©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Career support services in construction-related programs in the USIntroductionCareers in the construction industry are in high demand. More specifically, the demand forconstruction managers is expected to grow 9% in the next decade, that is “much faster thanaverage” according to the [1]. A recent publication from the Association of General Contractors(AGC) in partnership with Sage also noted difficulty in hiring both craft workers and salariedpositions, while companies seek to increase their headcount (AGC & Sage, 2025). To meet thisdemand, enrollment in construction programs has increased since the economic downturn in2008, as evident by the rebound in bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Paper ID #46775Immediate Impacts of Informal Learning Intervention on High School Students’Career Attitude toward Construction by GenderJingyuan Shen, Georgia Institute of Technology Jingyuan Shen PhD student School of Building Construction, College of Design, Georgia Institute of TechnologyJing Wen ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Immediate Impacts of Informal Learning Intervention on High School Students’ Career Attitude toward Construction by GenderAbstractThe construction industry is facing a growing workforce shortage, further exacerbated by theunderrepresentation of women. This
Paper ID #45586Construction Trade Schools Employers Perceptions: Past and PresentMr. Jonathan Robert Gomes, Roger Williams University Jonathan Gomes is a Lecturer at Roger Williams University in Bristol RI. His background is in Heavy Civil and Infrastructure construction primarily focused in the Rhode Island area. Research interests are focused in employability, career and technical education, and utility as-builtsDr. Amine Ghanem, Roger Williams University Amine Ghanem joined the SECCM faculty in Spring of 2013 as an Associate Professor after serving 5.5 years as a faculty member and construction management program
declines. The decrease in student population, which consequentlyresults in more intense competition among institutions to attract students, motivates academicadministrators to find ways to increase enrollment. This study explores factors that influencedBCS students to choose the program despite strong regional competition. A quantitative approachwas employed to collect data on various aspects, including drivers, obstacles, expectations, andfuture career paths. All first, second, and third-year BCS students participated in the survey.Results indicated that family-inspired factors, job opportunities, and the nature of the programwere among the important influencers, while social perceptions, work situations, and lack ofaccurate advising were
international students who must navigate additionalchallenges, such as visa restrictions, language barriers, and cultural transitions. In addition,demanding coursework, competitive research environments, and the pressure to secureinternships or employment exacerbate their stress levels. Male students often report stress relatedto academic performance and career expectations. In contrast, female students face additionalchallenges, such as gender discrimination, underrepresentation in STEM fields, and balancingprofessional aspirations with societal expectations. However, few studies have explored thestressors and coping strategies of international graduate students in engineering programs, orhow these may differ by gender.Within the broader engineering
Materials, Project Management, and Construction EducationDr. Mohsen Garshasby, Mississippi State University Mohsen Garshasby is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Building Construction Science at Mississippi State University. Dr. Garshasby is an architect, researcher, and educator who currently teaches collaborative studio(s) and environmental building systems within the College of Architecture, Art and Design at Mississippi State University. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025The Impact of NACE Competency Integration on Students’Perceived Career Readiness in Construction Management Education Mohsen Goodarzi1, Tamer Breakah2, and Mohsen Garshasby3 1
Paper ID #46010Pilot Study: From Curiosity to Career- The Influence of a Summer Camp onHigh School Students’ Interest in Transportation and STEM CareersDr. Tejal Mulay, Florida A&M University - Florida State University Dr. Tejal Mulay is an Assistant Professor in Electronic Engineering Technology under the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology (SAET) at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). Dr. Mulay’s primary research area is speech signal processing, including but not limited to acoustic emotion recognition, digital signal processing, autonomous vehicles, and blockchain technology and its
sectors in embracing and implementing meaningful DEI practices, leaving significantgaps in representation and inclusivity.The construction industry’s entrenched male-dominated culture poses significant challenges forfemale professionals and graduates, who often face unequal opportunities for career advancement[1]. Similarly, minority groups frequently encounter systemic barriers that hinder their access tocareer pathways equivalent to those available to their peers. This disparity highlights the criticalneed for robust, targeted DEI strategies within the construction sector.Higher education institutions offering Construction Engineering and Management (CEM)programs have begun addressing these challenges by working to close enrollment gaps
in high-engagement competitions influences students' academic motivation,professional development, and personal growth. Specifically, the paper examines areas such asalignment with university coursework, development of teamwork and leadership skills, and theenhancement of career readiness.Understanding the educational and professional impact of such competitions is crucial for severalreasons. First, it provides valuable insights into how experiential learning methods likecompetitions complement traditional academic curricula. Second, it highlights the role ofcompetitions in equipping students with industry-relevant skills, such as project management,problem-solving, and technological proficiency. Finally, analyzing the outcomes of
experiences. Traditional course delivery methods can besupplemented with visual and experiential tools such as augmented reality, virtual sitewalkthroughs, and 3D scanning demonstrations. Such methods improve student interest and aidin better retention of course material, as students connect theoretical knowledge to practicalapplications. For instance, the ability to visualize 2D plans in 3D using LiDAR fosters a deeperunderstanding of spatial relationships, which is critical for construction management. • Industry Feedback58% of professionals consider these technologies essential for career preparation, while 28%view them as helpful but not critical. Industry participants noted that familiarity with tools likeGPS and LiDAR significantly improves
’ accuracy,functionality, input handling, and problem-solving capabilities. Students found the assignmentmoderately easy and highly relevant to their careers. Discussion board analysis provided insightsinto student challenges, AI perceptions, and chatbot improvements. The end-of-course surveyreinforced the effectiveness of combining in-class activities with video tutorials for teaching newtechnologies.This study contributes to CEM education by providing a practical framework for hands-on AIimplementation. It makes advanced technology accessible without requiring extensiveprogramming knowledge while addressing real-world construction challenges. The validatedassignment materials, available online (https://www.electriai.com/electriai-lab/asee25
constructioneducation. Wang and Buckeridge [15] found that many programs lack a dedicated ethicscurriculum, often addressing ethical considerations superficially within broader managementcourses. Students frequently encounter a disconnect between theoretical ethical frameworks andthe complex, situational dilemmas they face during internships or early careers [16]. The lack ofemphasis on global and sustainability issues in ethics education further exacerbates this gap,leaving graduates ill-prepared for the challenges of an increasingly interconnected andenvironmentally conscious world [15]. Addressing these gaps requires a paradigm shift inconstruction education.ETHICS ACCREDITATION STANDARDS IN CONSTRUCTION EDUCATIONMost CEM programs in the United States are
need to be educated on the consequences of poor sleep and thebenefits of getting good quality sleep. This awareness could potentially improve their academicperformance, health, social life, and overall well-being during their college years.There are not many classes on the importance of sleep and how it pertains to the human body inmodern-day colleges. However, some institutions are trying to educate students on this subjectand are seeing encouraging results. The benefits of a quality night's sleep are irreplaceable andform the foundation for successful careers in all fields of work. In 2018, a midwestern universityenrolled 254 students in a class to educate them on sleep and encourage more rest. This classspanned eight weeks and required
) Capstone design experience since 2015, using project teams as direct consultants with internal and external clients across the State and region. He has presented on one such project at the ASEE St. Lawrence Section conference on one such CEE capstone effort in the past. He also teaches courses in a variety of areas connected to both building and infrastructure construction. Previous to his time at Clarkson, he was an Assistant Professor of Military Science at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA and an Instructor/Writer for the US Army Engineer School USAES) at the Maneuver Support Center (MANSCEN), Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was responsible for rewiring significant portions of the USAES Engineer Captain’s Career
you could visit the completed pyramid today to search for clues on its construction that would help with your imagined plan, what would you look for? What would you want to investigate? Why? How might managing a project like this help (or hurt) your future career?Module 2: Colosseum in RomePrior to the classroom portion of our second module, students watch documentaries about Romanengineering and the Colosseum. In the classroom, we look at the breadth of the Roman Empire’sengineering feats with its roads, bridges, aqueducts, arenas, baths, domes, and tunnels. Then westudy the Colosseum in Rome and what we know about its purpose, materials, size, schedule,and more. A hands-on activity with blocks explores arches and vaulting
faced, and the perceived benefits. They also had to answerpreliminary questions. The project included structured questions to gauge students' familiaritywith AI and large language models (LLMs), their experience in estimating before the course, andtheir perceived future role of AI in their careers. Students were also required to provide chat logs(as an appendix to the assignment) detailing their interactions with AI tools, which provided adataset of the types of prompts used, responses received, and the workflows followed duringestimating tasks. Examples of chat logs are provided in Figures 2-3.Figure 1. Togal.AI’s pattern recognition feature for automated QTO (student example submitted)Figure 2. Examples of student prompts
construction safety issues and the role of smart technologies in addressingthem.As construction safety becomes increasingly complex and technology-driven, engineeringeducation must adapt to prepare students for real-world challenges. A study on engineeringcurriculum development emphasizes the importance of connecting theoretical knowledge withskills tailored to career requirements. It advocates for incorporating practical, application-basedlearning into engineering programs to equip students more effectively for workforce challenges[3]. Integrating hands-on, technology-focused projects into the curriculum bridges this gap,enabling students to engage directly with advanced tools such as smart sensing technologies andwearable PPE. These experiential
engineers,six (38%) held managerial positions, two (13%) were involved in construction education, two(13%) were architects, and one (5%) was in construction estimation. All respondents reportedusing AI in their day-to-day jobs. The various applications of AI mentioned by respondentsincluded automation, campus planning, designing, BIM reports, estimation, and improvingproject efficiency. In terms of experience within the AEC industry, the majority of respondentshad less than five years of experience (early career), with 31% of respondents equally distributedbetween the categories of 5-9 years and more than ten years of experience (Figure 2). Figure 1. Respondent Gender (n=16) Figure 2. Respondent experience in
collected at multiple stages to assess the impact ofcollaborative activities within the framework of analyzing real construction cases. Thisdesign allows for examining changes over time within the same group of students.Participants and contextThe participants were 21 students enrolled in the "Final Construction Engineering PortfolioCourse" (an integrative course offered during the final semester of the career), of which 20were men and one was a woman. The students' ages ranged from 22 to 28 years, with themajority being between 23 and 25 years old. Our university's Construction Engineering (CE)program spans ten semesters and currently enrolls 181 students, with a 10% femaleparticipation rate.Final Construction Engineering Portfolio CourseThis
-pandemic building performance demonstrated that projectsled by graduates of comprehensive sustainability programs achieved 40% better energy efficiencyratings and maintained 35% higher indoor air quality standards compared to industry averages.Economic analysis by Kumar and Smith (2023) indicates that buildings designed with enhancedsustainability features and health-conscious modifications showed 22% lower operational costsand 18% higher occupancy rates, demonstrating the tangible benefits of comprehensivesustainability educationTo ensure continued relevance, we will implement specific tracking metrics: annual surveys ofemployer satisfaction with graduate performance, monitoring of graduates' career progression andimpact on sustainable building
simultaneously, allowing students to develop integrated skills acrossvarious domains rather than isolated competencies. They facilitate hands-on experiential learningas required by accreditation guidelines, ensuring students gain practical experience alongsidetheoretical knowledge. Through authentic problem-solving scenarios, these applications helpstudents develop both technical proficiency and professional practice skills, preparing them forreal-world challenges they will encounter in sustainable construction careers. Importantly, thesetools bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications, helping students understand theconnection between classroom learning and industry practice - a connection that researchconsistently identifies as crucial
Paper ID #48196Mathematics and Physics Preparation and Requirements for ConstructionProgramsDr. Yilmaz Hatipkarasulu, The University of Texas at San Antonio ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Mathematics and Physics Preparation and Requirements for Construction ProgramsABSTRACTThe core curriculum is essential to higher education, ensuring the knowledge and skills neededfor a successful college, career, community, and life experience and participation. Theconstruction degree programs include the core curriculum courses as a part of the degreerequirements defined by the state, regional
attend these conferences, the ArizonaBoard of Technical Registration [3] does not require continuing education for ProfessionalEngineer (PE) licensure renewal. It would indicate that members who attend either self-select forinteraction and community or require continuing education for licensure out of state.Engineers are all college graduates, which means they are at a minimum in their early twenties. Itis expected that young engineers would be planning a four-year internship. At that point, in thelate-20s to early-30s, engineers take their initial exam for professional licensure. During thistime, early career stage engineers are also considering building a family. It is into this mélange ofdisparate goals; individuals may start to seek more
Tran Duong Nguyen is a licensed architect and master planner with more than 12 years of experience in various project management stages. He has conducted research on Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency, focusing on Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twin (DT), and Modular Construction (MC). Tran is also working on developing performance certification techniques for green building rating systems and Life Cycle Assessments. He is an enthusiastic doctoral researcher with a Master of Science degree in Construction Management from Kennesaw State University and is continuing his academic career as a Ph.D. student in Building Construction at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the Fall of 2022. Tran is
many honors, including the NSF CAREER Award. He has published over a hundred peer-reviewed journal and conference papers. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Engagement in Virtual Learning Environments with a Pursuit of In-Person CollaborationsAbstractAs virtual learning continues to evolve following the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding howstudents collaborate in these environments has become increasingly critical for educators.Research underscores a significant link between peer interactions and collaborative learningoutcomes, emphasizing the need for effective virtual collaboration strategies in engineeringeducation. This study examines student learning patterns
students get -ifany- is that the material will be important later in the curriculum or in their careers” [3].The application of active learning methods is gaining attention and is aimed at motivatingstudents to get involved in the learning process. One such method, known as the flippedclassroom, flipped learning, or inverted learning, has been growing in popularity amongengineering instructors over the past decade because it appears to be more effective thanconventional teaching methods [4]. In this method, the activities carried out inside andoutside the classroom are flipped or inverted [5] by combining online resources and activitiesinside and outside the classroom in a reverse order of content delivery [6]. Thus, the successof the flipped
critiques and contextually relevantobservations. Another limitation of our study is its focus on a single cohort of first-year students,which may not capture the full spectrum of perspectives across different educational stages.Future research should consider longitudinal studies to assess how students’ perceptions evolvethroughout their academic careers. Future research could also be conducted to determine thelasting impacts these educational innovations have on student retention and choices of career.Additionally, seeing how integrating FWV works in different education settings and withdifferent types of students could be greatly enlightening to their application. Through theseinstructional innovations, creativity, interdisciplinary thinking, and
. William Patrick Burke, Florida Gulf Coast University William Burke is a career educator and lab coordinator at Florida Gulf Coast University. He specializes in education, jobsite safety and equipment maintenance. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Developing Hands-on Physical Model Labs for Structures in Construction CoursesAbstractConstruction mechanics and structures in construction courses are widely recognized aschallenging subjects for construction engineering and management students. Funded by a grantfrom the Collier Building Industry Association and Collier Building Industry Foundation, thisstudy explores the process of developing and
designed the exams to maintain anequivalent level of difficulty across courses. These activities provided opportunities for feedbackand collaboration, helping to enhance communication and learning skills. Another key aspect ofthe course was the application of knowledge to real-life problems, allowing students to apply theskills they learned in practical contexts. This approach not only deepened their understanding ofthe course's theoretical foundations but also equipped them with practical and relevant skills fortheir future professional careers. Homework assignments were regularly given at the end of eachclass and were due the night before the next session Furthermore, homework remains animportant source of information for students to prepare for
maintenance (O&M) phases. As a result, 45% of them had priorknowledge in construction AI. Therefore, despite a lack of confidence in artificial intelligence'sapplication, learning about AI driven software and its data analysis may benefit students' careers,attract recruiters, and help in adapting to evolving industry trends [4]. Florida InternationalUniversity introduced AI-focused classes in its construction management program, teachingstudents about AI applications for efficiency and productivity [5]. Stanford University offers agraduate-level course called "CEE329: AI in Construction," which aims at building knowledgeon AI's potential in construction and developing critical thinking skills for evaluating AItechnologies [6]. In 2024, the