Online BIM Courses or Master's Degrees: The Better Choice for Civil Engineering Graduates?

Sejal

11 min read

April 21, 2024

Table of Contents

Imagine a bustling cityscape filled with skyscrapers, bridges stretching across rivers, highways winding through mountains, and intricate networks of water supply and sewage systems. All these marvels of modern civilisation are the result of the creative genius and meticulous planning of civil engineers.

In the civil engineering field, one needs to stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies as they are the ones who are building the future cities, quite literally. But doing so wouldn’t be possible without constant updation of technology and skills. The questions we are trying to raise here is:

How much will a civil engineer grow with outdated technology and knowledge?

One needs to upskill at regular intervals to stay relevant for professional growth. But, how do we do that? While some do master’s degrees in civil engineering, some prefer online courses for civil engineers. Naturally, this creates a dilemma in many professions, i.e., which is the best option for them - a master's degree or online course. We know how mentally and emotionally tiring this confusion can be, especially when your entire career is dependent on it. But worry no more. Read the blog to understand the difference between a master’s program for civil engineers and an online course to make an informed career decision.

What is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering is an engineering branch that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects essential for a society's functioning. A Civil engineer is not just a builder; they are problem solvers, visionaries, and guardians of safety and sustainability. The professionals who practice the above roles are known as civil engineers.

The Vital Role of Civil Engineers

A civil engineer blends science, technology, and creativity to build public infrastructure. Whether it's making earthquake-resistant buildings, creating sustainable transportation systems, or ensuring access to clean water, civil engineers are at the forefront of innovation and progress. But being a civil engineer is not limited to that. A civil engineer collaborates with architects, urban planners, environmental scientists, and government officials to create spaces that are functional, resilient, and beautiful.

Growing Importance of BIM in Civil Engineering

A civil engineer works to leave a lasting impact on the world, shaping how people live, work, and interact with their environment. It's a profession that demands both technical expertise and a deep sense of responsibility towards society and the planet. So as technology continues to reconstruct the industry, professionals need to adapt and equip themselves with the latest tools and skills. That’s where BIM comes in.

An engineer working at a nuclear power plant

BIM (Building Information Modelling) has emerged as a revolutionary tool evolving the way projects are designed, constructed, and managed. While a traditional master’s degree undoubtedly holds merit, online BIM courses offer a much better targeted and efficient approach for civil engineers who are seeking a chance to enhance their expertise.

Check out this video to learn more about BIM for civil engineers:

The Key Benefits of Upskilling in BIM for Civil Engineers

In 2024, the civil engineering field continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the infrastructural landscape globally. With rapid advancements in technology and increasing complexity in construction projects, there's a growing need for specialised skills beyond the foundational knowledge obtained during B.Tech in Civil Engineering. Pursuing specialised courses and skills like BIM after completing their graduation has become crucial for staying competitive and relevant in the industry.

Read more: 6 Emerging Technologies Transforming the Construction Industry Today

Master's Programs for Civil Engineers

Generally, students go for a master's degree after graduation. Typically, it’s a two-year course where students further specialise in theoretical knowledge, forging a deeper understanding of the specialisation. A master’s degree helps advance a career and pursue further education, such as a doctoral degree.

However, the curriculum of a master's degree is not updated regularly. For instance, today BIM has become an indispensable part of the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. However, many educational institutions are lagging in providing comprehensive BIM training to students.

Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in civil engineering cover only basic concepts of BIM, leading to students not having knowledge of BIM software tools like Revit. So without a comprehensive and updated curriculum, graduates struggle to meet the industry demands, adapt to BIM workflows, and optimise project outcomes.

Online Courses in BIM for Civil Engineers

A construction hat

There has been a rise in online education in recent years which has democratised learning, offering flexible and accessible opportunities for professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge without taking a break from their jobs.

Online courses cater to the specific new and upgraded needs of civil engineers seeking to master this transformative technology. Online BIM courses are one such course designed to deliver specific skills on the intricacies of BIM. These courses are taught by industry experts who have firsthand knowledge of the trends that are reshaping the overall AEC landscape.

Online courses are also an affordable and flexible option as the fees are comparatively less than a traditional master’s degree, and even a working professional can pursue these courses as per their schedule.

Master's Degrees V/S Online BIM Courses

To explain the benefits of online BIM courses, here’s a comparative analysis between Online BIM courses and a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering.

Basis	Online BIM Course	Master’s Degree
Focused Learning	Designed to deliver specialised knowledge. Focuses on the intricacies of BIM, ensuring practical skills and insights that are immediately applicable to real-world projects.	Often encompasses broader topics and subjects.
Flexibility and Accessibility	Professionals juggling between demanding work and other commitments can access the course materials and lectures at their convenience.	Mostly offline options are available, hence a professional will have to solely commit to this degree and won’t have the flexibility to work alongside upskilling.
Cost Effectiveness	Typically offers more affordable options, with EMI options. Also, there are no additional expenses like living expenses, commute, relocation, etc. since the course is online.	Entails significant financial investment, including tuition fees, living expenses. and potential loss of income.
Industry Relevant Content	BIM courses are developed and taught by industry experts who possess firsthand knowledge of the challenges and trends shaping the overall civil engineering landscape. The course is highly relevant and up-to-date, reflecting the latest advancements in BIM technology and its applications.	The curriculum goes back to the 1980s and 1990s and still hasn’t been updated as per current industry standards.
Practical Hands-on Experiences	BIM courses prioritise practical hands-on experience, allowing learners to work on real-life projects.	Master's programs provide structured laboratory sessions, fieldwork opportunities, and access to research facilities.
Networking Opportunities	Online BIM courses often facilitate networking opportunities with fellow professionals and industry experts through virtual forums, discussion boards, and collaborative projects.	Learners get face-to-face interaction with faculty members, classmates, and industry professionals. They can attend seminars, conferences, and networking events to expand their professional network and forge meaningful connections

How to Choose the Best Online BIM Course?

A picture representing graduation

When selecting the best course in civil engineering, several factors should be considered:

Accreditation: Ensure the institute and course are accredited by relevant industry bodies or academic institutions.
Curriculum: Analyse the course curriculum to ensure it covers relevant topics, aligns with your career goals, and is regularly updated as per industry trends and current demands. Check whether software tools such as Autodesk Revit and Bentley MicroStation are included which are important in civil engineering projects. Students should learn about 3D modelling, clash detection, and construction sequencing using BIM.
Faculty/Mentors: Look for courses taught by experienced professionals with industry expertise.
Industry Connections: Check if the course provides opportunities for capstone projects, internships, and networking events.

Hopefully the above information will help you choose better, as per your convenience and goals. You can also check out Novatr’s BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers if you are looking to upskill yourself in a shorter period but with 10X efficiency.

Read more: How BIM Benefits Small Firms and Independent Consultants?

Novatr’s BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers

Novatr’s 8-month-long BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers comes with a flexible curriculum including live weekly sessions, personalised mentorship, and exciting capstone projects to equip you with the essential technological expertise needed to excel in the field.

BIM adoption rate chart by Novatr

By the end of 2024, 72% of civil engineering firms, 89% of architecture firms, and 69% of construction firms worldwide will be actively using BIM. Plus, BIM-skilled professionals can get an average 40% hike compared to their peers with similar experience. If you are still wondering why it is important to upskill, then check out our course here to understand better.

Career growth opportunities chart by Novatr

Conclusion

Both Master's programs and online courses offer valuable opportunities for civil engineers to specialise and advance their careers. The choice between the two depends on career goals, availability, and flexibility. Master's programs provide in-depth knowledge and formal credentials, while online courses offer flexibility, accessibility, and industry-relevant curriculum

For civil engineers, Novatr offers a BIM Professional Course for civil engineers who are instructed by industry professionals with years of practical expertise in the field. Additionally, you will get to work on live capstone projects. Check out our Resources page if you want to learn more about related careers and software.