Bachelor's Degree in Construction Engineering

If your ultimate career goal is to become a construction engineer then you will most likely spend your days using what you know about both construction and engineering to build a wide range of structures. This is a growing industry, so if this profession fits into your dreams, then now is definitely the time to begin working on your bachelor's degree in construction engineering. However, it is important to realize that very few colleges and universities offer a degree program in construction engineering. If the post-secondary institution that you would like to attend does not offer a degree program in construction engineering you may want to check to see if they have a civil engineering or structural engineering degree.

Although the course work is not identical, you will still have the option to learn the skills that are necessary to design structures that are efficient and safe. In addition, each of these engineering degree programs will likely have students completing a cooperative internship prior to graduation. Therefore, no matter which educational avenue you decide to pursue, you will basically have the same learning opportunities and have a similar end result. Generally speaking, it is more common for colleges and universities to offer a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.

In your capacity as a construction engineer, you will spend much of your work day choosing the materials that will be used in a specific construction project, managing numerous construction sites, and supervising how mechanisms are implemented. Depending upon your employer, you may also be responsible for maintaining the proposed schedule for a project, scheduling the necessary equipment, and ensuring that the finances for a project are on track. Often, you will spend as much of your time working in an office setting as you do working out in the construction field. It will be important that you can communicate effectively and professionally since you will be responsible for working with urban designers, contractors, and construction workers.

The industry of construction engineering has a promising outlook for individuals with a bachelor's degree. However, to make you as marketable as possible in the work force you may want to consider becoming licensed. This typically includes you completing a program that is approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, which involves earning a passing score on two exams (the Fundamentals of Engineering and the Principles and Practice of Engineering). Along with your degree, this certification will allow you to become a Professional Engineer among your colleagues.

It is also important to realize that some states require their Professional Engineers to complete continuing education classes in order to maintain their licensure. In your occupation as a construction engineer you can choose to build your own clientele and company from the ground up or to work for an existing company. While both are feasible and successful options, it is critical to understand that in this industry experience is just as important as education.

Construction Engineering Outcomes and Student Objectives

As a student you’ll be expected to take courses that will teach you advanced techniques in construction engineering. When you have completed your Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Engineering you would have addressed some of the graduate outcomes for the program including:

- Be able to fully analyze structural systems.
- Demonstrate and apply methods of surveying in applications to solve problems.
- Communicate effectively and analyze and interpret data.
- Be able to apply safety standards and work in a team environment.
- Have participated in professional development and goal settings for your career in construction engineering.
- Prepares you in an occupation in construction engineering and the architecture engineering industry.

Construction Engineering Courses

A big majority of your Bachelor’s degree will consist of math and science courses. Common areas of interest will cover both modern construction engineering as well as technical programs in information technology. Some of the more core courses you could take include:

- Engineering Economics
- Calculus
- Construction Business Models
- Site Analysis
- Management Information Systems
- Inspection and Safety
- Construction Cost Accounting
- Structural Analysis
- Project Management
- Accident Prevention and Loss
- Construction Equipment

Potential Jobs and Projects

As a construction engineering you’ll work on lots of different projects depending on the industry as well as the company that you work for. Some of the more common areas for construction engineers including projects that deal with highways, waterways, treatment plants as well as roads and heavy highways. Additional jobs include:

- Construction Companies
- Design Firms
- Material Supplies
- Sales Associates
- Project Engineers