<p>In contemplation of what I'd like to study in college, I've gotten a general idea of what I'd like to do, but I'm not sure of the specifics. More specifically, I'm wondering if Civil Engineering or Architecture is the correct path for me. Ultimately I want to work on environmentally sustainable buildings, preferably in an urban environment. I'm under the impression that an engineer might delve more into the specifics of a building, but am not sure if this would include the building's materials and systems within the building for energy/water/etc efficiency. Also, if engineering is more focused on the sustainability of a building, would civil engineering be the most effective course of study to allow me to work on sustainable urban buildings?
Thanks in advance. </p>
<p>My cousin’s son major first in architecture and then in civil engineering. He is now running a health related business. I think the housing bust kill the architecture major. He went to Thailand for a year for the civil engineering job. Back in the states now and run his own business.
Do research the job potential for these majors.</p>
<p>Architectural engineering (a subset of civil engineering) is very new and not offered everywhere, but they deal with managing the building’s systems and the building sleeve (or so I understand). However, due to its new status, not that many employers understand what it entails and it might be harder to get hired. </p>
<p>But I’m assuming going into the construction industry with Civil engineering and getting LEED certified would help get you where you want.</p>
<p>I’ll second the suggestion to consider architectural engineering. It combines elements of several branches of engineering and focuses on buildings. You’ll find a big emphasis on sustainability. Most programs require some courses in architecture as well. My daughter chose architectural engineering but also investigated civil engineering programs. Many civil engineering programs offer concentrations or even entire majors in sustainability, but how focused each program is on buildings vs other types of infrastructure will vary from program to program. I think you will find a focus on sustainability in architecture too. There are several discussion threads on CC about the differences between architecture and engineering that might help you decide which approach suits you best.</p>