An Introduction to a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Program

Construction engineering is one of the biggest industries in several countries including the United States, European Countries and Asian Countries. For the United States it holds about 8% of the country’s gross national income. This industry can be subdivided into four sectors, the commercial, industrial, residential, and heavy civil construction. To be a construction engineer you need to finish a bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineer and should pass the necessary assessment exams and training for engineers.

The principles learned in a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering program are almost similar to a civil engineering degree. The study crosses over between principles of civil engineering and construction site management.

The Bachelor’s Degree Program

Many universities now offer the bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering but make sure to choose an education program that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. The Construction Engineering degree is to some extent like the construction management program, but has more focus on math, engineering and basic science classes. It is a combination of fundamental science, construction, humanities, math, engineering, and management classes. Graduates of this degree program have more job opportunities in construction business and become a licensed engineer by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination and Professional Engineer (PE) examination, www.ncees.org.

The distinction between civil engineering program and construction engineering is just in the academic level as both disciplines can take the PE examination to be a licensed engineer. Civil engineering students focus more in the design work, gearing them toward a profession for a design expert. This basically requires them all to take a ton of design classes. On the other hand, construction engineering students take design courses in addition to building management courses. This enables them all to comprehend the design functions in addition to the construction demands needed to design and develop new structures and buildings.

Job Responsibilities of a Construction Engineer

1. Feasibility and technical study of locations and strategies
2. Surveying of construction sites and work locations
3. Evaluation and risk management
4. Development of comprehensive design
5. Personnel supervision and management
6. Equipment and funding management
7. Oversee schedule and deadlines
8. Regular monitoring of construction process

Important Qualities of a Construction Engineer

1. Listening Skills
2. Math Skills
3. Critical Thinking and Decision Making
4. Problem Solving
5. Organizational and Management Skills

Job Opportunities for Construction Engineers

Construction engineering industry is visible in various areas like airport, highway, railroad, dam, bridge, or other infrastructures and buildings. Therefore construction engineering is not just confined in buildings per se but can be part of any structure. With this at hand, the career possibilities for construction engineering graduates are enormous. About 17% increase on employment for this profession from 2010 to 2020 according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and it is more likely to increase more because of continuous construction projects nowadays. In recent years, the estimated starting wage for this profession is between $47,000 and $73,000.

The most typically offered positions within this discipline include construction engineer, civil engineer, field engineer, office engineer, project engineer, project controls engineer, superintendent, construction manager, construction design engineer, construction supervisor, civil draftsman and other related job positions. Graduates of this profession can find opportunities in building construction, highway projects, mechanical and electrical construction as well as in academe, if they prefer to educate aspiring engineers.

Those interested in taking up a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering degree should choose the right university or college which is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in the United States or the appropriate boards in their country of residence. Some universities that offer this degree are California State University, Pennsylvania State University, North Dakota State University, and Montana State University.