Construction Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Construction Engineering is a rigorous, interdisciplinary field that equips professionals to lead the design, development, and execution of complex built environments. By integrating core principles from engineering, mathematics, and project management, the program prepares graduates to solve real-world challenges in infrastructure, residential, commercial, and industrial construction.
- Civil Engineering Fundamentals: Core concepts in the design and analysis of infrastructure systems, including roads, bridges, and water supply networks.
- Structural Principles: In-depth study of load distribution, material behavior, and stability to ensure the safety and durability of buildings and structures.
- Site Analysis: Techniques for evaluating topography, environmental conditions, and land use to inform optimal construction planning.
- Computer-Assisted Design (CAD): Proficiency in digital modeling and drafting tools essential for precise, efficient project visualization and documentation.
- Geology and Soil Mechanics: Understanding subsurface conditions and their impact on foundation design and site stability.
- Evaluation and Testing Methods: Procedures for assessing material integrity, structural performance, and compliance with safety standards.
- Construction Materials Science: Knowledge of concrete, steel, composites, and emerging materials used in modern building practices.
- Contracting and Procurement: Strategies for managing contracts, bids, and vendor relationships throughout the construction lifecycle.
- Project Management: Skills in scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, and team coordination to deliver projects on time and within scope.
- Graphic Communications: Mastery of technical drawings, blueprints, and visual presentation methods for clear stakeholder communication.
- Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with building codes, zoning laws, environmental regulations, and safety standards governing construction projects.
Construction Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Construction Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Construction Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 975,940 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
| Civil Engineers 17-2051 | $99,590 | $65,920 - $160,990 | 355,410 | $47.88 |
| Cost Estimators 13-1051 | $77,070 | $46,330 - $128,640 | 219,530 | $37.05 |
Construction Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $91,130 in Arkansas to $132,568 in California—a 45% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Mexico, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 975,940 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Construction Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 49 institutions offering Construction Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Construction Engineering is found at The University of Texas, Arlington (343 graduates), Kennesaw State University (KSU) (147 graduates), Oregon State University (OSU) (71 graduates), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (69 graduates), and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) (68 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,567 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
343 | Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
147 | Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
71 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
69 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
68 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| Stevens Institute of Technology |
Master's
|
67 | Hoboken, New Jersey | Private | stevens.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
64 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Kent State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
58 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Bachelor's
|
56 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
54 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Bachelor's
|
43 | Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Master's
|
42 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
35 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) |
Master's
|
32 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | iit.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Bachelor's
|
31 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
28 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
24 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
|
22 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
21 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Master's
|
20 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Bradley University |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Peoria, Illinois | Private | bradley.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| Georgia Southern University |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Statesboro, Georgia | Public | georgiasouthern.edu |
| Manhattan College |
Master's
|
17 | Riverdale, New York | Private | manhattan.edu |
| Lamar University (LU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
17 | Beaumont, Texas | Public | lamar.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UA Little Rock) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | ualr.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Master's
|
16 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Marquette University |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | marquette.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| California Baptist University (CBU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Riverside, California | Private | calbaptist.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | citadel.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Master's
|
9 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Lawrence Technological University (LTU) |
Master's
|
9 | Southfield, Michigan | Private | ltu.edu |
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
9 | Rapid City, South Dakota | Public | sdsmt.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Commerce, Texas | Public | tamuc.edu |
| Clarkson University (Clarkson) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Potsdam, New York | Private | clarkson.edu |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | snhu.edu |
| Stark State College |
Other Award
|
6 | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHM) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | manoa.hawaii.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
4 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) |
Master's
|
3 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | unm.edu |
| New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Old Westbury, New York | Private | nyit.edu |
| National University (NU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | San Diego, California | Private | nu.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Other Award
|
1 | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
| SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Syracuse, New York | Public | esf.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Construction Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Construction Engineering degree?
Salaries for Construction Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Engineers, All Other earn around $117,750. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $132,568 compared to $91,130 in Arkansas. Approximately 975,940 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Construction Engineering programs?
Currently 49 accredited institutions offer Construction Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include The University of Texas, Arlington (343 graduates), Kennesaw State University (KSU) (147 graduates), and Oregon State University (OSU) (71 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Construction Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 531 in 2010 to 1,567 in 2023-24. This represents a 195% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Construction Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 975,940 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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