Civil Engineering vs Urban Planning: Which major should I choose?

I'm really struggling to decide whether I should major in Civil Engineering or Urban Planning. I'm fascinated by designing cities and infrastructure, but I'm not sure which major offers better job prospects and growth potential. Thoughts or experiences in either field would be greatly appreciated!

I can definitely understand the struggle of choosing between majors, especially when you're interested in design and infrastructure. The decision ultimately depends on what aspects of the field you find most intriguing and your career goals. Let me break down both majors for you.

Civil Engineering: This major focuses mainly on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. As a civil engineer, you'll have a larger emphasis on the technical and scientific aspects, which means more intensive coursework in math and engineering. The job prospects and growth potential in this field are generally strong, with the growing need for infrastructure improvements. Civil engineering jobs often pay higher starting salaries compared to urban planning positions.

Urban Planning: This major will focus more on the conceptual and policy aspects of city design. You'll learn about various urban planning theories, land use policies, and community development. You will be working on designing urban spaces, analyzing data, and collaborating with stakeholders to create sustainable and habitable city planning projects. The job market for urban planners is slightly more competitive, but if you're passionate about shaping the future of cities and working with communities to improve their quality of life, urban planning could be a great fit.

Ultimately, it's essential to ponder which aspect of the field genuinely excites you more: the technical and scientific aspects of creating infrastructure, or working with communities to build sustainable cities and urban spaces. You could also consider networking with professionals in each field or shadowing during internships to get a better sense of the daily work in each career. Remember that choosing a major is a personal decision that should align with your passions, skills, and long-term career goals. Good luck!