University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

BS in Construction Engineering & Management

The B.S. in Construction Engineering and Management (BSCEM) provides students with the knowledge and skills to become both construction engineers as well as construction managers.

Program Educational Objectives

A critical goal of the CEM faculty is to provide undergraduate students of varying backgrounds and abilities every opportunity for achieving success in the Construction profession. To address this goal, the Program Educational Objectives for the Bachelor of Science program have been established with input from alumni, students, and industry representatives. The mission of the BSCEM program is to produce students capable of functioning an entry level in construction management. The Construction Engineering and Management program accomplishes its mission by defining the following educational objectives for students who:

a. Will lead, represent, advance, and contribute to public safety and the profession in their communities and globally.
b. Will be well-rounded and ethical professionals displaying strong technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills.
c. Will be effective at communicating with diverse multi-disciplinary populations.
d. Will effectively reinforce their knowledge with real world experiences and apply their education to be lifelong learners and contribute to innovation in construction.
e. Will enrich the quality of life and sustainability of communities by providing ethical solutions to complex construction problems considering dynamic social, political, technological, and economic realities.
f. Will contribute to problem-solving, quality management and improvement of personal and organizational skills.

Program Student Outcomes

The program student's outcomes are in line with the learning outcomes described by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

The graduates will have:

  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.

Marketable Skills

  1. Communication: Reach mutual understanding through the effective exchange of information, ideas, and feelings
  2. Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate issues in order to solve problems and develop informed opinions
  3. Listening: Be able to accurately receive and interpret messages during a conversation 
  4. Organization: Use resources effectively and efficiently in order to stay focused on different tasks
  5. Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues
  6. Teamwork: Participate as an effective, efficient member of a group in order to meet a common goal
  7. Writing: Be able to write in a clear and comprehensible manner to the reader

Additionally, students will learn Claims Avoidance and Schedule Management.  

Fast Track

The Fast-Track Program enables outstanding undergraduate UTEP students to receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work as determined by participating Master's and Doctoral programs.  Not all undergraduate programs have elected to participate in the Fast Track option, so students should see their departmental graduate advisor for information about requirements and guidelines. A list of courses that have been approved for possible use at the graduate level is found here

Degree Plan

Required Credits: 120

University Core Curriculum (All courses require a grade of C or better.)
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements.42
Designated Core (All courses require a grade of C or better.)
Required Courses:
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists3
CHEM 1105Laboratory for CHEM 13051
CHEM 1305General Chemistry3
COMM 1302Business/Profession Comm3
GEOL 1111Principles of Earth Sci - Lab1
GEOL 1211Principles of Earth Sciences2
MATH 1508Precalculus ((Listed if completed, but not required))3-5
or MATH 1310 Trigonometry and Conics
or MATH 1411 Calculus I
Foundational Math & Science
Required Courses:
MATH 1312Calculus II3
MATH 1411Calculus I4
MATH 2313Calculus III3
Construction Engineering & Management (Lower) (All courses require a grade of C or better.)
Required Courses:
ACCT 2301Principles of Accounting I3
CE 1301Civil Engineering Fundamentals3
CE 1313Engineering Measurements3
CE 2315Statics3
CE 2334Mechanics of Materials3
CE 2335Geological Engineering3
CE 2343Structural Analysis3
CE 2373Engr Probability & Statistics3
CE 2375Intro to Fluid Mechanics3
Construction Engineering & Management (Upper)
Required Courses:
BLAW 3301Legal Environment of Business3
CE 3334Construction Management3
CE 3336Civil Engineering Materials3
CE 3348Geotechnical Engineering3
CE 4158Constr Methods & Matrls Lab1
CE 4339Geostructural Design3
CE 4354Electrical & Mech Construction3
CE 4358Construction Methods & Materls3
CE 4382Constr. Cost Analys. & Bidding3
CE 4385Construction Internship3
CE 4381Senior Construction Project3
CE 4386Construction Law & Ethics3
CE 4387Construction Scheduling3
CE 4389Construction Safety3
FIN 3310Business Finance3
Total Hours120
C

Courses require a grade of C or better.

University Core Curriculum (A program may recommend specific courses. All courses require a C or better.)

I. Communication (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility.
Select six hours of the following:6
For students whose secondary education was in English:
Written and Oral Communication
Writing About Literature
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition 2
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm
For students whose secondary education was not in English:
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl
TOTAL HOURS6

II. American History (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility.
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
TOTAL HOURS6

III. Language, Philosophy & Culture (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-African Amer Studies
Latina/o Presence in the U.S.
English Literature
English Literature
Intro to American Fiction
Intro to American Drama
Intro to American Poetry
Making of the "Other" Americas
World History to 1500
World History Since 1500
Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics
Introduct to Religious Studies
Seeing & Naming: Conversations
Introduction to Womens Studies
Global Feminisms
TOTAL HOURS3

IV. Mathematics (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and Empirical & Quantitative Skills.
Select one of the following:3
College Algebra
Trigonometry and Conics
Math in the Modern World
Math for Social Sciences I
Calculus I
Precalculus
Math for Social Sciences II
Statistical Literacy
Elementary Statistical Methods
TOTAL HOURS3

V. Life & Physical Sciences (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills, and Teamwork.
Select one of the following:
Astronomy Lab I
Elem Astronomy-Solar System
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies
Introductory Biology Lab
Human Biology Laboratory
Topics in Study of Life I
Organismal Biology Laboratory
Introductory Biology
Human Biology
General Biology
Organismal Biology
Human Anat/Physio Lab I
Human Anat/Physio Lab II
Human Anat/Physiology I
Human Anat/Physiology II
Laboratory for CHEM 1305
Laboratory for CHEM 1306
Intro General Chemistry Lab
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab
General Chemistry
General Chemistry
Intro to General Chemistry
Intro Organic & Biochemistry
Environmental Sci. Lab
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301
Intro to Environmental Sci
Laboratory for GEOG 1306
Physical Geography
Lab for GEOL 1313
Lab for GEOL 1314
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
Laboratory for Geology 1212
Principles of Earth Sciences
Principles of Earth Science
The Blue Planet
Natural Hazards
Intro to Physical Geology
Intro to Historical Geol
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Wellness Dynamics
Microorganisms and Disease
General Physics I
General Physics II
Laboratory for PHYS 2320
Laboratory for PHYS 2321
Introductory Mechanics
Introductory Electromagnetism
TOTAL HOURS6

VI. Political Science (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility and Personal Responsibility.
Required Courses:
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
TOTAL HOURS6

VII. Social & Behavioral Sciences (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills, and Social Responsibility.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog
Intro-Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Geography
Intro to Linguistics
Asian American Studies
Econ for Engrs & Scientists
Intro to Chicano Studies
Interpersonal Communication
Mass Media and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Ed Psychology
Action Research in Classrooms
Introduction to Linguistics
Cultural Geography
Leadership in Action
Introduction to Linguistics
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Cultural Geography
TOTAL HOURS3

VIII. Creative Arts

Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility.
Select one of the following:3
Art Appreciation
History of Art I
History of Art II
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat
Introduction to Dance
Intro-Art of Motion Pict.
Music Appreciation
Jazz to Rock
Music, Culture, and Society
Introduction to Theatre
TOTAL HOURS3

IX. Component Area Option (six hours)

a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice.
Intro to Global Business
COMM 1301Public Speaking3
Business/Profession Comm
Intro-Computational Thinking
Computer Programming Sci/Engr
Eng Innovation and Leadership
Engineering Design Experience
Applied Engineering Analysis
Introduction to Leadership
Inquiry in Math & Science
Comm. Var. Across the Lifespan
Seminar/Critical Inquiry
TOTAL HOURS6

4-Year Sample Degree Plan 

BS Construction Engineering & Management (Starting with Pre-Calculus)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT
Summer
(if needed)
MATH 1508Precalculus 45
or MATH 1310 Trigonometry and Conics
FRESHMAN
Fall
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I 13
UNIV 1301Seminar/Critical Inquiry 13
GEOL 1211
GEOL 1111
Principles of Earth Sciences
and Principles of Earth Sci - Lab 1
3
MATH 1411Calculus I 14
CE 1301Civil Engineering Fundamentals 13
Spring
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 2 13
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 1
4
CE 2315Statics 13
CE 1313Engineering Measurements 13
MATH 1312Calculus II 13
SOPHOMORE
Fall
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 1865 13
CE 2334Mechanics of Materials 13
CE 2335Geological Engineering 13
ACCT 2301Principles of Accounting I 13
MATH 2313Calculus III 13
Spring
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 1865 13
Creative Arts Elective *3,13
CE 2343Structural Analysis 13
CE 2375Intro to Fluid Mechanics 13
CE 2373Engr Probability & Statistics 13
JUNIOR
Fall
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics 13
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists 13
CE 3336Civil Engineering Materials3
CE 3334Construction Management3
BLAW 3301Legal Environment of Business3
Spring
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics 13
COMM 1302Business/Profession Comm 13
Language Phil. & Cult. Elective *2,13
CE 3348Geotechnical Engineering3
FIN 3310Business Finance3
SENIOR
Fall
CE 4339Geostructural Design3
CE 4354Electrical & Mech Construction3
CE 4382Constr. Cost Analys. & Bidding3
CE 4358
CE 4158
Construction Methods & Materls
and Constr Methods & Matrls Lab
4
Spring
CE 4385Construction Internship3
CE 4386Construction Law & Ethics3
CE 4387Construction Scheduling3
CE 4389Construction Safety3
CE 4381Senior Construction Project3
Notes:
*Prerequisite Course
*+Corequisite if scheduled for the same semester.
1 A grade of "C" or better must be achieved for all Lower-Division courses, including the Arts and Humanities electives, as well as CE 2373 (IE 3373) & CE 2335 (GEOL 3321)
2 Select a Lang. Philosophy and Culture course from ENGL 2311, 2312, 2313, 2314, 2318; FREN 2322; HIST 2301, 2302; PHIL 1301, 2306; RS 1301; SPAN 2340; WS 2300, 2350
3 Select an ART course from ART 1300; ARTH 1305, 1306; DANC 1304; MUSL 1324, 1327, 2321; THEA 1313; FILM 1390
4 Not required for Calculus I ready students
Total Hours125

BS Construction Engineering & Management (Starting with Calculus)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT
FRESHMAN
Fall
CE 1301Civil Engineering Fundamentals 13
GEOL 1211
GEOL 1111
Principles of Earth Sciences
and Principles of Earth Sci - Lab 1
3
MATH 1411Calculus I 14
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I 13
UNIV 1301Seminar/Critical Inquiry 13
Spring
CE 1313Engineering Measurements 13
CE 2315Statics 13
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 1
4
MATH 1312Calculus II 13
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 2 13
SOPHOMORE
Fall
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 1865 13
CE 2334Mechanics of Materials 13
CE 2335Geological Engineering 13
ACCT 2301Principles of Accounting I 13
MATH 2313Calculus III 13
Spring
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 1865 13
Creative Arts Elective *3,13
CE 2343Structural Analysis 13
CE 2375Intro to Fluid Mechanics 13
CE 2373Engr Probability & Statistics 13
JUNIOR
Fall
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics 13
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists 13
CE 3336Civil Engineering Materials3
CE 3334Construction Management3
BLAW 3301Legal Environment of Business3
Spring
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics 13
COMM 1302Business/Profession Comm 13
Language Phil. & Cult. Elective *2,13
CE 3348Geotechnical Engineering3
FIN 3310Business Finance3
SENIOR
Fall
CE 4339Geostructural Design3
CE 4354Electrical & Mech Construction3
CE 4382Constr. Cost Analys. & Bidding3
CE 4358
CE 4158
Construction Methods & Materls
and Constr Methods & Matrls Lab
4
Spring
CE 4385Construction Internship3
CE 4386Construction Law & Ethics3
CE 4387Construction Scheduling3
CE 4389Construction Safety3
CE 4381Senior Construction Project3
Notes:
*Prerequisite Course
*+Corequisite if scheduled for the same semester.
1 A grade of "C" or better must be achieved for all Lower-Division courses, including the Arts and Humanities electives, as well as CE 2373 (IE 3373) & CE 2335 (GEOL 3321)
2 Select a Lang. Philosophy and Culture course from ENGL 2311, 2312, 2313, 2314, 2318; FREN 2322; HIST 2301, 2302; PHIL 1301, 2306; RS 1301; SPAN 2340; WS 2300, 2350
3 Select an ART course from ART 1300; ARTH 1305, 1306; DANC 1304; MUSL 1324, 1327, 2321; THEA 1313; FILM 1390
4 Not required for Calculus I ready students
Total Hours120