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Construction Engineering

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Administered by the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

The curriculum in Construction Engineering, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree can be referenced here: www.catalog.iastate.edu/collegeofengineering/constructionengineering/#curriculumtext. The Construction Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Construction and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the construction engineering curriculum should have at the time of graduation: 

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Program Educational Objectives: Three to five years after graduation, our graduates will have pursued successful careers and expertise in construction engineering or a related profession. They will collaborate effectively on multi-disciplinary teams to address the needs of society and the environment. They will pursue lifelong learning, professional development, and licensure as appropriate for their career goals.

Students who successfully complete the curriculum will be prepared for entry into the field or for further study at the graduate level in construction engineering or related fields of study, such as law, business, and/or other engineering disciplines.

Construction engineers need to possess a strong fundamental knowledge of engineering design and management principles, including knowledge of business procedures, economics, and human behavior. Graduates of this curriculum may expect to engage in design of temporary structures, coordination of project design, systems design, cost estimating, planning and scheduling, company and project management, materials procurement, equipment selection, and cost control. With the emergence of integrated project delivery methods such as design-build construction, the role of the construction engineer is expanding the need for trained professionals that understand both aspects of the project delivery environment. The curriculum offers opportunities to study emphases concerned with building, heavy, mechanical, or electrical construction. The process of construction involves the organization, administration, and coordination of labor resource requirements, temporary and permanent materials, equipment, supplies and utilities, money, technology and methods. These must be integrated in the most efficient manner possible to complete construction projects on schedule, within the budget, and according to the standards of quality and performance specified by the project owner or designer. The curriculum blends engineering, management and business sciences into a study of the processes of construction whereby designer’s plans and specifications are converted into physical structures and facilities.

The curriculum develops the ability of students to be team workers, creative thinkers, and effective communicators. This is achieved by encouraging students to:

  • Interact with practicing professionals.
  • Gain work experience during summer jobs, internship, and cooperative education assignments that emphasize the knowledge required of construction engineers.
  • Develop leadership skills by participating in student organizations.
  • Develop, analyze, and interpret alternative solutions to open-ended problems.
  • Study abroad.

The construction industry is becoming increasingly global. Courses in humanities, social sciences, U.S. cultures and communities (formerly U.S. diversity), and international perspectives are included in the curriculum to broaden the student’s perspective of the work environment. In addition, the department has several exchange program opportunities for students to participate in study abroad programs. 

Qualified construction engineering students within 30 credits of completing their degree may apply for concurrent enrollment in the Graduate College. See Civil Engineering Graduate Study for more information.

Curriculum in Construction Engineering

Administered by the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering; leading to the degree bachelor of science. 

Construction Engineering students will initially be considered construction undecided option when starting the degree and are encouraged to choose an option in Construction Engineering before their 5th semester. If not, option courses taken by the student will not be applied until the student chooses an option. Students must pick an option prior to graduation. The four options in the program are building, electrical, infrastructure, and mechanical. The Core courses for each option are the same whereas the option selections of the degree audit will be comprised of different classes that explore the particular focus the students have chosen.

Total credits required: Building Option -128.0, Electrical Option - 127.0, Infrastructure Option - 127.0, Mechanical Option - 127.0 cr.

The Construction Engineering program requires a grade of a C or better for any transfer credit course that is applied to the degree program (but will not be calculated into the ISU cumulative GPA, Basic Program GPA or Core GPA). Note: Department does not allow Pass/Not Pass credits to be used to meet graduation requirements for either required or elective courses.

International Perspectives: 3 cr.1

U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity): 3 cr.1

Communication Proficiency/Library requirements:

ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication (Must have a C or better in this course)3
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (Must have a C or better in this course)3
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
Business Communication Elective: one course of the following with a minimum grade of C.3
Business Communication
Proposal and Report Writing
Technical Communication
Total Credits10

Social Sciences and Humanities: 12 cr.

Social Sciences and Humanities 26
International Perspectives 13
U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity) 13
Total Credits12

Basic Program: 24 cr.3

Minimum GPA of 2.00 required for this set of courses to graduate, (please note that transfer course grades will not be calculated into the Basic Program GPA).3

CHEM 1670General Chemistry for Engineering Students4
or CHEM 1770 General Chemistry I
ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication (Must have a C or better in this course)3
Engineering Orientation
CE 1600Engineering Problems with Computational Laboratory 33
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
MATH 1650Calculus I4
MATH 1660Calculus II4
PHYS 2310Introduction to Classical Physics I4
PHYS 2310LIntroduction to Classical Physics I Laboratory1
Total Credits24

Math and Physical Science: 12 cr.

STAT 3050Engineering Statistics3
or STAT 2310 Probability and Statistical Inference for Engineers
MATH 2670Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms4
PHYS 2320Introduction to Classical Physics II4
PHYS 2320LIntroduction to Classical Physics II Laboratory1
Total Credits12

Construction Engineering Core: 27 cr. Minimum 2.00 GPA for this set of courses to graduate (please note that transfer course grades will not be calculated into the Core GPA):

CONE 2410Construction Materials and Methods3
CE 2740Engineering Statics3
CE 3320Structural Analysis I3
EM 3240Mechanics of Materials3
CONE 4220Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Engineering3
CONE 4410Construction Planning, Scheduling, and Control3
ABE 3780Mechanics of Fluids3
CONE 4870Construction Engineering Design I3
CONE 4880Construction Engineering Design II3
Total Credits27

Select remaining courses from one of the following options:

Building Option 27 cr: 
CE 3600Geotechnical Engineering4
CONE 3220Construction Equipment and Heavy Construction Methods3
CONE 3400Concrete and Steel Construction3
CE 3330Structural Steel Design I3
CE 3340Reinforced Concrete Design I3
CE 3830Design of Portland Cement Concrete1
CONE 3520Mechanical Systems in Buildings3
CONE 3530Electrical Systems in Buildings3
EM 3270Mechanics of Materials Laboratory1
Engineering Topics Elective 23
Total Credits27
Electrical Option 26 cr:
EE 2010Electric Circuits4
EE 2300Electronic Circuits and Systems4
EE 3030Energy Systems and Power Electronics3
CONE 3520Mechanical Systems in Buildings3
CONE 3530Electrical Systems in Buildings3
EE 4560Power System Analysis I3
EE 4570Power System Analysis II3
Engineering Topics Elective 23
Total Credits26
Infrastructure Option 26 cr: 
CE 3600Geotechnical Engineering4
CONE 3220Construction Equipment and Heavy Construction Methods3
CONE 3400Concrete and Steel Construction3
CE 3330Structural Steel Design I3
CE 3340Reinforced Concrete Design I3
CE 3820Design of Concretes3
EM 3270Mechanics of Materials Laboratory1
Engineering Topics Elective 26
Total Credits26
Mechanical Option 26 cr:
ME 2310Engineering Thermodynamics I3
ME 4360Heat Transfer4
CONE 3520Mechanical Systems in Buildings3
CONE 3530Electrical Systems in Buildings3
EE 4420Introduction to Circuits and Instruments2
EE 4480Introduction to AC Circuits and Motors2
ME 4410Fundamentals of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning3
ME 4420Heating and Air Conditioning Design3
Engineering Topics Elective 23
Total Credits26

Additional Required Courses: 26 cr.

CONE 1210Cornerstone Learning Community: Orientation to Academic Life1
CONE 1220Cornerstone Learning Community: Orientation to Professional Life1
CONE 2220Contractor Organization and Management of Construction3
CONE 2510Mechanical/Electrical Materials and Methods1
CE 1110Geomatics3
CE 1700Graphics for Civil Engineering2
IE 3050Engineering Economic Analysis3
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (Must have a C or better in this course)3
Law Elective3
Engineering Law
Legal Environment of Business
Business Communication Elective (minimum grade of C)3
Business Communication
Proposal and Report Writing
Technical Communication
Complete one course from Math or Stat Elective 23
Total Credits26

Co-op/Internships - Optional

  1. These university requirements will add to the minimum credits of the program unless the university-approved courses are also approved by the department to meet other course requirements within the degree program. U.S. cultures and communities (formerly U.S. diversity) and international perspectives courses may not be taken Pass/Not Pass.
  2. Choose from department approved list
  3. See Basic Program for Engineering Curricula for accepted substitutions for curriculum designated courses in the Basic Program https://www.engineering.iastate.edu/classification/students/basic-program/.

See also: A 4-year plan of study grid showing course template by semester for a building option in Construction Engineering.

See also: A 4-year plan of study grid showing course template by semester for an electrical option in Construction Engineering.

See also: A 4-year plan of study grid showing course template by semester for a infrastructure option in Construction Engineering.

See also: A 4-year plan of study grid showing course template by semester for a mechanical option in Construction Engineering.

Construction Engineering, B.S. Building option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 12101CONE 12201
CE 16003CE 17002
MATH 16504MATH 16604
CHEM 16704ENGL 25003
ENGL 15003PHYS 23104
ENGR 1010RPHYS 2310L1
 LIB 16001
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 22203CONE 24103
CE 11103CONE 25101
Math or Stat Elective3MATH 26704
SSH Elective3CE 27403
PHYS 23204IE 30503
PHYS 2320L1 
 17 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 32203CONE 34003
CONE 35203Law Elective (CONE 3800 or ACCT 2150)3
CONE 35303CE 36004
STAT 2310 or 30503CE 33203
EM 32403ABE 37803
SSH Elective3EM 32701
 18 17
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 42203CONE 48703
CONE 44103CONE 48803
CE 38301Business Comm Elective (ENGL 3020 or 3090 or 3140)3
CE 33303CE 33403
Engr Topics Elective3SSH Elective (International Perspective)3
SSH Elective (U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity))3 
 16 15

Construction Engineering, B.S. Electrical option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 12101CONE 12201
CE 16003CE 17002
MATH 16504MATH 16604
CHEM 16704ENGL 25003
ENGL 15003PHYS 23104
ENGR 1010RPHYS 2310L1
 LIB 16001
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 22203CONE 24103
CE 11103CONE 25101
MATH or STAT Elective3MATH 26704
SSH Elective 3CE 27403
PHYS 23204IE 30503
PHYS 2320L1 
 17 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 35203Law Elective (CONE 3800 or ACCT 2150)3
CONE 35303EE 23004
STAT 2310 or 30503EE 30303
EM 32403ABE 37803
EE 20104SSH Elective3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 42203CONE 48703
CONE 44103CONE 48803
EE 45603EE 45703
CE 33203Business Comm Elective (ENGL 3020 or 3090 or 3140)3
Engineering Topics Elective3SSH Elective (International Perspective)3
SSH Elective (U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity))3 
 18 15

Construction Engineering, B.S. Infrastructure option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 12101CONE 12201
CE 16003CE 17002
MATH 16504MATH 16604
CHEM 16704ENGL 25003
ENGL 15003PHYS 23104
ENGR 1010RPHYS 2310L1
 LIB 16001
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 22203CONE 24103
CE 11103CONE 25101
Math or Stat Elective3MATH 26704
SSH Elective3CE 27403
PHYS 23204IE 30503
PHYS 2320L1 
 17 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 32203CONE 34003
Law Elective (CONE 3800 or ACCT 2150)3CE 33203
STAT 2310 or 30503CE 36004
EM 32403CE 38203
ABE 37803EM 32701
SSH Elective3SSH Elective (U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity))3
 18 17
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 44103CONE 48703
Engineering Topics Elective3CONE 48803
CONE 42203Engineering Topics Elective3
CE 33303CE 33403
SSH Elective (International Perspective)3Business Comm Elective (ENGL 3020 or 3090 or 3140)3
 15 15

Construction Engineering, B.S. Mechanical option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 12101CONE 12201
CE 16003CE 17002
MATH 16504MATH 16604
CHEM 16704ENGL 25003
ENGL 15003PHYS 23104
ENGR 1010RPHYS 2310L1
 LIB 16001
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 22203CONE 24103
CE 11103CONE 25101
Math/Stat Elective3MATH 26704
SSH Elective3CE 27403
PHYS 23204IE 30503
PHYS 2320L1 
 17 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 35203Law Elective (CONE 3800 or ACCT 2150)3
CONE 35303EE 44202
STAT 2310 or 30503EE 44802
EM 32403CE 33203
ME 23103ABE 37803
SSH Elective3SSH Elective (U.S. Cultures and Communities (formerly U.S. Diversity))3
 18 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CONE 42203CONE 48703
CONE 44103CONE 48803
ME 43604ME 44203
ME 44103Business Comm Elective (ENGL 3020 or 3090 or 3140)3
Engineering Topics Elective3SSH Elective (International Perspective)3
 16 15

A concurrent bachelor of science/master of science (B.S./M.S.) degree program is available to qualified seniors at Iowa State University.

Go to https://www.ccee.iastate.edu/prospective-graduate-students/concurrent-programs/ for further information.

Graduate Study

An area of specialization in construction engineering and management is offered within the graduate program of the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering. This specialization focuses on project management including and beyond the traditional iron triangle of scope, technical, and schedule to include context and financing, enabling project management of more complex projects. Three graduate degrees including, Master of Engineering (30 credits), Master of Science (30 credits), and Doctor of Philosophy (72 credits) are offered. The Master of Engineering degree is a coursework only option and the other degree programs require a research component at a level adjusted to the degree sought. All degrees are offered on-campus, and some degrees may be completed off-campus through distance education. All degrees require CE 5010, CE 5020, CE 5030, and a minimum of nine additional credits within construction focused CE courses. Course options include but are not limited to:  

CE 5010Preconstruction Project Engineering and Management3
CE 5020Construction Project Engineering and Management3
CE 5030Construction Finance and Business Management3
CE 5050Design of Construction Systems3
CE 5940ASpecial Topics Construction Engineering and Mgt.: Planning and Scheduling3
CE 5940LSpecial Topics Construction Engineering and Mgt.: Advanced Building Construction Topics - LEED for New Construction3

Undergraduate students may also qualify for the concurrent Bachelor of Science/Master of Science (B.S./M.S.) degree program. Courses are offered for minor work to students taking major work in other curricula or in interdepartmental programs. A graduate certificate is also available which requires 12 credits of coursework. Courses required for the certificate are CE 5010, CE 5020, and CE 5030. For additional information see Civil Engineering, Graduate Programs, https://www.ccee.iastate.edu/academics/graduate/