construction Engineering technology

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders in Construction

Preparing students for careers in infrastructure development by combining construction, engineering, and management principles. Graduates gain hands-on experience and expertise, making them highly sought after by employers nationwide in various construction sectors.

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construction Engineering technology

The Construction Engineering Technology program at the University of Maine integrates construction, engineering, and management principles to equip students with the practical knowledge needed to excel in the field. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, students engage in applied technical courses, laboratory work, and internships with top construction firms. The program focuses on providing students with both technical and managerial skills, allowing them to work on projects ranging from heavy highway and residential construction to commercial buildings.

Faculty with extensive industry experience prepare students for successful careers in project engineering, estimating, scheduling, and management, with many graduates advancing to roles such as project managers or even starting their own companies. The program boasts a nearly 100% job placement rate and offers robust internship opportunities, scholarship options, and a reputation for producing top-quality professionals in the field.

Program Offerings

Undergraduate Level
Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology

Graduate Level
Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Engineering & Business
Master of Science (MS) in Engineering Technology – Surveying Engineering Technology (Exclusively Online)

Entrance Requirements for Construction Engineering Technology

A high school diploma with the following specific courses:

4 years English
2 years Algebra I & II
1 year Geometry
1/2 year Trigonometry
2 years Lab Science (physics required)
2 years History/Social Studies
17 years Academic electives (to equal at least 17 total credits)

Please see the admissions page for more information on applying to the University of Maine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about Construction Engineering Technology? Whether you’re a prospective student exploring career options or a current student looking for program details, this FAQ covers everything you need to know. From course topics and career opportunities to hands-on learning and industry demand, get answers to your most common questions about this exciting and evolving field.

Prospective Students

Employment is very strong for CET graduates! The demand for infrastructure and building construction professionals is high in every sector of the market.

Over 99% employment of graduates are employed upon graduation. Average Salaries are typically in the $60,000 to $75,000 range, depending on location and market segment.

Most graduates go to work for larger contractors in management positions such as Project Engineers, Assistant Project Managers, Foreman, and Junior Estimators.

Some graduates manage the construction of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment, power production and distribution.

Some graduates may also manage the construction of medium to larger building projects for both private and public owners, such as multi-story mixed use apartment buildings, institutional buildings, schools, commercial, and industrial real estate.

Some graduates go to work for owners, such as Departments of Transportation, Water or Sewer Districts.

Although many graduates work in the greater New England area, others are working all around the country and internationally.

The Construction Engineering Technology (CET) program develops engineering and professional skills in students who aspire to facilitate construction projects. Our graduates have the ability to work in all stages of the building and infrastructure project lifecycle, from design and planning through construction, operations and maintenance. Key skills include:

Practical problem solving
Communication and collaboration with designers, engineers, owners and the public
Construction engineering judgement
An appreciation for community service and the value of our infrastructure

Program highlights

Service learning construction projects to give back to the community
Connections to summer employment in the industry
Development of professional culture
The ability to eventually become a professional engineer (PE)

Program Educational Objectives

Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation, based on the needs of the program’s constituencies.

The recent graduate of CET should be able to:

apply knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, or technology to solve broadly-defined construction engineering problems;
design systems, components or processes for broadly-defined construction methods, operations and schedules;
effectively communicate in written, oral, and graphic format with co-workers, management and representatives of other businesses;
conduct standard tests and measurements; to conduct, analyze, and interpret construction data; and to apply results to improve processes in construction;
and function effectively as a member or leader of a multidisciplinary construction team.

Student Outcomes

Prior to graduation, students are required to demonstrate the following learned capabilities. Graduating students should be able to:

apply knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, or technology to solve broadly-defined construction engineering problems;
design systems, components or processes for broadly-defined construction methods, operations and schedules;
effectively communicate in written, oral, and graphic format with co-workers, management and representatives of other businesses;
conduct standard tests and measurements; to conduct, analyze, and interpret construction data; and to apply results to improve processes in construction;
and function effectively as a member or leader of a multidisciplinary construction team.

The Construction Engineering Technology Program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

Why are graduates reluctant to work from the bottom up? Many potential employers would like to start employees working in a variety of manual labor positions to familiarize them with both the employees, various construction tasks, and the construction firm before they are moved into supervisor or management positions. Prospective employers are disappointed when students turn down the offers under these initial conditions. The problem is not that the students are lazy. The problem is that the students are receiving so many job offers they can pick and choose. Naturally most students opt to enter management or supervisory positions immediately rather than work their way in to that position. Students opt to learn in the position rather than learn their way toward the position.

Well-rounded experience is the best teacher. How can I attract graduates when I demand they get practical work experience before moving into management? The best place to start is by hiring students for summer employment, while they are in college. Starting after the first year of college, students don’t expect to be in management. They look for and welcome any construction employment. Co-op and summer intern positions give employers and employees a chance to learn together and learn about one another.

How can I employ more students in the summer? Students are most likely to take summer jobs near where their parents live or near their college apartment. They are trying to save money for college. Accordingly, they can save more money by living at home with their parents or to continue living where they have to pay rent. Some employers attract students by paying per diem or provide housing for students during the summer.

Would CET students be willing to take jobs in other states upon graduation? Oh yes! Many students are looking for an opportunity to experience other locales — especially to a warmer climate. Approximately one-third of the class are non-residents and some plan to move back to their home state to work.

How can I hire summer or permanent help? Send us a position announcement by email. We will see the announcement is sent to all students. Another good option is the Career Center — they can post jobs for students in all majors to see on our CareerLink system (for free). They also manage two career fairs every year. https://umaine.edu/career/employers/

Where can I find employment? Just about anywhere a graduate wants to live. Logically, there will be more opportunity in Portland than Fort Kent. Graduates have gotten jobs all over the United States from Hawaii to Florida and Maine to California.

What jobs can I get as a graduate of Construction Engineering Technology? There are numerous jobs in the construction and construction supply field. The most common jobs are project engineer, project supervisor, estimator, scheduler, and construction manager.

What is the starting salary? Salaries largely depend on the type and location of the employer and how much travel is required. Starting salaries are typically about $60,000, but range from $50,000 to over $80,000.

Where do graduates work? Graduates work across the United States. They work in small towns and large cities. Some work in small family construction companies. Others work in large multi-state construction companies. A few started their own companies upon graduation. Graduates can generally work where ever they desire, in whatever size firm they feel comfortable.

How hard is it to get jobs? Job placement for graduates has been nearly 100%.

How difficult is it to find summer jobs? With a little effort, students can obtain summer positions in the construction field near their home. A typical student will have surveying the first year. As a result, they will have some skills to offer employers after the first year of college.

Will I be “small fish in a big pond” at the University of Maine? The University of Maine has almost 11,000 students. As a result, the University of Maine has a well-staffed medical facility, comfortable dorms, large library, spacious concert center, numerous recreation opportunities, nationally recognized sports teams (e.g., ice hockey), free tutoring, and a friendly atmosphere. Situated within the University of Maine is a small, close-knit family of students that comprise Construction Engineering Technology. The Construction Engineering Technology program has approximately 150 students total. The average class size in a Construction Engineering Technology class is about 35 students. With a cadre of five full-time faculty, the faculty are able to work closely with the students throughout the four-year program.

Are the courses difficult? All engineering courses are difficult and Construction Engineering Technology courses are no exception. Students who put sufficient effort into their studies generally pass. There are tutoring services available. Services are also available for students with learning disabilities.

Can the CET graduate go to graduate school? Yes. While most graduates grab one of the many lucrative offers made to them at graduation, a few have gone on to earn a graduate degree. Most of the graduates that have gone on to graduate school have pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Law school and a master of science in civil engineering are also possible.

Can the CET student get a professional engineering (PE) licence? Yes. Construction management technology students are encouraged to obtain the PE license. The state of Maine makes no distinction between a regular engineering graduate and a technology graduate in pursuing an engineering license. Because of the focus of the Construction Engineering Technology program, however, it is more difficult to obtain an engineering license. Therefore, CET students are offered a review course to assist them.

If you have other questions about the Construction Engineering Technology program, contact us.

Engineering and Engineering Technology – Similarities and Differences

Many engineering graduates find roles as “engineers”, but the differences between various engineering degree programs and the nature of the jobs they lead to are often unclear. A look at the history of these programs helps to better understand their evolution.

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Our Faculty and Staff

At MCEC, our faculty is the heartbeat of our academic community. Dedicated, inspiring, and deeply knowledgeable, our professors go beyond the traditional classroom experience to foster real-world skills and a passion for learning. Whether mentoring, leading innovative research, or providing personalized support, our faculty members are committed to empowering students to achieve their highest potential