Construction Engineering Technology

The construction industry is the largest industry in the world. Leadership in this field requires a broad knowledge of labor, materials and equipment, capital and construction procedures. The interdisciplinary approach of the construction engineering technology program offers the student specialized coursework in all phases of construction, designed to prepare him or her for responsible positions in industry.

The primary goal of the Construction Engineering Technology (CET) program is to enhance the quality of the instructional program through effective management of the curriculum, teaching assignments and fiscal and physical resources. This goal includes providing instructional facilities, equipment and support services for faculty and students which maintain an excellent learning environment.

Program Educational Objectives

OSU Construction Engineering Technology graduates a few years after graduation will:

  1. Solve problems typically found in the construction industry in construction engineering design, estimating, planning, scheduling and project management using mathematical, analytical and scientific skills of engineering technology.
  2. Successfully lead and work in teams and communicate effectively in written, oral and graphical forms.
  3. Continue life-long career and professional growth by actively interacting with local industries and participating in appropriate professional societies.
  4. Continue life-long personal growth in sensitivity to ethical responsibilities, global environments and associated social issues.

Construction Engineering Technology graduates can expect to obtain these student outcomes upon graduation:

(1) an ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;

(2) an ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;

(3) an ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature;

(4) an ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes; and

(5) an ability to function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.

Faculty with excellent credentials, including a balance of formal education, teaching ability and appropriate industry experience, are recruited nationwide and are provided opportunities for individual professional development and regular contact with the industry. Faculty members are encouraged to become involved in extension and research programs relating to the department’s areas of strength or growth and to serve the needs for continuing education within the industry, particularly in the regional construction community.

These needs and opportunities for service are assessed regularly through close cooperation with local and regional construction professionals and industry associations. An active Advisory Board, representing a broad cross-section of the industry, meets regularly to offer support and guidance necessary to preserve uncompromising excellence.

The Construction Engineering Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. The educational objectives of the Construction Engineering Technology program are consistent with those required by ETAC of ABET and are listed under “Division of Engineering Technology” in the Catalog.

The modern constructor must have a great deal of technical knowledge to keep abreast of rapidly changing equipment, materials and methods of construction. Specialized courses in estimating, surveying, structures, construction planning and scheduling, construction law and insurance, field and office management and construction procedures provide students with the background necessary for today’s construction industry. These specialized courses, in addition to a blend of the basic sciences, business and general studies, produce a well-balanced curriculum for students in construction engineering technology. Special attention is given to computer applications in construction estimating, and the development of graphic, written and oral communication skills is emphasized throughout the curriculum.

Students with an interest in building structures may select courses in the “building” option of the construction engineering technology curriculum, which provides them with knowledge of working drawings, mechanical and electrical equipment of buildings, and other coursework for a career in building construction.

Students with an interest in civil engineering structures may select courses in the “heavy” option of the construction engineering technology curriculum, which provides them with knowledge of highways, soils, foundations and other coursework for a career in the heavy and industrial construction industry.

The program attempts to identify and recruit highly qualified students who will benefit from the instructional platform, and faculty members promote retention and ultimate graduation of construction engineering technology students through effective instruction and advisement. A schedule of outcome assessment among graduates and their employers assures that the program continues to provide the academic training required for success.

Graduates of construction engineering technology have shown the curriculum to be successful in their development as productive members of the construction industry, holding responsible positions as company executives, project managers, estimators, material and equipment salespersons, and construction managers at all levels.