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BS Construction Engineering & Management


Degree Overview

The Myers-Lawson School of Construction offers students in the College of Engineering a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Engineering and Management.  This degree is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the construction industry.  The undergraduate program facilitates the development of critical technical, managerial and professional knowledge and skills required for entry into the construction industry or graduate studies. This body of knowledge includes the decision and optimization methods required to integrate and manage the resources essential to construction operations along with the skills that support the development of ethical, socially responsible, and sustainable solutions for the built environment.

The focus of this degree is construction management with engineering and business management as additional major areas of study. The degree retains an emphasis on engineering, with a focus on construction theory and applications, while providing students the opportunity to define the areas of business management they wish to study to complement their career goals. 

Admissions Process

To gain admission to the BS CEM program a student must first be admitted to the College of Engineering and complete all of the required first year engineering classes.

You must have completed the following courses:

  • Chem 1035,1045
  • Math 1205,1206,1114,1224
  • ENGE 1024 - Engineering Exploration 1st semester
    • (C- or better required)
  • ENGE 1114 OR ENGE 1104 2nd Semester
    • (C- or better required)
  • English 1105 & 1106 OR H1204
    • You must earn a C- or better in H1204 or 1106 if you have Advanced Standing. Otherwise, you must take ENGL 1105.
  • Physics 2305 
  • GPA 2.0

Fill out a Curriculum Choice Form in the Engineering Education Office, Randolph Hall Room 332

  • Submit statement of intention to the Myers-Lawson School of Construction

Coursework 

Coursework capitalizes upon established excellence in the Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Department of Building Construction and the Pamplin College of Business.  The majority of courses are drawn from existing curricula in Civil Engineering and Building Construction.  Complementary courses from the College of Business provide the balance.

Consistent with the general program goal of facilitating development of student competence necessary for entry into the construction industry or graduate school, the School has developed the following program objectives:

Within a few years of curriculum completion, graduates of the Construction Engineering and Management program should be able to combine skills gained through academic preparation and post-graduation experience so that they can:

Integrate and manage the technical, material, financial and human resources that support construction operations, projects and organizations throughout the project lifecycle.

Analyze and design structural elements and systems required for construction purposes.    

  • Design construction operations and processes that are efficient, cost effective, safe, environmentally sensitive and socially aware.
  • Lead construction project teams toward common project objectives by adhering to values-based principles. 
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills, teamwork, leadership and professional and ethical behavior as complements to technical competence.
  • Embark upon a lifelong journey of professional development and learning which may include professional licensure, graduate level education, continuing education courses, self-directed study and active involvement in the construction community.

Classroom instruction in the construction engineering and management program is reinforced by instructional laboratories, field trips and guest lectures by leading construction professionals. The department seeks to employ the latest educational technology and innovative teaching methods.

Internships

Students in the School have the opportunity to participation in a summer internship program during which they may apply the concepts learned in the classroom in real world applications. The School encourages all students to participate in professional work experience prior to graduation. more

FAQ’s

How do I transfer to CEM if I already declared a major in the College of Engineering?

You must have completed the following courses:

  • Chem 1035,1045
  • Math 1205,1206,1114,1224
  • ENGE 1024 - Engineering Exploration 1st semester (C- or better required)
  • ENGE 1114 OR ENGE 1104 2nd Semester(C- or better required)
  • English 1105 & 1106 OR H1204
  • You must earn a C- or better in H1204 or 1106 if you have Advanced Standing. Otherwise, you must take ENGL 1105.
  • Physics 2305 
  • GPA 2.0

 

  What if I am not enrolled in the College of Engineering?

If you have not gained admission to the College of Engineering

  • Request admission to the College and the Myers-Lawson School.

To transfer into the College of Engineering, You must

  • have completed all required first semester freshman courses,
  • be in good academic standing and
  • have successfully applied to the Dean.
Is the class size of the BS CEM degree program limited?

A proposal to limit enrollment in the BS CEM degree has been approved by University governance.  The proposal limits enrollment to 40 students per year.  The criteria that must be met in order to gain entry into the program include the following three inputs, weighted accordingly:

  1. Overall GPA. (60%)2.      The grade obtained for a statement of intent outlining career objectives and experience in the construction industry prepared and submitted to a three person faculty committee. (20%)
  2. The grade obtained in an interview to determine commitment to success with a two person faculty committee. (20%)
What is to be included in the statement of intent?

Statement of Intent Guidelines

The statement of intent is a 500-700 word statement that addresses why you wish to enter the Construction Engineering and Management major, outlines your career objectives and highlights your experience in the construction industry.  The statement will be reviewed by a three person faculty committee and receive a grade that will count towards 20% of the overall admission assessment.  It is to be submitted in letter format and addressed to the undergraduate admissions committee of the Myers -Lawson School of Construction. 

When will the interview process occur?

InterviewInterviews will take place during the Fall and Spring semesters and will consist of a two person faculty committee.  The interview will be graded and count towards 20% of the overall admission assessment.  Interviews will be 10-15 minutes in duration and will be scheduled over a period of two days.Is the BS CEM program accredited?

The Construction Engineering and Management degree will seek accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET after the first class has graduated in May 2009.  Accreditation, if successful, is applied retroactively within a two-year period, therefore students graduating in May 2009 will benefit from successful accreditation in the same manner as future classes.

May I take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam with this degree?

The Virginia State Board of Registration has granted permission for seniors studying towards the BS CEM degree to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam during the 2008/2009 academic year in anticipation of ABET EAC accreditation.

Who can I contact for more information?

The contact person for the undergraduate Construction Engineering and Management program is Dr. Christine Fiori, at 540/239-3389 or e-mail: cfiori@vt.edu