Construction Management vs. Civil Engineering: Understanding the Differences

Construction management versus civil engineering is an interesting topic that often sparks curiosity among those considering a career in construction. In this blog, we’ll delve into the differences between these two fields and explore why many construction management professionals opt for civil engineering degrees. If you’re interested in this, keep reading to gain valuable insights that can help guide your educational and career choices. 

What Is Construction Management?

Construction management focuses on the overall management of a project. It involves overseeing systems, processes, administration, and the leveraging of resources to ensure the project is completed efficiently. Construction management encompasses:

• Managing costs, schedules, quality, and safety on-site.
• Bringing teams together and maintaining communication.
• Overseeing reports and documentation.
• Planning and scheduling.
• Budgeting and cost control.
• Procuring materials and equipment.
• Coordinating subcontractors and workers.
• Ensuring safety compliance.
• Communicating with clients, trade partners, engineers, and architects.

To pursue a career in construction management, individuals typically study within a civil engineering framework or obtain a construction science degree. It’s common to find people with civil engineering degrees who focus on construction management. However, it’s important not to confuse the two fields—civil engineering and construction management are distinct disciplines.

Different Ways to Study Construction Management

While civil engineering and construction management are different, many universities offer construction management as a focus within their civil engineering departments. This can sometimes lead to confusion, but it’s essential to recognize that construction management is more about project oversight rather than the technical design aspects that civil engineers handle.

Construction Management Certifications

Several certifications can bolster a career in construction management, such as:

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) certification
• CM-Lean certification

These certifications are valuable for managing construction projects but not necessarily for the technical engineering aspects.

A Word of Caution: Be mindful when considering a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification, as it tends to focus more on administrative skills rather than the hands-on project management skills needed in construction.

Potential Positions with a Construction Management Degree

With a construction management degree, you can pursue various roles, including:

• Site Manager (especially outside the US)
• Project Manager
• Project Engineer
• Operations Manager
• Project Director
• Project Executive
• Assistant Superintendent
• Superintendent
• General Superintendent
• Field Operations Director

What Is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering, on the other hand, is centered around the design, development, and maintenance of infrastructure. Civil engineers work on utilities, plants, roads, bridges, dams, and buildings. Their responsibilities include:

• Designing infrastructure projects.
• Conducting investigations and feasibility studies.
• Preparing engineering plans and specifications.
• Analyzing data and performing complex calculations.
• Ensuring compliance with engineering standards and regulations.
• Supervising construction projects from an administrative standpoint.
• Addressing technical issues and problem-solving throughout the project.

Civil Engineering Certifications

To become a civil engineer, you’ll need a degree specifically in civil engineering. Certifications like the Professional Engineer (PE) license and Engineer in Training (EIT) certification are crucial for advancing in this field. Additional training and certifications that focus on specific design areas can also enhance your qualifications.

Potential Positions with a Civil Engineering Degree

With a civil engineering degree, you can pursue roles such as:

• Civil Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Geotechnical Engineer
• Transportation Engineer
• Environmental Engineer

Why Most Construction Managers Choose a Civil Engineering Degree

Many construction managers choose to pursue a civil engineering degree because it provides a strong technical foundation. Here’s why:

1. Technical Foundation: A civil engineering degree equips you with a deep understanding of materials, methods, and math, which is crucial for managing complex construction projects.
2. Versatility: The skill set gained from a civil engineering degree makes you more versatile, allowing you to move between construction management and design roles.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: Civil engineering education emphasizes problem-solving, which is invaluable in construction management.
4. Credibility and Trust: A degree in civil engineering with a construction management focus provides credibility, making it easier to get hired and advance in your career.
5. Certification Requirements: Some certifications and licenses require a formal degree, making it essential for certain career paths.
6. Career Flexibility: A civil engineering degree opens up more career opportunities and allows for greater flexibility in your professional journey.
7. Understanding of Design and Engineering: This understanding allows construction managers to work more effectively with design teams.
8. Competitive Advantage: Construction management or civil engineering majors with a construction management focus are often more competitive in the job market.

Understanding the difference between a construction manager and a civil engineer, as well as why many construction managers choose to earn a civil engineering degree, can help you make informed decisions about your education and career. Whether you choose construction management or civil engineering, both fields offer rewarding experiences and opportunities.