Civil Engineering vs. Construction Management – what’s the difference?

You might get confused between civil engineering and construction management because in a broad sense both deal with the construction industry. However, some big differences are separating the two. Different levels of education and expertise are required for both professions.

Construction management and civil engineering are different fields and offer an abundance of job opportunities and high paying careers. Students deciding which career to choose, it is essential to understand the numerous position responsibilities, experience, knowledge, and skills required for each profession.

Read the blog till the end to understand what civil engineering and construction management are, and what major differences they have.

Civil Engineering

It is the practice of designing and building structures that help in creating a safe environment. By building shelters, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure, civil engineers ensure society’s development and better lifestyle. Civil engineers work with other construction professionals to construct such as architects, and construction managers, to name a few. These experts offer suggestions or changes to make sure the structures are safe and strong.

Responsibilities of a Civil Engineer

·         Analyze plans, survey reports, maps, and other data for planning and designing projects.

·         Estimate Construction Costs, gov. regulations, potential environmental threats, and other factors during the planning and risk-analysis stages of a construction project verifying that projects comply with various regulations.

·         Oversee & analyze the soil testing results to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations.

·         Analyze the results of tests on building materials, such as concrete, wood, asphalt, or steel.

·         Evaluate cost estimates for materials, equipment, or labour to determine a project’s economic feasibility.

·         Perform or oversee surveying options to establish building locations, site layouts, reference points, grades, and elevations to guide construction.

·         Manage the repair, maintenance, and replacement of public & private infrastructure.

Salary as per civil engineering jobs

The average salary of a civil engineer ranges from 3 to 4 lakhs p.a. depending on their area of expertise along with relevant experience up to 9-12 lakhs p.a.

Construction Management

It is a service conducted by professionals who use their competency and in-depth knowledge to assist in all responsibilities of construction and building projects. He/she communicates with project clients and provide them with updates and collaborates with other construction individuals such as architects and civil engineers. Construction managers work with resources using their skills and techniques to ensure that a construction site is productive and efficient.

Responsibilities of Construction Manager

·         To prepare cost estimates, budgets, and work timetables.

·         Interpret and explain contracts along with technical info to other professionals.

·         Report work progress and budget matters to clients.

·         Collaborate with engineers, architects, and other specialists.

·         Decide the schedule and select subcontractors and coordinate their activities.

·         Respond to work delays, emergencies and other issues.

·         Comply with legal requirements, building & safety codes, and other regulations.

Salary as per their jobs

The average salary of a construction project management professional ranges anywhere from 9 to 10 lakhs p.a. depending on their experience with maximum pay going up to 22 lakhs p.a.

Construction Project Management from RICS SBE

MBA in CPM prepares students to play a key role throughout the delivery process of a construction project. This specialized construction management course helps students with the capability to apply recent cutting-edge tech in real-world projects such as building information modelling, artificial intelligence, Internet of things, digital technologies, big data analytics, 3D printing, cloud computing, business Development, real estate development, real estate marketing, real estate valuation and finance, & corporate real estate & facilities management.

This construction management MBA programme from this leading institution makes you competent to lead teams of specialists, including architects, electrical engineers, structural engineers, sustainability experts and finance experts.

RICS SBE is India’s first and the only institution to offer dual accreditation (RICS & PMI-GAC) degrees. Association with RICS resembles credibility and excellence, and your degree will be kept above others. Command respect and get opportunities to work on international projects.

Furthermore, with the accredited degree you can Fastrack your journey to MRICS- global chartered qualification. With world-class faculties, industry experts’ handholding, hands-on in cutting edge tech, experience-based learning and more, students are transformed into techno-managers, the industry desires. 

Civil Engineering Vs Construction Management- Difference

The major difference between the two can be seen in the salaried segment. There is a big difference between the average salaries. This is because a construction management degree is a 1-2 year of professional course that specializes the student in industry-specific management and helps them develop skills in project estimation, scheduling & managing key business concepts.

Whereas civil engineering is a 4-year graduate degree providing knowledge about the construction industry in general. Therefore, students pursuing a management degree after completion of their civil engineering course to master industry-specific skills and grow their careers in construction.

RICS SBE 2-year MBA in CPM programme is a similar course that has helped students and young professionals to get a high-paying career in the construction industry.

And now you know. If you are interested in pursuing Construction Management, you can try the aforementioned programme. All the Best!