华盛顿州立大学

Construction engineering focuses on the design and construction processes required to produce facilities and systems that are essential to modern life and infrastructure. The program covers many aspects of the built environment, such as bridges, roads, harbors, airports, industrial facilities, and many others.

Students are given a thorough preparation in the fundamental engineering and design principles for structures, materials, and systems, along with the practical business and management concepts necessary for construction professionals.

Specialization tracks are available in:

Structures
Infrastructure/Pavement
Foundations/Heavy Civil
Environmental Facilities

Strengths of the program

Strong, broad-based instruction in engineering, construction, and business through the specific expertise of several WSU departments.
A combination of management and engineering that is tailored specifically for construction professionals, leading to licensure as a Professional Engineer.
Opportunities for students to participate in experience-based learning.
Join other science, math, and engineering students in WSU Pullman’s Stephenson residence hall—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.

Requirements and featured courses

The curriculum is organized into two parts. A collection of math, science, introductory business/construction management, and engineering fundamentals courses, along with university requirements, make up the first two years. The final two years consist of the professional construction engineering curriculum, in which students may choose a specialization track.

In addition, students are required to complete a professional/leadership experience and take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, which is the first step to licensure as a Professional Engineer.

A few of the engineering/construction courses you can take:

Statics
Mechanics of Materials
Fluid Mechanics
Introduction to Structural Engineering
Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering

Estimating 1 and 2
Planning and Scheduling
Human Productivity in Construction
Delivery Systems

Law and the Legal Environment of Business
Construction Administration and Documentation
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Construction Cost Accounting

Reinforced Concrete Design
Structural Steel Design
Pavement Design
Foundation Design

Construction Graphics
Earthwork and Equipment
Water/Wastewater Treatment
Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Careers

The paradigm shift within the modern heavy civil construction industry, with a major focus on the design/build concept, requires that onsite construction managers be equipped with the fundamental technical background in engineering principles to participate in the design, as well as knowledge of estimating, scheduling, contracts, and methods of construction.

The construction engineering major's unique combination of engineering and management principles prepares graduates to excel in the large and rapidly expanding construction industry.

WSU graduates are typically recruited to positions in building construction and heavy civil construction, working for general contractors or subcontractors. Other opportunities include careers with architectural and engineering firms, government agencies, utility companies, and oil and natural resource industries.