Engineering Technology - Construction Engineering Management

Major/Career Profile

General Description

Engineering Technology blends the principles of scientific technology with those of business and management. Engineering technologists are professionals who have a formal technical and management education with hands-on experience in a variety of disciplines related to industry. This formal education and hands-on experience includes a functional knowledge and understanding of materials and construction processes, industrial management, human relations, communication skills, computers, and the physical sciences and mathematics. Engineering Technology majors, on this campus, may select from five undergraduate options such as Electronics, Manufacturing, Computers, Quality Assurance, or Construction Management. Construction Management specialists are involved in the planning, estimating, field coordination, cost analysis, construction, and inspection of residential, commercial and governmental construction projects. Requirements to enter this field include, a technical aptitude, strong written and verbal skills, leadership potential, and effective decision making skills. A Bachelors of Science in Engineering Technology with an option in Construction Management is necessary for graduates to secure positions in construction leading to supervisory and managerial positions. Persons can qualify for construction management positions through many combinations of work experience and training, but most employers prefer applicants who have a formal technical education.

Career Options

Engineering Technology graduates with a Construction Management option find work as: Field Engineer, Facilities Engineer, Plant Engineer, Project Engineer, Safety Engineer, Sales Representative, Estimator, Construction Coordinator, Procurement Construction Coordinator, Construction Inspector, Cost Analysis Coordinator, Contract Coordinator, and as a Consultant. Some of these careers require additional education or experience.

Typical Employers

Construction firms, architectural firms, construction supply distributors, construction material manufacturers, construction planning consultants, engineering firms, and government.

Salary and Employment Outlook

Industrial expansion and increasing complexity of modem technology underline the projected increase in demand for technologists. The anticipated growth of research and development expenditures, need for infrastructure construction and retrofitting structures for earthquake and hurricane forces in the industry and government should also increase the need for positions in the construction industry. Salaries will vary by size and type of employer, geographic location, coursework and related experience. Consult the Career Development Center for current local and national salary information.

For further information, contact