Chemical or Civil Engineering?

Question

Hello! I'm an Engineering major going into my second year. Just wondering if anyone had some insight as to which branch offered more job security?

Answer 1

john_chemistry_,

I was also an engineering major who was going into my second year trying to decide between Civil and Chemical engineering. That was approximately nine years ago. I decided to pursue Chemical engineering and did not had any problem finding a job. However, I decided to make my choice by focusing on what I liked to do. Personally I liked chemistry and wanted to apply it in some practical manner. I would suggest talking to more senior classmates of both majors and to take a look at the courses required for both. I took a look at the courses required for Civil Engineering and was not enthused by the number of Statics and Dynamics courses or surveying courses required for Civil engineering.
I worked as a field engineer for a couple of years and have decided to go back to grad school to continue my education. I have noticed that choosing a particular engineering major does not necessarily pigeon hole you into a single job. However, I have noticed the large breadth of jobs that my chemical engineering classmates have, and I am not sure the same could be said for Civil Engineering. Good luck in your decision. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I would say civil engineering, although I would estimate that Chem. E.'s make more money. If you wanted to get a little of both disciplines you could major in Civil Eng. and take your electives in the environmental engineering field, which has a good deal of chemistry.

I say that civil engineering has more stability because it crosses so many disciplines: structural, transportation, surveying, hydraulics, hydrology, materials, etc.

The demand for engineeers though is a bit like a sine wave - sometimes feast, sometimes famine. Right now the demand, especially for civils, is at the top of the curve.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I wouldn't pick one based on potential job prospects as that changes and will change several times during your career.

What I would do is find out about each type of engineering by doing some informational interviews with some professionals and finding out which one would be more interesting to you. By picking the career that is more interesting to you, you will be more willing and able to work hard at it and will likely be more successful at it. That higher performance will guarantee you work during your career.

It would have been really easy for me to tell you to pick Chemical Engineering because that is what I am!

Answer 4

do u have a particular area in those 2 majors. structural is in civil.e and it demands an outstanding math skill. if u like chemistry, u can learn chemical.e it annoying to declare which one is greater good, i recommend u could look over yur tutorial fulfillment and be certain yur ability and in basic terms right difficulty.

Answer 5

Civil.. I hope!