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Old 05-16-2008, 04:52 AM
Layback5826 Layback5826 is offline
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civil engineering or architecture?

If you like to design things but dont have a strong interest in math and science, Architecture may be your ticket because you will learn how things go up and detailing buildings for particular uses. If you like the science then Civil Engineering with an emphasis in structures (Structural Engineering) is your ticket. If you can find a school that does archtectural engineering, I would say take that to learn architecture and structural as well. If you choose archtecture or if the core cirriculum in architectural engineering does not include enough structural courses, my advise is to make sure you take as much structural classes as electives as possible. Many architects frustrate structural engineers because they design without taking into account how this building will be supported. They may have alot of details for a building but are clueless in terms how loads are transfered in the building and what buildings need to resist lateral loads from earthquake and wind loads. If you choose to be an architect, understand how loads are transfered through a building what supports are needed to resist those loads. A course in structural analysis, mechanics of materials, concrete design, steel design, wood design and masonry design will put you on the road to at least an understanding how loads travel and the limitation of materials.
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