University of Nebraska, Omaha

What you'll study

The curriculum balances construction science, management and professional practice. Core topic areas typically include:

• Construction methods and materials — properties of common building materials and standard construction techniques.
• Construction drawings and estimating — reading plans and performing quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.
• Project management — scheduling, resource allocation, risk management and use of industry software.
• Construction law and contracts — fundamentals of contracts, procurement methods and claims management.
• Health, safety and sustainability — regulatory requirements, site safety practices and principles of sustainable construction.
• Professional practice — leadership, communication, ethics and coordination among owners, designers and contractors.

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent with coursework in mathematics and English; some applicants strengthen their profile with technical drawing, physics or vocational construction experience. Transfer applicants from community colleges often bring construction- or engineering-related credits; programmes may expect a competitive GPA and submission of transcripts. Practical experience through internships or related work is advantageous.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles such as assistant project manager, estimator, field engineer, site superintendent, scheduler or construction consultant. Career pathways can lead to senior project management, construction operations, specialty contracting or development roles; some graduates pursue professional certifications or further study in engineering, architecture or business to expand opportunities.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students should explore institutional scholarships, industry-sponsored awards from construction associations, and merit- or need-based aid. Paid internships and cooperative education placements are common in construction and provide both income and relevant experience. Professional bodies and local contractors sometimes offer scholarships or tuition assistance tied to apprenticeship or employment commitments.