Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering

Construction Engineering

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The construction engineering major integrates engineering, construction and management courses. It resembles the construction management program but provides a greater emphasis on engineering, scientific and technical courses to meet the requirements for licensure as a professional engineer. You will focus on applying engineering principles to solve real-world construction problems. Our program is located within a thriving hub of engineering and architecture firms, offering valuable opportunities to work with industry professionals.
  • College

  • Hours Required

    120 credit hours
  • Areas of Focus

    Life Cycle Costing, Nature First Construction, Process Design and Simulation

The Nebraska Difference

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18:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

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Kiewit Hall

$115 million student-centric engineering hub

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Be a Complete Engineer®

Unleash your potential and cultivate core competencies

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Innovate. Excel. Engineer.

80% of students receive a job offer before graduation.

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Program Features

Integrated Curriculum in Lincoln and Omaha 

The program blends engineering, construction and management courses, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the construction industry. Emphasizing engineering, scienceand technical subjects, this program will prepare you for licensure as a professional engineer. 

Real-World Problem Solving 

Courses focus on applying engineering principles to tackle real-world construction challenges. You will gain expertise in civil engineering, structural principles, material testing, project management, computer-assisted design, 3D animation, sustainability and graphic communication. 

Career Opportunities and Global Reach 

Our graduates have many employment and internship opportunities in local, national and international construction companies. With increased global demand, construction engineers can work on diverse projects, from buildings and infrastructure to energy distribution systems, ensuring projects' constructability and functionality. 

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Notable Courses

Geometric Control Systems (CONE 221)

Explore surveying fundamentals for construction, including building layout, measurement procedures, instrument operation. Gain hands-on experience with surveying instruments, equipment and technologies in construction projects.

Introduction to Building Information Modeling (CNST 225)

Get introduced to Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Revit Architecture. Learn to create detailed 3D models, clash detection and point-cloud models for construction projects.

Construction Methods and Equipment (CONE 319)

Explore equipment and methods in the building construction industry, including selection, characteristics, estimating job production, equipment rates, costs, earth-moving, hoisting and operations analysis.

Construction Estimating I (CONE 378)

Prepare cost estimates, perform quantity take-offs, analyze cost components, create preliminary construction schedules and conduct quantity takeoffs from 2D plans and 3D BIM software models.

Steel Design I (CIVE 441)

Design concepts for structural steel building components. Tension members, bolted and welded connections, column and beam members. Behavior, code design procedures and limit states design.

Construction Planning, Scheduling, & Controls (CONE 485)

Project planning and scheduling using critical path methods (CPM) with computer applications. Logic networks, precedence diagrams, time estimates, critical path, crash programs and activity monitoring.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Project management intern, Cheever Construction Company, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Field engineer, Kiewit, Phoenix, Arizona
  • Project engineer, DPR Construction, Omaha, Nebraska
  • Estimating intern, Haselden Construction, Denver, Colorado
  • Construction engineering intern, Kiewit Building Group, Austin, Texas
  • Controller, Kiewit Building Group, Omaha, Nebraska

Careers

  • Construction engineer, Olsson Associates, Omaha, Nebraska
  • Project engineer, JE Dunn Construction, Denver, Colorado
  • Field engineer, Mortenson Construction, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Project engineer, DPR Construction, Sacramento, California
  • Engineer, Kiewit Building Group, Omaha, Nebraska
  • Special inspections technician, Olsson Associates, Omaha, Nebraska

Graduate Schools

  • Ph.D., Construction Management & Engineering, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Master's in Construction Management & Engineering, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Master's in Community and Regional Planning, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Master's in Project Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
  • Master's in Construction Management, University of Florida
  • Master's in Business Administration, Kaplan University

Outside the Classroom

At Nebraska, you’ll have many opportunities to discover your academic community and stretch your strengths.

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Academics & Experiential Learning

  • Durham School programs in Lincoln and Omaha are located among one of the nation’s top hubs for construction and architectural engineering firms, offering valuable networking opportunities.
  • Tackle big challenges in your classes and work with faculty on research dedicated to solving global problems and saving lives.
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Career Preparedness

  • The annual Durham School Career Fair attracts nearly 100 employers from across Nebraska and nationally to connect with students.
  • Participate in paid internships for valuable on-the-job experiences and to develop lifelong career contacts.
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Community

  • Engineering Night Out is a great way to relax and bond with your peers in a casual environment in the adjacent Aksarben neighborhood.
  • With more than 50 clubs and organizations in the College of Engineering, you’ll connect with other students and faculty through fun and hands-on experiences.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Construction Engineering major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Stephanie Benes
Contact Title
Assistant Director of Recruitment
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