Construction Engineering
Overview
Construction engineering programs prepare people to use math and science to plan, design, and build structures.Construction engineering programs include topics such as:
- Civil engineering
- Site analysis
- Construction methods
- Water resources
- Project management
- Computer-assisted design (CAD)
- Environmental safety measures
- Laws and regulations
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in construction engineering. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree, students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
A few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in construction engineering. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four or five years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in construction engineering. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Architectural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Computational Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering Technology
- Construction Inspection
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Environmental Design
- Geological and Geophysical Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transportation and Highway Engineering
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Architects
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Construction Managers
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
- Trigonometry
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in engineering, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Concrete Design
- Construction Project Management
- Construction Scheduling and Estimating
- Contracts and Specifications
- Engineering Physics
- English Composition
- Fluid Mechanics
- Foundation Engineering
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Linear Differential Equations
- Mechanics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Senior Design Project
- Soil Mechanics
- Statistics
- Steel Design
- Structural Analysis
- Thermodynamics
Graduate Program Courses
A master's program typically includes the following:
- Required courses
- Thesis
Things to Know
Most engineering jobs require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and other humanities courses will develop your communication skills.
Some bachelor's programs combine work experience with classes, and may take five or six years to complete. This work experience teaches skills, helps build job contacts, and you may be paid while you work.
In order to become licensed by your state to work as an engineer, you must have a degree from an accredited engineering program. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam. Many people take the exam at the same time they graduate or soon after.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Civil Engineering--Civil/Construction Engineering
- Construction Engineering
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Construction Engineering