Overview of Construction Engineering

Construction engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the research, design, planning, construction and management of building structures, from single family homes to large-scale infrastructure construction projects like bridges, tunnels, roads and dams. It combines the principles of civil engineering and engineering science to plan, analyze and execute projects that involve the construction of physical structures, from homes and commercial buildings to highways, bridges, and dams. Construction engineering involves technical, management, and administrative aspects, making it an especially broad and versatile discipline.

Career Opportunities in Construction Engineering

Careers in Construction Engineering can be found in many industries, such as architecture, civil engineering, construction management, building sciences, planning and design. Job roles include project manager, estimator, site surveyor, safety inspector, construction superintendent, foreman, and structural engineer. Depending on the job, education requirements and experience needed vary, but associated degree programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

Undergraduate students interested in internships and co-op opportunities related to Construction Engineering can search through local and national job boards to find listings for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Another way to find an internship or co-op is by visiting the career office at your school for resources related to potential job opportunities. Additionally, professional organizations often have job posting listings and memberships for those looking to bolster their existing network of contacts.

Specialized Tracks and Concentrations

Students studying Construction Engineering can specialize in particular sectors or take various tracks depending on their interests. These can include construction management, civil engineering, materials engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, electrical engineering, and computer engineering. Other concentrations may include fire protection engineering, hydrology, building physics, and more.

Preparing for Graduate School or Further Education

Students planning to pursue graduate studies in construction engineering should be sure to build a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering sciences. Additionally, courses in economics, accounting, and project management are also beneficial preparation for further academic pursuits. Additionally, research experience may be necessary for certain graduate programs and can be acquired through taking part in research-centered project courses.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Construction Engineering

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most important emerging technologies impacting construction engineering. AI can be used to analyze data and create predictive models to better represent the nuances of the construction process. AI can also be used to autonomously monitor the progress of construction projects, enabling decisions to be made quickly and efficiently and providing transparency for all stakeholders involved.

Career Outlook for Construction Engineering

The demand for qualified Construction Engineers is set to remain strong in the near future due to population growth, urbanization, and infrastructure improvement projects. With these influences, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth between 2019 and 2029. With a degree in Construction Engineering, graduates can expect a variety of job opportunities with competitive wages.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Construction Engineering:

California State University-Sacramento, Salary: $81,148

National University, Salary: $79,856

Arizona State University Campus Immersion, Salary: $74,873

Oregon State University, Salary: $73,542

Oregon State University-Cascades Campus, Salary: $73,542

Iowa State University, Salary: $71,580

Texas Tech University, Salary: $68,843

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Salary: $68,755

Bradley University, Salary: $67,331

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, Salary: $66,036

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering.