Construction management or structural engineering 2

[davab]

Hello,

In purely academic point of view, would you study construction management or structural engineering for grad school? Academically, is construction management easier than structural? Is structural more difficult subject to master and have more value in the long term? What's your thought? This is not asking for what I want to be in the future. Rather, which degree is more rewarding, difficult, and brighter for future.

 

[Qshake]

No matter how you ask, it's still a personal preference. Both degrees can be rewarding and to an intelligent, motivated graduate both can be relatively easy. That doesn't mean that both degrees have the same level of difficulty, it's just that a smart lad or lass may find one or both easy to learn.

Construction Management is typically easier than a Structural cirriculum but that doesn't or shouldn't downplay the importance that both have in the constructed environment. At today's construction pace and more challenging structures, construction management is very important to successful completion of projects. Same with structural engineering, as the structure become more challenging.

Construction Management is probably something that you can learn on the job but having a graduate degree in will definitely boost your marketing and value to a potential construction firm.

Advanced Structural engineering is not something you can learn easily on the job and so it requires both school and practice in an office where experienced engineers can help you hone your skills.

Perhaps the biggest question of all is do you want to be in the field more or in the office? Do you like getting your hands dirty while constructing projects or do you prefer to do the calculations and produce plans? Unfortunately, with many construction companies can't do both. For liability or risk issues, the construction firms usually contract out for structural engineering services. Similary SEs are rarely on site and don't often hire construction management personnel due to their limited scope.



Regards,
Qshake

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[IRstuff]

"This is not asking for what I want to be in the future. Rather, which degree is more rewarding, difficult, and brighter for future."

Sorry, but that amounts to the same thing. If we say that management is more rewarding, would you then pick structural? More relevant is why you are asking a bunch of engineers whether management is more rewarding.

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[Ron]

I am a structural engineer and a former instructor in a construction management curriculum at a regional university (5 years as instructor in a 4-year degree program).

The MS in Construction Management is a less rigorous academic program than an MS in Structural Engineering. Construction Management is more of a managerial/applied curriculum and is not heavy in mathmatics, science or the applied construction processes.

From a financial standpoint, the more lucrative degree would be in construction management; however, the industry is more volatile and the mindset of the successful in both fields is significantly different.

 

[davab]

Ron,

I think it is rare for someone to have extensive experience in both structural engineering and construction management. How were you able to make that happen? I hear that making a transition from engineering to construction or construction to engineering is very difficult. I think especially for structural engineers who need PE/SE license.

I am working for a construction company and my major was in structural. I am thinking about going to a grad school part time for structural engineering to eventually become a structural engineer. Hopefully, my current job will help me get SE job. I am honestly scared that if I stay in construction for too long, I won't be able to go back to engineering.

 

[Qshake]

You're current job will be helpful as understanding the construction of structures is very important. However, if your job is focused on laying pipe then it will be difficult. Also if you really want to be in structural engineering I advise that you don't spend too much time in construction. For example, 5 years may be good but at 10 years you'll be stretching the boundaries.

Also use your new connections in grad school. Many students are working and going back for a masters and they have insight into the SE industry and connections that you'll find helpful.

Good Luck.

Regards,
Qshake

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[Qshake]

Oh, and I forgot to add Ron is not the norm, he's the trend-setter, the quintessential engineer! He once climbed Mount Everest with one of those combined statics/dynamics books. He did all the problems in statics on the ascent and then did the dynamics problems while decending. I know as I watched him come up and go down!!!

Sorry Ron I had to give you some trouble, it's been awhile. You're the best.

Qshake.

Regards,
Qshake

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[Ron]

Hey Q! That's funny! Never could work the dynamics problems!!

davab....I've actually been licensed slightly longer as a general contractor than as an engineer. A bit odd, but I've enjoyed all the experiences I've had. I decided long ago that I would prefer being an engineer to being a contractor. Since my specialty is forensics, most of my time is spent finding contractor's screw-ups!

I agree with Qshake...the experience of construction is invaluable for engineering. It will, without question, make you a better engineer....and don't let Qshake's comments fool you...he's a hell of an engineer!! If you had him as your mentor, you could either or both with no problem.