Construction Engineering and Management

Overview

The construction engineer and construction manager are responsible for delivering construction projects in a manner that maximizes value – a quality product at a fair price, safely constructed in a timely fashion. Construction is the final step in the development of our infrastructure and is one of the most visible products in all of engineering. Graduates of the Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) program play a critical role in building the infrastructure that supports communities across the world.

The CEM program prepares students for engineering and management roles in all phases of construction projects. The program emphasizes management techniques that are useful in organizing, planning, and controlling the activities of specialists working within the construction industry project environment and covers construction engineering aspects of heavy civil, industrial, commercial and building construction.

The degree focuses on a combination of design, technical and management topics preparing students for a career working at the interface of design and construction. The CEM curriculum blends engineering, management, and business sciences into a study of the processes of construction whereby a designer’s plans and specifications are converted into physical structures and facilities. The Industry is undergoing exciting changes that have been called, Construction 4.0. This includes applying technology and automation when it makes sense to do so (e.g. safety, productivity, cost benefit).  CEM students have opportunities in their classes and independently working with faculty researchers (e.g. independent study; undergraduate research) to work with robots, exoskeletons, smart vests, sensors, drones, building information modeling and other emerging tools.

Prospective Student Advising Page
Video Overview

Curriculum:

The Myers-Lawson School of Construction offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management (BS CEM). Courses are focused on construction engineering with a management emphasis and cover construction theory and applications. Students can select from two majors within the degree program. Review the University Catalog to see the required coursework.

The BS CEM curriculum includes approximately 80% construction engineering and 20% management courses. The degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET for engineering, as well as the Applied and Natural Science and Commission (ANSAC) for Management, and many graduates go on to become registered professional engineers.

Majors

Construction Engineering and Management (CEM)
Our traditional CEM major allows students to develop a broad understanding of the construction industry, with a strong foundation in engineering principles and management practices. With six hours of technical electives and six hours of advanced electives, students can customize their degree to focus on areas such as:

• Building design and construction methods
• Materials science and properties
• Structural analysis and design
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Construction scheduling and project management
• Cost estimation and budgeting
• Environmental sustainability and green building practices
• Construction law and contracts
• Risk management
• Smart construction, robotics, and AI applications

By combining technical knowledge with management skills, CEM graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in the engineering and construction industry, working on projects that involve design, planning, execution, and delivery. With this degree, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the construction process, from initial planning to final completion.

The CEM major is ideal for students who are interested in a wide range of construction-related fields, including construction management, project management, engineering, architecture, and environmental sustainability. Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in government agencies, private companies, or consulting firms, where they can apply their skills to ensure successful project outcomes.

Construction Safety Leadership (CSEL)
The CSEL major is a unique opportunity for students to specialize in construction safety and leadership within the CEM program. This major provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in construction safety principles, regulations, and best practices, as well as safety leadership and management techniques to effectively implement safety programs and manage construction projects. With this major, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical importance of safety in construction projects, including OSHA regulations, hazard identification and mitigation, risk assessment, and safety plan development. Students will also develop skills in safety leadership and management, including communication, teamwork, and project management.

The Construction Safety Leadership major is ideal for students who are passionate about ensuring the well-being of workers on construction sites and are committed to making a positive impact on the industry. With this degree, graduates will be prepared for careers as construction safety professionals, project managers, or safety consultants in government agencies, private companies, or consulting firms.  Employers have indicated they seek students with this type of specialization.

Interest Areas and Related Degrees/Minors

The undergraduate CEM program provides courses and experiences related to the following areas: green engineering; lean construction; project management; safety leadership; smart design and construction. A short description of each area and related degrees and minors are provided below to enhance your major exploration experience.

Green Engineering
Green engineering is the design and use of products, practices, and processes to promote sustainability, conserve resources and minimize waste and pollution. Green processes prioritize efficiency and effectiveness without compromising quality.
Related Engineering Degrees: Civil Engineering
Related Degrees: Architecture | Building Construction | Smart and Sustainable Cities | Sustainable Biomaterials
Related Minors: Green Engineering

Lean Construction
Lean construction is a mindset and body of practice within construction that maximizes the efficiency of processes, budgets, time, and resources, and prioritizes the overall project value to the customer while minimizing waste.
Related Engineering Degrees: Civil Engineering
Related Degrees: Architecture | Building Construction | Smart and Sustainable Cities | Sustainable Biomaterials
Related Minors: Green Engineering

Project Management
Project management is the process of leading a team to achieve project goals within the given constraints; scope, time, and budget. It involves planning and management of a company’s resources to complete a project or deliver something of value to people.
Related Engineering Degrees: Civil Engineering | Industrial and Systems Engineering
Related Degrees: Building Construction |  | Public and Urban Affairs | Real Estate | Smart and Sustainable Cities
Related Minors: Environmental Policy and Planning | Green Engineering | Public and Urban Affairs

Safety Leadership
Safety Leadership provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in construction safety principles, regulations, and best practices, as well as safety leadership and management techniques to effectively implement safety programs and manage construction projects. 
Related Engineering Degrees: Civil Engineering | Industrial and Systems Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees: Building Construction | Real Estate

Smart Design and Construction
Smart design involves the use of technology and innovation by engineers to develop products and processes that help people work smarter and live better. Information, equipment, and cutting-edge technology are used to create powerful products and experiences for the end-user/consumer.
Related Engineering Degrees: Civil Engineering | Computer Engineering | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees: Architecture | Building Construction | Smart and Sustainable Cities | Sustainable Biomaterials
Related Minors: Green Engineering

Getting Involved

Ambassadors
Honor Society - International Construction Honor Society
Professional Society – American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Undergraduate Research

Additional Opportunities:
Appalachia Service Project
ASC Competition Team
Associated Schools of Constructions (ASC)
Building Goodness Foundation
Building Women in Construction
Construction Career Fairs
Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA)
Habitat for Humanity

Career Resources

Our Engineering Career Resource provides you with all of the most frequently used career information websites in one place for ease of access. This list includes links to VT First Destination Post Grad Report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Defense, and many more. 

Quick Facts

CEM Program Benefits:

The program emphasizes practical, experiential applications as well as basic principles. Students are given many hands-on experiences in the laboratory and are involved in numerous field trips to supplement classroom activities. 

The CEM student body is a close group with many lasting friendships. The community of CEM alumni continues to engage with the program post-graduation, through class lectures, project sponsorship, mentoring, field trips, and participation in the Young Alumni Committee of the School’s Industry Affiliates Board.

Graduates enjoy multiple job offers with very high placement rates due to a historically strong market for CEM talent. The success of CEM graduates in finding full-time employment immediately after graduation is a product of the curriculum, which prepares students to be well-rounded professionals – effective team players, creative thinkers, and effective communicators. The program also provides ample opportunities to complement the curriculum by providing students with a range of extracurricular activities, including:

• Regular interaction with practicing professionals in formal and informal settings.
• Practical training through professional experience during summer jobs, internships, and cooperative education experiences that reinforce classroom learning.
• Leadership skill development by participating in student organizations focused on regional community service through construction.
• Skills development in our labs.
• Serving the underserved through service learning projects or study abroad programs.
• A construction industry career fair and social that are attended by more than 100 companies annually.
• 100% job placement with multiple job offers and a starting salary of approximately $77,000 with a B.S. degree that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (ABET). 

Employment for CEM Gradautes

Graduates from the CEM program work for general contractors, specialty contractors, real estate developers, infrastructure developers, and facility owners/operators. Some CEM graduates continue to start their own construction-related businesses.  Graduates work in a variety of industry sectors, including commercial, industrial, heavy/highway, structures, facilities management, residential, and civil infrastructure projects.   Given the long-term health of the Industry, students generally have much flexibility in choosing size of firm, location of firm, and of course type of position .

Students who complete the curriculum will be prepared for entry into the field or further study at the graduate level in construction engineering or related fields of study, such as law, business, and/or other engineering disciplines. Coursework also prepares students to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam on the way to earning Professional Engineering (PE) licensure.