CU Denver’s Civil Engineering Department Expands to Include Construction: Building a Competitive Edge for Future Industry Leaders 

The College of Engineering, Design and Computing (CEDC) is proud to announce that the Department of Civil Engineering is now the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction.

More than a name change, this transformation reflects an intentional expansion of academic offerings that respond to the growing demand for skilled, industry-ready construction professionals. As the construction sector rapidly advances through technology, sustainability, and innovation, CEDC is opening new pathways for students ready to lead and shape the future of the built environment.

The Construction Industry Is Evolving, And So Are We 

Today’s construction careers go far beyond the job site. From smart cities to sustainable infrastructure, the field demands professionals who can manage large-scale complex projects, integrate emerging technologies, and drive innovation.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction management roles are growing faster than the national average, and Colorado ranks among the top states for employment in the field. In the Denver metro area, construction managers earn an average base salary of approximately $143, 762 with demand expected to rise significantly in the coming decade.

The College of Engineering, Design, and Computing is meeting this moment by  expanding its academic offerings and creating a pipeline of career-ready professionals who are equipped to lead from day one.

A Longstanding Foundation in Civil Engineering

CU Denver’s long-established excellence in civil engineering—spanning more than 50 years—provides a powerful foundation for the university’s expanded construction-focused programming. Over the decades, CU Denver has prepared civil engineers who now lead across Colorado and beyond in industry, government, and the public sector. More than a testament to the program’s strength, this legacy is a dynamic platform for growth.

 What sets CU Denver’s Civil Engineering and Construction program apart is its close, sustained partnership with the construction and civil engineering industries, exemplified by a robust industry advisory board that actively shapes curricula, student experiences, and program development. This collaboration ensures that programming remains relevant, rigorous, and tightly aligned with workforce needs across the state and region. 

Driving this transformation is a strategically assembled faculty team with expertise in construction who are creating innovative, interdisciplinary curricula and advancing research that solves real-world challenges in construction and the built environment. Together, these elements make CU Denver’s civil engineering and construction program a strong, future-focused foundation for training the next generation of construction leaders.

New and Expanded Programs in Construction

With the department’s new name comes a suite of robust academic offerings, including both undergraduate and graduate pathways designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the construction sector:

Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management

This interdisciplinary degree combines engineering fundamentals with construction project management and business principles. Students graduate ready to take on roles as project managers, site engineers, and infrastructure innovators—blending theory with real-world application.

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

Tailored for those looking to lead construction operations and logistics, this degree offers hands-on training in estimating, scheduling, safety, and leadership. It’s an ideal fit for students who want to make an immediate impact on all aspects of the construction industry.

Minor in Construction Management

Open to students from across CU Denver’s schools and colleges, this minor allows undergraduates to integrate construction expertise into fields like architecture, business, urban planning, and engineering fields.

Minor and Graduate Certificate in Technology Innovation in Construction

These future-focused offerings provide experience with cutting-edge tools like BIM, robotics, drones, and digital workflows. A standout feature of the program is access to CU Denver’s state-of-the-art Trimble Technology Lab, where students gain hands-on experience with the same advanced tools transforming the industry. 

Students pursuing the Minor or Graduate Certificate in Technology Innovation in Construction work directly in this high-tech environment, giving them practical skills and exposure that set them apart from their peers and position them for leadership in the evolving construction landscape.

Graduate Certificate in Construction Project Management

For working professionals or graduate students seeking to sharpen their leadership and planning skills, this certificate offers advanced insight into cost control, risk assessment, and operational efficiency.

What About Civil Engineering Master’s Programs?

CU Denver offers a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering, and a dual degree in Master of Engineering and Master of Urban and Regional Planning. These programs provide a strong foundation for graduate-level education and research. Building on this foundation, our construction-focused offerings empower students to specialize, upskill, or transition into leadership roles within the construction and infrastructure industries.

Built for the Real World 

At the College of Engineering, Computing, and Design, education is built on real-world application. Located in downtown Denver—one of the nation’s busiest construction hubs—students gain immediate access to hands-on experience through internships, site visits, guest lectures, and partnerships with leading firms. 

Faculty combine academic rigor with industry expertise, helping students turn theory into impact. Through training in advanced tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM), robotics, and digital workflows, students gain a competitive edge in a market that values tech-savvy, future-ready professionals.

“Being a part of the Denver community for the past 30 years has shown me the demand and need engineering firms and construction companies have for solid project management.” says Professor and Department Chair  Kevin Rens, PhD, PE., “I am proud that CU Denver can be a supplier of a portion of that talent.”

Prepared to Lead

CU Denver graduates enter the workforce ahead of the curve. CEDC graduates report entry-level salaries in the construction and design industry starting around $78,000 and strong potential for advancement, our graduates are not just prepared for their first job out of college, they’re prepared for long-term success in a high-demand, rapidly evolving industry. 

“The Construction Management program gave me the tools, knowledge, and industry connections to launch my career, says Victoria Garcia, a proud University of Colorado Denver graduate with a degree in Construction Management.”Today I’m working as a project engineer in the construction industry—grateful and excited for what’s ahead.”

Be a Part of What’s Next

This is more than a name change—it’s an invitation to build something bigger. The newly expanded Department of Civil Engineering and Construction is ready to help students turn their ambition into impact.

Whether you dream of managing multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects, pioneering sustainable construction techniques, or transforming the way buildings are designed and delivered, the new Department of Civil Engineering and Construction at CU Denver offers the foundation to make it happen.

Now is the time to build your future.

To learn more about our construction programs, schedule a tour, or connect with an academic advisor,visit https://engineering.ucdenver.edu/departments/civil-engineering