Department of Civil Engineering
University of New Mexico

MSC01 1070
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Ph (505) 277 2722, Fax (505) 277 1988
Email: civil@unm.edu
 

WWW Civil WebPages


  WHAT IS CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING ? »

Construction engineering concerns the planning and management of the construction of structures such as highways, bridges, airports, railroads, buildings, dams, and reservoirs. Construction of such projects requires knowledge of engineering and management principles and business procedures, economics, and human behavior. Construction engineers engage in the design of temporary structures, cost estimating, planning and scheduling, materials procurement, equipment selection, and cost control.
 
What do Construction Engineers do?
With a degree in construction engineering you may find yourself planning a new project, organizing work staff, setting up schedules, and considering safety issues.  You may be involved in financial planning, working with subcontractors, and interacting with clients on an ongoing basis.  With experience and accomplishments on several projects, you may move up through management and have more responsibility for the overall project.  Some construction engineers with broad experience decide to start their own construction firms.
A career in construction engineering is ideal if you are looking for fast-paced and people-oriented job opportunities.  Moreover, this field offers a wide array of professional opportunities.

Why Construction?

  • The construction industryhelps improve the standard of living in developed and developing countries through additions to the built environment, including infrastructure and buildings, and protection of the natural environment through “green” facilities and remediation services. Construction is a key element of most national economies.

  • Construction professionals gain a deep personal satisfaction from the team and individual accomplishments in their work.

  • Construction projects and companies combine interesting and challenging aspects of engineering, management, and business. The technical and managerial challenges of construction provide many different opportunities for successful career paths.

  • Construction projects involve great people working in effective teams. The challenges of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling these projects provide unmatched opportunities for professional development.

  • Experience in construction brings technical development and knowledge from multidisciplinary challenges and lifelong learning. This background is very important for any careers related to facilities, including development, design, construction, or operations.

  • Intense and dynamic demands for innovation in specialty design and construction provide major opportunities for entrepreneurship and wealth building.