Construction Engineering
Bachelor of Science
Program Deadline
January 15th
How to Apply
Why Construction Engineering?
If the idea of designing and delivering the infrastructure of the future (resilient cities, sustainable buildings, and adaptive spaces) that improves human life for generations appeals, you might consider a degree in construction engineering. As a construction engineer, you will act as a liaison, translating architectural vision and engineering precision into functional living environments. Your work enables people to navigate and thrive in the world — from hospitals and schools to transportation systems and manufacturing centers. Your insights will optimize energy use and stimulate the development of newer, more innovative methods and materials.
Program Overview
The BS in construction engineering degree from Colorado School of Mines provides the math, physics, and engineering rigor you expect from an ABET-accredited Mines engineering degree, along with hands-on project experience, and the logistics, business, management and people skills you will need to advance in the profession.
Construction Engineering majors bring a mix of technical aptitude, strong project management and communication skills, and a passion for working in teams. You will graduate ready to translate design concepts into a rapidly evolving built environment and manage construction projects across various sectors, including residential, commercial, health care, industrial, and heavy civil.
Program Focus
Mines recognizes that America’s construction industry is undergoing a major transformation, as AI, advanced materials, next-gen equipment, and process automation promise improvements in safety, speed, sustainability, and precision. You will gain a solid foundation in civil engineering, a core in construction engineering, and exposure to industry innovations.
The Mines BS in construction engineering degree focuses on a set of core skills: construction methods, cost estimating, planning and scheduling, and project control and management, and includes exposure to structural engineering and geotechnical engineering. Review all course descriptions here.
Program Design/Options
Build
Along with coursework, you will tackle real-world construction engineering problems, such as planning job sites, estimating scopes, and creating constructability plans, thanks to the industry-sponsored BUILD Program. BUILD projects integrate with Mines Field and Capstone requirements, and expose you to real-world challenges faced by construction engineers, including:
- Project planning and cost estimating/monitoring
- Safety and quality control
- Complex contracts and risk management
- Shifting material and labor costs
- Workflow scheduling, phasing and site coordination
As a Construction Engineering major, you can pursue minors and areas of special interest such as environmental and structural engineering, water sustainability, additive manufacturing, operations research, and quantum engineering.
BS/MS - Non-Thesis Program
As a Mines undergraduate student, you have the opportunity to begin work on a non-thesis MS degree in several Civil Engineering areas while completing a bachelor’s degree. You can double-count up to six credits of 500-level graduate coursework, allowing you to earn both degrees in approximately five years. Choose a focus from Environmental and Water Engineering, Environmental Engineering Science, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Hydrology. Your 4+1 application becomes available once you have 60 or more credits on your transcript.
Program Opportunities
- Advanced Water Technology Center
- Center for Environmental Risk Assessment
- Center for Experimental Study of Subsurface Environmental Processes
- Re-Inventing the Nation’s Urban Water Infrastructure
- Center for Underground Construction and Tunneling
- ConocoPhillips Center for a Sustainable WE²ST
Salaries and Career Outlook
Program Curriculum
Courses You May Take
- Introduction to Construction Engineering
- Construction Materials and Methods
- Project Management for Construction
- Structural Analysis and Design
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Construction Safety and Risk Management
- Sustainable Construction Practices
- Construction Equipment and Technology
Program Faculty
Mines Construction Engineering faculty balance research-active academic and experienced professional engineer perspectives to give you a well-rounded experience. Their combined knowledge and experience provide insights into:
construction materials/methods, materials behavior, structural systems/innovation, sustainable practices, digital construction methods, construction management, infrastructure project delivery, field oversight
Yangming Shi
Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Tzahi Cath
Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Christopher Higgins
AMAX Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Facilities
Construction Engineering: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Construction Engineering?
Construction Engineering is the branch of civil engineering focused on the planning, design, management, and execution of construction projects. It integrates principles from structural engineering, project management, geotechnical engineering, materials science, and construction technology to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
Construction engineers are responsible for translating engineering designs into reality while managing costs, schedules, quality, and environmental compliance. The field spans a wide range of projects, including buildings, bridges, highways, tunnels, airports, and infrastructure systems, and requires expertise in both technical engineering principles and construction management practices.
What are the most interesting advances and technologies shaping the field of Construction Engineering?
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What career options are available with a degree in Construction Engineering?
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What industries hire graduates with a degree in Construction Engineering?
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What are the current research directions in Construction Engineering?
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Featured Alumni
Meet John Doe ’20
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