Construction
What you'll do in college
Construction and civil technology programs apply core engineering and design principles to the built environment. Coursework leans on applied math, structural fundamentals, and project management rather than heavy theoretical physics. You will spend time learning estimating, surveying, site planning, and architectural drafting, often utilizing industry-standard software and completing hands-on site projects.
What you'll do after college
Graduates bridge the gap between civil engineers, architects, and trade workers on the job site. Common roles include construction manager, site supervisor, civil engineering technician, estimator, and surveyor. Employers include commercial developers, public works departments, and infrastructure contractors. The work often requires a mix of office planning and on-site physical presence.
Selectivity vs. earnings
By acceptance rate
By SAT median
Earnings vs. selectivity rank
Majors in this category
| Major | Colleges | Degrees ▼ | Male/Female | Intl | 5yr Earn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | 168 | 7,204 | 84% / 16% | 2% | $94,606 |
| Construction Management | 87 | 3,862 | 87% / 13% | 1% | $96,854 |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician | 21 | 991 | 89% / 11% | 1% | $98,927 |
| Construction Engineering Technology | 21 | 472 | 86% / 14% | 1% | $86,696 |
| Construction Science | 2 | 377 | 88% / 12% | 1% | $94,606 |
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians | 4 | 236 | 82% / 18% | 2% | $89,791 |
| Civil Engineering Technology | 17 | 211 | 83% / 17% | 3% | $79,074 |
| Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD | 1 | 152 | 9% / 91% | 31% | |
| Construction Engineering Management | 2 | 135 | 86% / 14% | 1% | $101,916 |
| Architectural Engineering Technology | 3 | 108 | 59% / 41% | 4% | $62,992 |
| Building Construction | 1 | 94 | 87% / 13% | 2% | $96,118 |
| Construction Science and Management | 2 | 84 | 90% / 10% | 0% | |
| Construction Engineering and Management | 1 | 69 | 74% / 26% | 9% | $95,873 |
| Surveying Technology/Surveying | 5 | 56 | 93% / 7% | 0% | |
| CAD Design Technology | 2 | 51 | 80% / 20% | 0% | $70,674 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians | 2 | 39 | 74% / 26% | 0% | $74,982 |
| Building Construction Management | 1 | 38 | 53% / 47% | 21% | |
| Surveying Technology | 4 | 34 | 91% / 9% | 0% | |
| Building Construction Science | 1 | 34 | 88% / 12% | 0% | |
| CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician | 2 | 29 | 14% / 86% | 31% | |
| Sustainable Real Estate Development | 1 | 23 | 35% / 65% | 9% | |
| Land Use Planning and Management/Development | 3 | 21 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $69,347 |
| Surveying and Mapping | 1 | 19 | 89% / 11% | 0% | |
| Landscape Contracting and Management | 1 | 18 | 78% / 22% | 0% | |
| Surveying and Mapping Science | 1 | 14 | 86% / 14% | 0% | |
| Surveying and Geomatics | 2 | 12 | 83% / 17% | 0% | |
| Heavy Equipment Technology | 1 | 9 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $83,398 |
| Construction Technology | 1 | 7 | 100% / 0% | 14% | |
| Facilities Engineering Technology | 1 | 7 | 71% / 29% | 0% | |
| Mason/Masonry | 1 | 1 | 100% / 0% | 0% | |
| Water Resources Management | 1 | 1 | 0% / 100% | 0% |