Construction engineering degree overview

Here is an example of the core undergrad curriculum:

• Construction and Culture – a look at the cultural context of construction, the evolution and expansion of built environments as expressions of ethical and historical value systems; the relationship between culture, geography, construction materials, and built expressions of cultural legacy; interdependence of built environment and society
• Construction Concepts and Building Codes – concepts of control and information exchange in construction; development of construction-related codes and standards to protect public health and safety, compliance with requirements, and design using codes
• Construction Methods – components and methods of construction including earthwork (work usually related to larger construction projects involving the processing of large quantities of soil to create holes or for levelling the ground); foundations; wood, steel, and concrete construction; roofing and cladding; and interior construction; field experience in observing and/or conducting construction operations
• Construction Ethics, Law, and Contracts – the legal and ethical environment of construction; study of documents and common procedures in construction administration and their legal and ethical implications for general contractors and subcontractors; contract documentation
• Mechanical and Electrical Principles for Construction – engineering principles for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; thermodynamics and energy principles; electrical theory, circuits, and motors; static and dynamic principles for fluids and pipe flow; mechanical and plumbing equipment
• Construction and Estimating – identifying and estimating time and cost requirements for construction operations based on drawings and specifications; using computer applications for estimating
• Principles of Engineering Economy – mathematics of finance applied to engineering and managerial decision making; cost management in engineering and construction
• Analysis and Design of Construction Operations – use and integration of construction equipment; assessment of equipment needs and selection; site utilization and layout planning; incorporating efficiency and safety protocols
• Construction Planning and Scheduling – fundamentals of scheduling logic including critical path method, deterministic and probabilistic scheduling, and impact of project constraints (quality, time, cost, scope, benefits, risks); development of a construction plan using industry computer applications
• Construction Materials – selection, design, and control of mixes of portland cement and asphalt concrete; properties of these and other materials used in construction
• Design of Temporary Structures – design of structures for temporary support of constructed work including scaffolding and formwork, bracing, and excavations; influence of codes and standards on the design process; degrees of safety and concepts of liability
• Environmentally Conscious Construction – design and design processes to target a sustainable structure; construction practices associated with protection of the environment; application of industry standards for environmental and energy performance of buildings; impacts on selection of methods, materials, and equipment for construction; design of procurement and management systems to support environmentally conscious building
• Construction Management and Safety – management and control of critical project processes for construction projects, including planning, estimating, bidding, and documentation; fundamentals of construction safety planning and design

Master’s Degree in Construction Engineering – Eighteen Month Duration
Many master’s programs in construction engineering are designed for holders of a bachelor’s degree who are working for engineering and construction related companies and are interested in a career path in construction engineering and project management.

Advanced coursework at this level covers areas such as:

• Advanced Project Management - introduction to the Project Management Institute’s Body of Knowledge (PMBOK); risk management, financials, labor, safety, equipment, contracting; individual management strengths and weaknesses, team building, and characteristics of successful companies
• Estimating and Bidding – estimating and pricing focusing on labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, job conditions, location, overhead, and profit; constructing a detailed work breakdown structure; students develop a bid estimate for a small construction project
• Construction Liability and Contracts – contract forms and provisions related to liability for engineering design and construction companies, roles in the process, and dispute resolution; the importance of contract language negotiation and the impact of project risk transfer
• Construction Methods and Equipment – the International Building Code; the fundamental principles of green building and sustainable design; detailed study of typical building materials, design concepts, and construction methods; planning and deployment of equipment, materials, labor, and subcontractors; the roles of designers, engineers, material suppliers, inspectors, and constructors in the commercial building process
• Techniques of Project Planning and Control – use of scheduling techniques for project control, resources management, cash flow management, risk management, and project completion date management ; related computer software products
• Green Building Design and Construction – introduction to emerging trends in green building sustainable design and construction; prepares students for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Green Building Rating System certification exam
• Advanced Construction and Engineering Economics – generally accepted accounting practices; establishing company financial records and financial statements; using financial data for internal cost controlling, planning, and budgeting
• Construction Project Risk Management – methodologies employed in the engineering and construction industries to assist in rational decision making in the face of uncertainty
• Construction Management and Leadership Challenges in the Global Environment – remaining trained and relevant in the changing business environment; resume writing and interview skills; preparing and presenting a dynamic business plan
• Building Information Modeling (BIM) Techniques – overview of the evolution of BIM technology in the construction industry; hands-on training in the basic application of contemporary BIM software

Construction Management
Construction managers plan, organize, direct, control, supervise, and evaluate construction work. Construction management degree programs teach the various aspects of the occupation, which include preparing cost estimates and contracts, budgeting, hiring subcontractors, managing staffing schedules, enforcing building codes and safety regulations, labor relations, liaising with clients, and overall project management.

Drafting Technology
This degree field teaches students to use computer programs to create specialized drawings that are used in engineering, construction, and manufacturing.

Environmental Engineering
Students of environmental engineering learn how to apply principles of engineering, soil science, and chemistry to environmental protection and restoration. They examine issues like climate change, pollution, deforestation, the supply of energy resources, and population growth.

Urban Planning
Degree programs in urban planning teach the processes involved in designing communities, towns, and cities. Students learn how to make decisions about the need for and placement of infrastructure like roads, highways, tunnels, bridges, airports, railroads, dams, utilities, parks, and other urban projects. Coursework includes environmental planning, which considers environmental, social, political, and economic factors.