

Not easier, rather simpler than other branches. But still Civil Engineering is not a piece of cake. There is a difference between being easier and being simpler. Civil Engineering is simple, but not easy. When it comes to practical, it is one of the toughest.

[@charliewright2667]

@@kashyap4245 plus the whole other side of civil engineering that people don't think about in public works systems, roads and highways, etc.

[@mrED123]

How would someone know if one is harder? Wouldn’t you have to take both??

[@charliewright2667]

@@mrED123 It's just mechanical and electrical engineers hurdurring bc they can't find a job with silicon valley hiring like 25(+, as I think the statistic I read was just engineers from India or se Asia but I don't want to miscite)% of its engineers from out of the country

[@darylhopkins9796]

This is one of the better civil engineering videos that I seen.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Thank you! I'm glad you appreciated it! Going to start posting again soon.

[@izen4276]

The audio is clear very good job.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Thank you for the feedback! I try to constantly improve my videos!

[@Andrea-es5te]

AMAZING :)

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Thank you! :)

[@carlossantana3049]

It also depends where you go to school at. Civil engineering can be brutal at some universities. This usually happens by how difficult they make the structures sequence which can be just horrific at some schools.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

While this is true, I still think that civil engineering gets a scary reputation. While I was at NYU, they were very structural-focused. Even though I went for structural I still found some of the structural classes challenging. You raise a good point. If these classes were challenging for someone who is interested in structural, then they must've been very challenging to those that had no interest in structures. The flipside is also true. I had a hard time with my water resources classes because that wasn't where my interests aligned. In summation, Civil Engineering can be difficult *at times* but it's very doable.

[@carlossantana3049]

@@ThatCivilEngineer you went to nyu too!!!! Whoa reunion!! I was at nyu right before it switched to nyu tandon. I remember it was difficult with structures (mamamalouf) but rewarding. I ended up taking several grad courses before finishing bachelors and they allowed it. This allowed me to exceed in grad school and in my career. Water resources when i took it was taught by a renowned expert who was an adjunct and it was brutal. This occured because Prof.Ronan had too much course loads that term and had to give it up. All in all it was a great experience but difficult and lets not mention seniorvdesign lmfaoooo

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

​@@carlossantana3049 Seems like we had similar experiences! I transferred in right after the switch. Some of my classmates started off as Poly students. I agree, overall a great experience and I learned a lot. (Senior design is a whole other topic! lol)

[@Im_A_miracle]

Im starting school for civil engineering I’m nervous people make it seem imposible . Thanks for this Video

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Good luck! You got this!

[@pathan585]

Well it's a very good vedio for me sir thanks for motivate me

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Glad I can help!!

[@nayeemhasanobhi]

Thanks man❤️🇧🇩

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

You're welcome 😊 Glad I can help!

[@GabrielsLogic]

I really love engineering. I love math! And using it practically! But math does not love me. I'm not terrible at math. Usually i understand it very well. (Depends on teacher). I'm a senior in highschool, and would love to go to college for civil engineering. What exactly would be the use of math in engineering? Calculator work? Pencil on paper?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Good Question. I was actually thinking about making a video discussing high school math used in engineering! In summary, engineering is the practical application of math and science to solve a problem. In engineering school, you're going to use do a lot of hand calculations with a pencil and paper (always use a pencil for math). This will help you fully understand that theory. But in the field, you usually use engineering programs or excel to do the calculations. Using the software is faster and allows you to use different variables as input without having to rewrite anything. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions or feedback!

[@GabrielsLogic]

@@ThatCivilEngineer thanks so much Daniel! I am definitely going to be a civil engineer. And it's thanks to you! ❤️

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

WOW! That means a lot. This is why I create the videos. Please let me know if there are any other video topics you'd find interesting. I'm very excited for you and hope to hear an update in 4 years when you graduate!

[@GabrielsLogic]

@@ThatCivilEngineer i will definitely update! Thanks a lot

[@abdulmohsin6410]

Thanks sir

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Glad I can help!

[@aslanersoy8970]

Yeah, it's easy if you do statics, but when it comes to sth like Non-linear structural earthquake engineering, things have already started to seem scary

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

True. But most of engineering is broken down to statics. That's why colleges tend to make that such an intense course. Regarding Earthquake and Non-Linear, the conceptual understanding is a bit more difficult but, ASCE 7 does break down the process for such analysis pretty soundly.

[@aslanersoy8970]

@@ThatCivilEngineer thank you so much for the info, I'll definitely analyze the related parts 🤘🙏

[@muskmania8944]

Hey, I'm hasdic and thinking of starting learning engineering, but I'm afraid I'm missing certain knowledge that I didn't get as a child, do you think I can still do it?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

For sure! For civil engineering you need a strong math basis. You use a lot of Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry (Sin, Cos, Tan). The reading and writing will develop on its own. All the engineering related information (Including physics and advanced math) will be taught during your undergraduate degree. Side note, I worked alongside a Hasidic Guy at my first job while he was completing his undergraduate degree.

[@JohnSmith-zw8vp]

I would think any sort of major with "engineering" in its name would be really tough. Especially if you're not like born some super math whiz.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

That's one of my goals for this channel! To help people who want to be a civil engineer achieve their goals! I hope this video helped you! Are you thinking about going into engineering?

[@user-ov9cf8sw5e]

Hi! I'm a recent high school grad and I took physics, chemistry an biology as core subjects with general studies and basic applied mathematics (BAM) as extra subjects. I got an A in physics, B in chemistry and C in biology as well as a B in basic applied mathematics (BAM). I'm looking forward to civil engineering but I don't know of my math is eligible for taking it or not (bevause it's not advanced mathematics, tho we touches on the basics of calculus ir differenciation and intergration in BAM). I'm interested in structural or transportational engineering within civil. Can anyone help tell me if I can enter into it or not based on my maths and if I would be capable of handling the maths there. Thanks!

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Civil Engineering does use a lot of math but it's mostly trigonometry in application. Calculus is used in school primarily to understand the derivation of different formulas. Structural Engineering is really mostly physics by balancing equations and forces. If you like physics (and it looks like you do) I would say go for it! You can always switch out if you think the math is too difficult.

[@prakharsingh4664]

i am still finding civil engineer community to interact with... so i can explore more from my academics

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

That's great that you're actively looking! I would recommend getting involved in student activities for now. This is a great way to expose yourself to other engineers and meet a lot of great people. As a student I joined the ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition and it was a great experience that I would recommend. I made a video about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2rUq5tuYqx2oNU. Also consider joining ASCE (students get free membership) and see what they have to offer. Best of luck!

[@prakharsingh4664]

@@ThatCivilEngineer I'm indian so the only means i had is social media to interact with other

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

ASCE has collaborate which is an open forum for civil engineers. You can also try LinkedIn if that's your communication style. I'm sure there are other forums and groups out there. I hope this channel helps you reach other engineers!

[@laarmonipaaklatif9289]

I love civil engineering just because of the application of Mathematical principles that realize infrastructures for decent human leaving. Please assist me to be among world class. I love civil engineering and I can do it. My passion for mathematics is unmeasurable and I want to do something about mathematics for the world.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

That's awesome that you already know what you want to do! I'm not sure exactly what you need help with but if you have any specific questions, please let me know.

[@rodrigoinfantas7753]

I was studying international business, then I change to civil but I was scared so I change too gastronomy. Now I want to go back but my family doesn't let me. They want me to go back to business.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Rodrigo, I hope this video helped show that you don't have anything to be scared about. If you study and put your mind to it civil engineering can be for anyone! An option to explore would be get a business Bachelors and then go for a Civil Master's. This may be a bit harder because you'll be lacking a bunch of necessary classes. But look into this to see if this makes sense! (A Master's would also be in a specific field so you'd also have to know what field you're thinking about.) I hope this helps!

[@edouardatangana4195]

Damn I got accepted into Iowa state I'll be studying civil engineering I was so scare lol 😆

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Congratulations! That's awesome! Don't be scared, be prepared! (Sorry about the cringey rhyme but you got this!) Just be on top of your studying, homework...and you'll excel!

[@edouardatangana4195]

@@ThatCivilEngineer okey this is crazy I'll just go selected to receive a 20,000.00 presidential scholarship at the University of Bridgeport what should I do ?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

@@edouardatangana4195 Congratulations! I don't know how watch school ranks in terms of education nor how much they cost? Do a cost value analysis (similar to what I did in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWWuiqarm6mHrtk) and hopefully that'll help you make the decision. Personally, I would advise to go the "cheaper" school and get amazing internships then go into student debt (if possible). Good Luck!!!

[@vaishnavm7148]

I've polytechnic diploma in mech. Will switching to civil be a good or bad choice?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

If you are still in school and are a sophomore or freshman then yes, you can transfer pretty easily. Once you hit Junior and especially, Senior, you'll find the transition a bit harder because you'll have to take a bunch of additional classes. This logic extends to once you graduate. Once you graduate, although the two do have similar classes (especially to structural engineering) I don't think the transition would be very easy. If you are applying for a job, I would say apply to civil and mechanical and see what's out there. If you already started working, I would try applying but especially networking to see how to best make the transition. I hope this helps! Let me know if you need further advise or clarification.

[@crazy_Boy_0205]

Sir maine 12th 2021 m math subject se pass ki h with 96.4% or maine ba distance mode se kr rha hu but m 2022 m B. Tech in civil krna chahta hu to kya m kr skta hu or kya after 12th 1 year gap hone k vajah se placement m prblm hogi kya please sir reply m bhut problem m hu 🙏🙏

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

It sounds like you a great student and I definitely think you can become a civil engineer! A gap year after graduation is not advisable because the recruiter may want to hire someone with the knowledge a bit fresher. (Think about if you were hiring, would you want to hire a new grad or someone who graduated 12 months ago?) If you are going to take a gap year, I would try to have good internships prior to your gap year and perhaps one of those internships can lead to a full-time job (you'd have to work out the gap year with that company). Overall, I think you can become a civil engineer and you don't need to worry about after your senior year when you haven't started yet. A lot can change in 4 years! Stay positive! P.S. I don't speak Hindi but I had a friend translate so I apologize if I misunderstood something.

[@NJdotaAdikKK]

As my Professor once said, "CE is not EC(easy)"

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Clever. I never heard that one before. I agree it's not easy but I think a lot of people get scared because they think CE is incredibly hard.

[@johannes6362]

i think civil engineering can be quit easy if you pic the easier directions, for example: -Transportation, Construction management, Wastewater are easier then -strucutal, geotechnical and hydraulical engineering

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Possibly. For me, I found my environmental courses hard since don't like chemistry. Structural were definitely tougher courses though but that may be because the professors?

[@AAhmad3449]

Should I change my major from construction management to civil engineering?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

It really depends. A lot of civil engineering majors go into construction management (typically they have a minor in CM). An engineering degree is probably more flexible in terms of what you can do with it after graduation. If you already know you want to go into construction management, then getting an engineering degree will help you understand the why behind what you're doing a little better while the construction management degree will provide you more information when starting your job. I don't think *getting a job* will be influenced by switching. Unfortunately, there is no "correct answer" in this type of scenario. You have to analyze the pros and cons on both sides and make an educated decision. It really depends on what you want to do and what you find interesting. Try interning within CM and see if you find the field interesting. Good Luck and let me know if I can help in any other way!

[@AAhmad3449]

@@ThatCivilEngineer I’m interning rn with project managers I hate it I want to be in field

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Please clarify. You're currently interning as a project manager (at a construction firm) but you want to be a construction manager in the field?

[@AAhmad3449]

@@ThatCivilEngineer no I’m interning at a program management firm where I work around mostly project managers.. I wanted to be more in the field per say

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

A civil engineer is mostly a desk job. I can see you applying the knowledge of how things are built (a civil degree) to advocate that you'd be better at a site. On the other hand I can see how taking specific construction management courses (not estimating but closer to site management) would help you advocate to be in the field as well. Again, weigh the pros and cons of each choice and make the decision that's best for you. It sounds like you enjoy construction management but you like specific aspects of it more than others. I don't think switching would be best but rather taking site specific courses and interning on site would benefit you most. Please don't take my advise as the rule but rather as a suggestion to be thought over. Best of luck!

[@josiahademiluyi4677]

If you don’t mind me asking, do you have to have any prior knowledge before taking a civil engineering major?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Actually no. The first physics class I took was in college and the highest math I took in high school was trigonometry in 10th grade. (No math after that.)

[@josiahademiluyi4677]

@@ThatCivilEngineer Okay thanks, and is it easy to get a job in this field?

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

For getting a structural job it's a little tough getting you foot in the door but once you have that first job it's pretty easy to move around and get another job. I would encourage you to intern so you can get experience and hopefully land that first job. I made outlining the steps I recommend you take to get that a job or Internship: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6e1i5Jte955m7s

[@josiahademiluyi4677]

@@ThatCivilEngineer Okay, thanks for the info

[@abrarjahin1799]

Bro What is the difference between Civil engineering and Architecture

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Great question! A structural engineer works with the architect to coordinate the layout of the structure. The architect will specify room designation, final finished wall thicknesses, insulation, egress, and such. While the structural engineer works solely on the structure (alongside the architect) and lays out the columns, bearing walls, foundations, and such. The structural engineer designs the "skeleton" of the structure. Both parties work alongside each other and there is a lot of coordination between the two fields. Hope this helps!

[@rickpedraza]

Short Answer. Yes

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Well, I guess that sums it up lol!😆

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Honestly, the purpose of this video was to expand on the topic and give my perspective and encouragement to those who are intimidated by the idea of a civil engineering degree. Challenging, yes, but hard I don't think it's a hard major if you set your mind to it.

[@kashyap4245]

Civil Engineering is not easy, rather simpler than other branches. But still Civil Engineering is not a piece of cake. There is a difference between being easier and being simpler. Civil Engineering is simple, but not easy. When it comes to practical, it is one of the toughest.

[@Cherry_04]

Where are you from

[@Cherry_04]

Iam from India

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

New York City!

[@davido3026]

Civil engineering is harder than human medicine!!!

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

If only the market agreed!

[@todohoe113]

thank you. college is scary

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

Good Luck! College can be intimated at first but get's easier once you're there. Please let me know if you have any other questions!

[@geddon436]

I've thought about becoming an engineer. Looking at the math and physics, I think I would fail too many courses.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

No shame in that. Engineering isn't for everyone. I'm glad you didn't wait until taking bunch of physics and math courses to find that out. You saved yourself a lot of stress! lol If you do plan on going for engineering just know that it's doable even if your not 100% a math person. But if engineering doesn't excite you and physics and math scare you then I guess it's not worth the risk.

[@geddon436]

@@ThatCivilEngineer Part of me does want to do it, but to commit for at least four years, probably longer.......I don't believe I have enough grit to maintain that long period of time.

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

I'm not sure if you're in college but if you are see how you do on your math core classes and try a physics course. The amount of effort and how you feel about those courses will help make the decision easier. I would also suggest starting out in a local community college (or staying there throughout your education) will help with the financial part of the commitment. I personally transferred after 2 years from a community college to NYU (definitely not community college pricing). If you feel that going for engineering is maintaining some sort of front than I wouldn't continue with engineering. But try some engineering adjacent courses and see how that works out for you.

[@kevinmatthews9712]

A civil engineer is a mechanical engineer that doesn't understand motion. 🙂

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

The other one I hear is: "Mechanical engineers make the weapons, civil engineers make the targets"

[@rubendiaz247]

@@ThatCivilEngineeri once heard that the aerospace engineers make the weapons….

[@anatijerina5106]

Ever heard of earthquakes? Civil’s certainly do understand motion - our scales are just vastly different

[@ThatCivilEngineer]

I like that! I never thought about it like that.

[@davido3026]

Mechanical engineers do not understand seismic movement!! Dams hydroelectric power or channel flows