Construction Engineering

Purdue University in West Lafayette

Construction engineers design and execute processes for building and maintaining the infrastructure of our world. The tools of the trade for today’s successful construction engineer include the following: strong math, science, and computer skills; creativity; an aptitude for applying science and engineering methods to solve problems; a love of building structures such as bridges, airports, buildings, stadiums, dams, and highways; an interest in working indoors and outdoors; initiative and a strong work ethic; the ability to collaborate with diverse people; good communications skills; and a desire to learn in a constantly changing environment.

Students in the Construction Engineering program have the opportunity to develop additional expertise in mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, management, building information modeling, and many other options through minors in these fields. They complete three 12-week paid internships before they graduate. Internships are normally completed during the summer, with opportunities across the country. Students have worked as locally as their hometown and as far away as Norway! They work as paid employees in the construction industry and perform duties with increasing responsibilities in field operations, office operations and project management. The program also provides global opportunities, from engineering service trips to Ecuador—fostering international relationships and building structures to better a community—to internship and study abroad opportunities across the world.

Because of our students exposure to unique and hands-on educational experiences, we have a 100% job placement rating for our graduates. What does this mean? Each and every one of our graduating seniors has a job, often receiving multiple job offers before graduation!

Note: The First-Year Engineering Program is the entry point for all beginning engineering students. They must complete the First-Year Engineering requirements before entering the engineering school of their choice. The mission of this student-oriented service program is to advise, teach and retain outstanding students for Purdue's College of Engineering. This core curriculum includes courses in math, chemistry, physics, computer programming, and communication skills, as well as introductory engineering coursework taught in the new Ideas to Innovation (i2i) Learning Laboratory. The First-Year Engineering Program provides students with a firm foundation and initial understanding of engineering and career options to assist them in identifying which of Purdue's engineering disciplines is the right fit. Our professional academic advisors, faculty and student advisors are dedicated to assisting beginning engineers with the first-year experience.