Undergraduate Students
The BYU Department of Civil and Construction Engineering prepares students for highly rewarding careers in the fields of engineering and management within the built environment. Students are prepared to make an impact through professional involvement in a chosen emphasis or specialty.
OVERVIEW – CIVIL ENGINEERING
Students preparing for involvement in a civil engineering discipline prepare to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam upon graduation and begin their work to become a Professional Engineer in one of the following disciplines:
Geotechnical engineers design structures composed of or located within earth materials, including foundations for buildings and bridges, retaining walls, earth dams, highway embankments, tunnels, and liners for landfills. Field and laboratory tests on soil and rock, along with empirical and computer models, are used to assure safety and economy in design.
Structural engineers analyze and design buildings, bridges, and other structures. The engineer applies principles of physics, mathematics, and engineering to develop efficient yet safe designs. Sophisticated computer models are used in these analyses. Materials used by structural engineers commonly include steel, aluminum, concrete, masonry, wood, and composites.
Traffic + transportation engineers apply scientific principles to the planning, design, construction, operation, and management of transportation systems, including highways, airports, and mass transit facilities. Transportation engineers are responsible for the safe, rapid, comfortable, convenient, economical, and environmentally compatible movement of people and goods. Computer models and simulations are frequently used by traffic engineers for geometric design and for planning, operating, and managing transportation networks, including intermodal systems.
Water resource + environmental engineers design pipeline systems, water treatment plants, dams, flood control structures, waste disposal sites, and environmental restoration projects. Computer modeling and analyses are used in design and to forecast storm runoff, flooding, and movement of contaminants in surface and subsurface waters. Environmental engineers evaluate and reduce pollutants from natural, human, agricultural, and industrial sources to preserve the beauty and quality of air, land, and water.
OVERVIEW – CONSTRUCTION + FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
The Construction Management and Facilities Management programs prepare students to be leaders and innovators within the built environment in one of the following disciplines:
Construction managers require a broad background in construction technology, business, design, and engineering, with specific emphasis on management within the construction industry. CMs manage projects within a host of job descriptions: estimator, scheduler, superintendent, field engineer, subcontractor, etc. Many have an entrepreneurial spirit that pushes them towards leadership in their own endeavors.
Facility and property managers manage the real estate portfolio and facilities that are a critical part of any business entity. FMs and PMs focus on adding value to physical facilities through beautification, operational efficiency, innovative management strategies, etc. FMs and PMs are likely to become experts on building components and systems including HVAC, plumbing, and building envelopes to ensure the highest performance possible for their facilities responsibilities.
Infrastructure developers + managers understand the technical and engineering aspects of the built environment with a focus on horizontal development, management of government-supported facilities and infrastructure, core aspects of soils and geotechnical aspects of underground work. Much of the built world depends on infrastructure experts for movement, water and sewer services, electricity, and many other systems that keep the modern world functioning.
Real estate developers are eager to continue to improve the built environment. RE professionals do this by understanding the value of land, the importance of harmonizing with an existing community, executing on quality and schedule, while also achieving financial performance in a sustainable way. RE developers are experts in many aspects of construction, finance, and managerial skills.
Architects and designers work to build a better world. Alongside understanding the goals and outcomes of the built environment its communities, architects and designers have the technological skills to create the plans. Modern practice involves computer aided design (CAD), REVIT, BIM, Virtual Design (VDC), and other emerging technologies and software. Pursuing an advanced degree in architecture is common.
