Construction Management vs. Civil Engineering

Although having a degree isn't necessary to get into construction, it's still a great advantage to have. The question is which one should you go for? In this video, I'll explain the differences between construction management vs. civil engineering and how either degree can be beneficial in building a successful career in this industry!

Watch And Enjoy!
Jason Schroeder

Key Moments In This Episode
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00:00 Intro & Summary
00:39 What Is Construction Management?
01:31 Different Ways To Study Construction Management
02:11 Different Construction Management Certifications
02:47 Potential Positions With A Construction Management Degree
03:08 What Is Civil Engineering?
03:31 Responsibilities Of A Civil Engineer
04:27 Different Civil Engineering Certifications
04:46 Potential Positions With A Civil Engineering Degree
05:10 Construction Management vs. Civil Engineering
05:48 Why Most Construction Managers Choose A Civil Engineering Degree
09:04 Learn More With These Resources

What To Watch Next
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What Is A Construction Management Degree?

Resources
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Check out our website for more info:

Access resources to elevate your operations:

Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast:

Check out our training programs and certifications:

Subscribe to my YouTube channel:

Learn More About Jason
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Jason Schroeder is the founder and COO of Elevate Construction IST, a company focused on elevating construction by providing valuable insights, effective solutions, and high-quality training. With his extensive experience in the construction industry, he created the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp, immersive training courses designed to produce high-performing leaders who can lead their teams in the right direction. Through Elevate Construction IST, he aims to scale his training programs throughout the nation to help more construction companies elevate their operations to the next level.


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Video by Nate Woodbury

#Construction
#ProjectDevelopment
#ProjectManagement

[raykamarivero]

Needed this video. Currently pursuing my AAS in construction management with plans to pursue my bachelors in civil engineering and I’ve been looking for something like this to help me make sure I’m using both skills and not leaning too much to one side, especially if I’m paying for the degrees.

[MrEtnes]

Good insight. A civil engineering background also provides a strong foundation for design management roles if you want to position yourself in the middle of construction and design.

[robb]

Hello Jason, I need to let you know how extremely helpful you and your books have been to my career. I was hired on as an Assistant Superintendent at what feel is a wonderful, wonderful construction company back in February 2022. The superintendent onsite there used your books and Elevating Construction Superintendents pretty much became our bible, we read chapters from it every day in our morning huddles, and I myself grew as an Assistant so much that they gave me my own site, saw what a great job I was doing and promoted me to Site Superintendent. We are finishing this project and are about to move on to the next one, and my future right now is so bright that, as the song goes, "I gotta wear shades". I have started to think about the possibility of getting into Project Management, which is why I watched this particular YouTube video. But I couldn't have gotten where I am today without the amazing support of my upper management team and, of course, you and your books. Thank you so much and I hope someday you manage to slow your pace down a little lol!

[alexmachuca]

Thank you for your video. I am currently in school for civil engineering, and I love construction management, but construction management can be brutal, so I like knowing I have the option to move over to design if management is too much.

[joshuashoults]

Hello Jason,
I love your content and have been following your channel for a while now. I’m currently part of a QA team representing the owner on large highway construction projects.
I just want to say, thank you for all your videos. Rather than going for a degree, I opted into working my way up through the trenches. Your videos have broken down construction management and flow in a way that I can honestly say was a big part of getting me to where I am today.
Cheers.

[constancereed]

Thank you for describing the difference and in making a sound decision as to where I want to go. I have under taken both studies and applying them either way is a blessing. Hard work, hard studying.

[MrSousou]

I been watching you for a few months now. I have to say. I can feel the 'engineering' coming out of you. Good lord, it is emanating from you!

[keeponthemic]

This has been very helpful Jason, thank you! How can I reach out to get connected to civil engineers/construction managers? I'm currently studying to get my bachelors in civil engineering while working part-time for a general contractor. I wanted to talk to somebody experienced in the field to get their insight on where I want to go with my career (I'm still exploring and very open-minded). If you can point me in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it! Have a wonderful day.

[edmundayukbawakegb]

Truly explicit. And I love the clarification.

[collencemukuka]

I like this and I would love to learn more
Am doing Construction management

[amadoubocoum]

Which of this two major focus more in the mathematics and physics because I am thinking go for construction manangement

[okurutvictor]

Hey Jason, I really love your content—it’s been super insightful and inspiring! I’m currently studying civil engineering, but I’ve been considering transferring to construction management. I was wondering if you could share any advice on how to secure placements or internships that might give me a feel for both fields?

Also, are there any strategies or resources you’d recommend for connecting with professionals in these industries to get a clearer picture of what might suit me best? I’d really appreciate your perspective on whether transferring is the right move or if there are ways to merge aspects of both fields in my career. Thanks so much for the valuable content you share!

[oscarpatino]

What i need to start my carrer as construction manager, i am civil engineer recently i came in Las Vegas but I like more management tasks

[ericcarson]

Jason, I am debating between a construction certificate or another degree. I am mid career and was looking to pivot to construction management. The common theme seems to be being able to read blue prints, being safety minded, good communication skills, understanding scheduling software.

I am not sure not sure if a Civil Engineering degree would be practical at my age. The job market is very competitive. Do these certificates from local colleges carry any weight? They are usually 8 months to 1 year. Ideally I would like to work for local government (maybe public works dept), but I would also be open to internship for a small or regional construction firm. Sorry for the long post. Great video.

[mohibquadri]

We've heard much about 'Crush the Competition' in business leadership but how to do it as executive/engineers to reach massive success within an organization ? Do any books talk about it.. what works well for exceptionally gifted or talented people which takes them to different heights ..

[HP-ovol]

Texas A&M has a huge Construction Science department that is under the College of Architecture rather than Civil Engineering. Its more focused on managing vertical construction.

[sintripz]

Turning 32 soon and I want to study civil engineering. I want to get interships or something so I can get my feet wet

[johnsontsai]

Hi Jason,
I recently started my PE position in office for a couple of months. It often occurred to me that visualizing details can be difficult. I can’t agree with you more for getting exposed to field experiences. I would like to have you opinions on the career path of starting as PE and transit to on site FE or PM later on. FYI, I got my civil engineering degree in transportation emphasis, super fun and interesting ✌🏻

[redeemedone]

Hello Jason. Your videos are great! I have no prior construction education, but have had some experience on small construction jobs here and there, and am considering coming to the US from switzerland to earn a degree in construction management. I had informed myself online about the fields of civil engineering and architecture, but then chat gpt recommended that I look into construction management. As I compare constraction management with architecture and civil engineering, it seems to me that architects seek to "control" the design but stay somewhat distant from controlling the construction process, and civil engineers seek to "control" the part of making sure that everything will hold up, whereas construction managers "control" all aspects in and around the construction process. What would you do if you were new to all this like I am, to find out which of those aspects I would have a greater affinity to?

[DXTaylor]

Hello Jason,

Love your content! I wanted to know if my goal is to go into business for myself as a residential developer would it make more sense to get my construction management degree to learn the management side. I plan on using my degree to gain the experience and network with whatever company I land at working. I just want to get a second opinion from someone in the industry.