Architecture-oriented profile but I want to do Civil Engineering? [GA resident, 4.0 GPA, 1530 SAT, multivariable calculus and linear algebra]

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I was writing on my phone last night, so I couldn’t post much.

I will say that the fields of architecture and architectural engineering are VERY different. I could NEVER be an architect, I just don’t have the artistic skills. And from what I’ve seen (ha), most architects would not make good structural engineers. I would highly recommend shadowing an architect and an engineer before choosing which major you’d like to pursue.

UT-Austin (and probably other schools) do offer a dual Architecture/Arch E major, but it’s the very rare student who can pull it off. I knew of only one when I was at UT.

You may already know this, but also keep in mind that Architecture is not just about drawing pretty pictures. Architects have to know SO much about construction - egress requirements, flashing, ADA rules, etc., etc. It sounds really hard to me, and typically it doesn’t pay as well as engineering. But I know it can be a rewarding career. :slight_smile:

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If you are interested in Construction Management and a southern or sports feeling vibe and a more urban school, you might also consider University of Tennessee - Knoxville. Their program doesn’t seem as tied to architecture as Clemson, so it might be as nice a fit, but an option.

And if you want to stick with more math-y and engineering, then you might look at Construction Engineering - which I know they have at NC State (the Clemson program is less math-y more construction + business).

Virginia Tech has both - Construction Engineering and Management - which is an engineering degree; and Building Construction, which is not an engineering degree but is more business focused (although it is, confusingly, nested within the College of Engineering, under the subset of the School of Construction).

I happen to know the most about all of those programs because that’s what my rising HS senior son is looking at, but I believe there are plenty of other schools that are strong in this area.

Re: CivE, in case it’s helpful, here are the types of courses that my rising college junior son has taken/will take for his major: Calc 1-4, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Statistics, Probability, one semester Physics, two semesters Chemistry, static systems, stress analysis, soil mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials science, dynamic systems, structural engineering, project management, transportation management, environmental engineering, design of reinforced concrete structures, design of steel structures, materials of construction and more.

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As an aside, the sort of rule of thumb in my circles is a highly competitive Architecture applicant needs the qualifications for BOTH engineering intenders AND fine arts (drawing) intenders. By implication this means you have the qualifications just to be an engineering intender, and I think as others are suggesting, you are a good actual example of that.

I also agree switching from something like Architecture to Civil Engineering is not a great plan. However, as I understand it, at least in some engineering colleges you start more generally in engineering, or possibly in civil engineering, and can end up in Architectural Engineering as a major or concentration within Civil Engineering.

Like, random example, but I believe Purdue works that way. Everyone starts in First-Year Engineering, then you pick your major which could be Civil, and then Architectural Engineering is an optional concentration within Civil:

Something like that could be a good program structure for you.

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First off, thanks for the reply. I just finished meeting up with both a civil engineering and architecture professor and have realized that civil engineering is more of what I want to do. Understanding this, I was able to narrow it does to construction engineering/structural engineering. Additionally, what was proposed, and turns out to be popular for people of my profile, is to do a BS in Civil Engineering with a minor in Architecture.

Looking at your response on transferring, I’m 90% sure that applying directly to Civil Engineering would be the best option.

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Thanks for clarifying that those are two similar fields. If I am objectively looking at my profile, sure I take art classes, but my portfolio is what I would consider lacking, especially at the schools that mandate a portfolio for college admission into architecture. As of this morning, I talked with a person in charge of civil engineering at a college as well as a professor in architecture and I can pretty much say that civil engineering would be better, or at the minimum, architectural engineering than outright architecture.

Speaking of your UT-Austin option, I was introduced to the idea of dual majors, but with Architecture and Civil Engineering. This in my opinion would be preferable compared to a Arch/Arch E major. However, I would probably take the third option of majoring in Civil Engineering with a major in Architecture as dual major is too intensive.

Exposing myself to the world of architecture and civil engineering has greatly shifted my opinions, including the reality of being an architect as you mentioned. The greater distinction being the pay and the state of the current job market, where I have tried to send emails to multiple architects and civil engineers in the field. Nonetheless, architecture is rewarding, but if I lack interest, I would rather specialize in architectural engineering, as you suggest, or civil engineering.

Thanks for your reply!!

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Seriously, I can’t thank you enough for your suggestions. I had listed Clemson and Virginia Tech as safeties on my list, but I will definitely take a look at the University of Tennessee and NC State. I’ve taken the time to research out to different schools to learn more about their specific civil engineering routes, including Georgia Tech with construction engineering or construction management/infrastructure systems.

The courses you listed are very helpful and sort of what I expected. My profile in math matches what is expected (except stats), yet I sort of lack in the science department, once again leaving me with hesitation on making the major switch. I may sacrifice one of my art classes (the non-weighted, honors art class) to take AP Statistics then. It sucks that my school does not offer more AP/IB sciences…

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I am very much in agreement with what you have to say. Talking with others has left me with the indication that if I do apply, I will apply directly to Civil Engineering for two reasons: one being that is my primary interest, and secondly being that despite my involvement in art-based classes/extracurriculars, my skills are not sufficient (especially for schools that mandate a portfolio upon applying to college). Purdue is definitely a viable option, and an interesting one. Thanks for your reply!

Side note: I may switch my mindset when it comes to course selection this year and substitute an art class (the one I am taking that is just a regular honors art class) with AP Statistics to help aid my STEM profile for engineering (considering my school does not other any other relevant STEM college-level classes). In addition, I will join my school’s construction/engineering club which was recently founded.

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What are you interested in? Why did you choose civil?

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Interested in construction engineering/management or structural engineering. I chose civil over the other majors as it simply provides greater flexibility at most colleges and post-college. Georgia Tech, for example, allows me to specialize in these disciplines and after college, I can shift from various parts of construction/structural/engineering. There is no definite interest for me, if I said so I would be lying. I am sort of the middle of multiple “disciplines” that happen to fall more under civil engineering. Architecture/architectural engineering would not be as forgiving career-wise compared to civil engineering, yet that is my thought as someone who still lacks complete knowledge on it.

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I think you are doing a great job exploring your interests and refining your plans–basically I just want to say keep it up!

As an aside, I personally doubt that you NEED AP Stats for admissions purposes. I think if you want to take it as preparation for college or credit if available, that is perfectly fine too. But I am skeptical it would make a material difference in your competitiveness for engineering programs.

Similarly, the club might have little to do with admissions, but sounds like something you would enjoy, would further help you explore interests, and might help get you prepared for collaborative engineering projects in college.

I am just mentioning all this because I think too often people focus on the admissions side of thing, and not the exploration and preparation for college side of things. And it isn’t a huge deal but I think you can get the most out of these experiences if you see them as having actual worth outside of admissions.

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AP statistics will not give advanced placement for an engineering major. Any required statistics course for an engineering major will be calculus based.

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Agree. And I’ll add that no engineering major should want to skip ahead… getting the fundamentals down- stats with strong programming skills-- is really important.

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My only concern is that if you decide you want to be a structural engineer, you really need to take all the “optional” design classes possible. There is so much to learn. Steel, wood, concrete, prestressed concrete, etc. I think it will be important for you to narrow your focus at some point. As an employer, I would want to see as many design classes on your resume as possible.

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Got it, thanks. I’ll just keep doing my thing lol

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I need intend to take all the classes I can. Structural/construction, whatever it may be, is very knowledge-heavy and I recognize that. Prepared to spend hours learning about concrete :heart_eyes:

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I’ll respectfully disagree, adding unless they are ready.

This can be determined by following the advice of @ucbalumnus and getting old tests and taking them timed. Completely foreign…repeat. Rusty…brush up on Kahn and skip. Easy peasy…skip.

Being ahead has significant advantages. Students can decompress schedules during stressful terms. They can graduate early, or complete a MS earlier. They can take more breadth or depth.

Again, not for everyone, but helpful if ready.

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I agree. Taking credits for carefully chosen classes can be so helpful if they are ready.

I’m not a big fan of taking AP classes for no reason, but the courses can be incredibly useful if taken when appropriate.

While there is intrinsic value in taking courses for the sake of learning, my son decided not to take APs that he couldn’t really “use” for his engineering major. That has freed him up to explore his interests more in college.

He took credits for a year of calc, chem, calc-based physics, writing, and foreign language. Had he not felt confident in any of those, he would have repeated them in college. He was only on the fence about retaking physics in college and is glad he didn’t.

It is highly dependent on the person, the subject, the school, and the major. Look carefully at degree requirements and which AP tests/scores count for the requirements in your programs of interest. Taking old college tests as a gauge is a great idea.

He wanted to learn more about coding, and the teacher at his HS was terrible, so he took computer science at community college instead. The credits weren’t very useful. But it was a great class, he learned how to code better, and figured out that he didn’t want to major in computers – so it served its purpose.

As many students do, he entered as a sophomore and this has allowed him considerable breathing room in college. He’s decided to take his time rather than graduate early (has a scholarship). He’s loved his advanced foreign language classes, which he wouldn’t have had time to take otherwise. He’s taking a full schedule, has a job, is in clubs, plays in the band, and still has plenty of free time. He’s applied to a semester abroad in which he’ll be taking quite a few classes he doesn’t need for his degree (food! culture!); he can do this only because he’s got that leeway.

In contrast, we’ve discouraged our youngest from taking APs (thought he’s doing some despite our advice). They’re not the best choice for him, but they’re a great choice for some.

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