<p>I'm currently studying civil engineering, concentrating on structures. I am strongly considering continuing graduate school in civil engineering with a focus on structural engineering </p>
<p>OR </p>
<p>I'm considering aerospace engineering with a focus on structures and materials.</p>
<p>My question is: What is the main difference between structural design in civil engineering (buildings, dams, bridges) and structural engineering for aeronautical/astronautical applications?</p>
<p>Which is the better career? Which has more career stability (I hear things are moving pretty slow in for civil engineers right now)? Which is more rewarding?</p>
<p>My son is a dual major in Aero. and Mechan .Engineering ,He is currently a Junior at Case Western in Cleveland and is doing a Co-op /Internship (paid) .He had 7 offers ,including NASA,and feels his major is hot right now .He also has a 4.0 GPA ,and is a hard worker .His internship involves jet engines ,and he is very happy .</p>
<p>Structures in aero largely depend upon weight and the reduction of it, after all, these things have to fly! For the most part, civil structures will not have to worry about thin walled structures and, for example, drastically cutting holes to reduce weight. Another difference would be the amount of elastic deformation between the two. Due to the aerodynamic and thermal effects, aero structures will generally be made to endure much more deformation than civil structures. I’d say, other than the application of the particular structure, those are really the main differences.</p>
<p>As far as career stability, I’d say both are fairly cyclical depending on the market. Things are pretty slow now in the aero industry as well, but that doesn’t stop qualified students from getting jobs. On a side note, aero structural engineers aren’t necessarily required to get a Master’s like civils are. Also, how rewarding one is over the other will largely depend upon your interests, unless you are solely speaking in regards to salary.</p>
<p>I’m doing a degree in structural engineering with a focus in aerospace structures, so one possibility is to do your masters in structures and take a few classes in advanced aerospace mechanics, etc. You can cover a few bases that way</p>
<p>Sigh, I wish I had carried through on my early dreams of designing aerospace structures, but I chickened out when the field wasn’t looking too stable.</p>