Construction Engineering Management Degree Program

Online / Hybrid

The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Engineering and Alamein International University (AIU), in partnership with the Housing and Building National Research Center (HBRC), are offering a unique online/hybrid opportunity to earn a dual Master of Engineering (MEng) degree in Construction Engineering Management to qualified working professionals who have completed an accredited undergraduate degree from any college or university.

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* Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regional residency required

Unique Master of Engineering Program*

First of its kind hybrid MEng in Construction Engineering Management geared towards the building of sustainable smart cities in the Middle East

11 Unique Courses (33 cr. hrs.)

The curriculum prepares students to succeed in the rapidly changing construction industry by advancing their engineering, project management, construction, and architectural knowledge.

Master’s in 19 Months

Earn your MEng degree quickly and receive one diploma from UAB, USA and one diploma from AIU, Egypt

Tuition and Fees

Total Program Cost = $3,300  per semester x 5  semesters = $16,500 USD1,2,3

1. The total program cost is based on a student signing up for two courses per semester.

2.The cost for Egyptian students is $14,000 USD since UAB is providing them with a $2,500 USD scholarship ($500 per course taken at UAB).

3.Please note that UAB and AIU tuition and fees may be subject to change.

 

Application Deadlines
Fall Admission: August 1st Spring Admission: December 1stSummer Admission: April 1st
Admission Requirements
  1. Middle East and North African (MENA) region residency required
  2. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University in engineering or a closely science-related field
  3. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (individuals not meeting this requirement but who have a strong professional background and references may be admitted)
  4. No GRE required
  5. International students must submit English proficiency scores (i.e., TOEFL, IELTS, PTEA, IELA, or Duolingo scores in accordance with UAB Graduate School requirements for international applicants)
  6. Original transcripts must be sent directly to both the UAB and AIU (detailed instructions are included during the online application process)
  7. Two years of relevant work experience
  8. Personal essay written by the student detailing their interest in the field of construction engineering management focusing on the construction of sustainable smart cities
  9. Three letters of recommendation from professional references
  10. Resume/Curriculum Vitae

 

 

How to Apply

Students only need to apply to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Graduate School to be considered for the dual degree program.  If accepted, students will be admitted to both UAB and Alamein International University (AIU).

Fall Admission: August 1stSpring Admission: December 1stSummer Admission: April 1st
STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS
  1. Apply to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Graduate School – Apply Now

a. START APPLICATION: To start an application, students will need to create a Guest Account. Once your Guest Account is created, login with your username and password using the Guest Account Login and complete your graduate school application.

b. SELECT DEGREE PROGRAM: Select application for “Master’s Degree” with the intended program as “Master of Engineering (MEng)” and the concentration “Construction Engineering Management””.

c. RESUME/CV: The applicant’s resume/CV should be uploaded to the online application.

d. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Three (3) professional letters of recommendation are required. By entering the recommender’s name and email address into the application portal, they will automatically receive an email prompt from the UAB Graduate School with further instructions.  Electronic submission is the preferred method.  However, if your referees prefer to email a recommendation letter, it should be emailed to zechwes@uab.edu.

e. PERSONAL ESSAY: Provide a 1-pg. personal essay detailing your interest in the field of construction engineering management focusing on sustainable construction practices for building sustainable smart cities.

f. ENGLISH PROFICIENCY SCORES: International students from non-English speaking countries are required to submit English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS/PTEA) that meet the UAB Graduate School’s minimum score requirements.

Minimum Scores:

TOEFL: 801TOEFL Essentials: 8.5IELTS: 6.5PTEA: 56IELA: 176Duolingo: 120

Note: 1. UAB does not accept My Best Scores from TOEFL. You will need to submit individual test date score reports to your application.

UAB will only accept English proficiency scores that have been taken within a two (2) year period from the date that the application was submitted.  Scores that exceed this time frame are considered expired and will not be accepted.

 

Applicants must contact the testing agency to have the official scores sent to the UAB Graduate School.  TOEFL scores should be submitted to institution code 1856.  Students do not need to send an official IELTS code, as these scores are verified using the TRF code on the score report.  PTEA results can be sent electronically to UAB through the testing website.

 

g. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS: International applicants must provide documentation showing they have earned the equivalent of an accredited 4-year bachelor’s degree from a United States institution to be eligible for admission consideration. Unofficial transcripts may be provided for application review purposes.  Upon admission, UAB requires students to submit official transcripts and degree statements.

 

Official Transcripts and Degree Statements:

    • Original transcripts/marksheets bearing an official stamp must be submitted to the Graduate School. Copied, faxed, or scanned transcripts are considered unofficial.
    • A separate statement confirming degree conferral (degree statement) bearing an official stamp is also required.
    • Transcripts and degree statements must be in the original language of the international institution as well as in English. Applicants submitting an approved transcript evaluation (see below) are not required to submit English translations.
    • If you only have one set of original documents, please submit unofficial copies for review purposes. If admitted, the Graduate School must receive an official transcript: (1) from each post-secondary institution where the student earned a degree, and (2) for any coursework taken after the awarding of a student’s bachelor’s degree (e.g., as a post-baccalaureate or graduate student).  To be considered official, academic transcripts must be sent to UAB directly from the college/university attended, sent electronically to the UAB Graduate School (gradschool@uab.edu) by the school’s Registrar’s Office, or submitted in a sealed envelope bearing a university signature or stamp across the seal, mailed directly to:

 

UAB Graduate School

LHL G03

1700 University Boulevard

Birmingham, AL 35294-0013

USA

    • Applicants who have not yet finished their degree should present a transcript showing they have earned a minimum of 91 completed credit hours or six (6) completed semesters.

 

Transcript Evaluation

Applicants with coursework earned from institutions outside the United States must provide a course-by-course foreign college transcript evaluation of all attended non-U.S. institutions2. UAB will accept a transcript evaluation from any NACES accredited evaluation company. To determine academic eligibility for admissions, academic credentials must be:

  • Translated to English;
  • Evaluated course-by-course;
  • Include the overall academic GPA; and
  • From an approved third-party company. We will accept a transcript evaluation from any NACES accredited evaluation company. A list of approved current members can be found here.

 

Note: 2. UAB will complete the evaluation for institutions outside of the United States if they are on a 4.0 grading scale.  UAB reserves the right to request a NACES-accredited evaluation if a determination is made that the evaluation cannot be completed internally.

 

SpanTran (transcript evaluation provider):

SpanTran created a custom application for UAB that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate.  You can access their application through the SpanTran application – The University of Alabama at Birmingham portal.

 

h. APPLICATION FEE: Submit application fee payment. International application fee is $60 USD.

i. CHECK APPLICATION STATUS: Check your application status by logging in with the account you used to start your application.

 

Completion of all items listed in “a – h” above is required for your application to be considered complete.

 

For additional information on the dual Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering Management degree program, please contact:

 

Wesley C. Zech, Ph.D.

Professor and Director of Construction Engineering Management

Phone: +1 (716) 228-4929

E-mail: zechwes@uab.edu

 

Who Should Apply?
  • Bachelor of engineering degree holders (or a closely science-related field) working for engineering and construction companies seeking careers in construction engineering management in the Middle East
  • Engineers and architects seeking advanced project management and business skills
  • Construction superintendents, project managers, estimators, and schedulers overseeing small and large projects
  • General contractors and subcontractors
  • Manufacturing and material suppliers
  • Utility company and public works managers
  • Women interested in capitalizing on the current industry demand to bridge the gender gap in the construction workforce
Benefits of Earning a Dual Degree
  • Increase your earning and promotion potential with a dual MEng in Construction Engineering Management degree
  • The 33-hour degree can be completed in two years
  • This degree is a great alternative to an MBA for working professionals in construction and/or engineering careers
  • This is a multi-discipline graduate program
  • Designed for individuals who want to interact with peers using state-of-the-art instructional methods
  • Learn from both USA and Egyptian instructors with years of industry experience
Typical Schedule

The dual Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering Management degree program can be completed in 19 months.

Total Credit Hours: 33 Cr. hrs.

SEMESTERCOURSES OFFERED BY: UABCOURSES OFFERED BY: AIU
1stCECM 669: Advanced
Project Management
CECM 672: Construction
Methods and Equipment
2ndCECM 671: Construction
Liability and Contracts
CECM 673: Techniques of Project
Planning and Control
3rdCECM 670: Construction
Estimating and Bidding		CECM 674: Green Building Design/Construction
4thCECM 675: Advanced Construction
and Engineering Economics		CECM 676: Construction
Project Risk Management
5thCECM 689: Building Information
Modeling (BIM) Techniques		CECM 688: Construction Management and Leadership Challenges in
the Global Environment
CECM 690: AIU Capstone Project3

 

Note:

1. All courses are 3 credit hours.

2. Faculty teaching courses may be from any of the three agencies: UAB, AIU, and the HBRC.

3. Students will be assigned an advisor from AIU and a capstone project topic during their first semester in the program. Students will continue to work on their capstone project throughout the duration of the degree program and complete it in their fifth semester.

Course Descriptions

CECM 669: Advanced Project Management

3 credit hours

Skills generally required for sound project management in a variety of management settings are studied, in addition to specific management issues typically associated with engineering and construction companies.

Students are introduced to the Project Management Institute’s Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). A discussion of corporate organizational structures and the evolving use of project management processes helps establish an appreciation for the role of a project manager. The elements of a project and the role and responsibilities of the project manager are studied in depth. Students are also acquainted with risk management concepts, financial, labor, safety, equipment, contracting issues facing managers in the engineering and construction environment. Particular emphasis is placed on individual management strengths and weakness, team building, and characteristics of successful companies.

One of the primary vehicles for discussion will be small case studies from real companies and the outside reading of one or two relevant topical books.

Topics that may be covered related Sustainable Smart Cities include:

Introduction to SSCs   ·   Trends and Challenges   ·   Project Stakeholders   · Public Private Partnerships   ·   Community Engagement   ·   Case Studies

 

CECM 670: Construction Estimating and Bidding

3 credit hours

This course provides an overview of typical construction delivery systems and the planning and contracting associated with each.

A broad study of estimating methodology ranging from order of magnitude estimates to detailed unit pricing is presented focusing on labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, job conditions, location, overhead, and profit. Students will learn about the importance of constructing a detailed Work Breakdown Structure in the estimating process.

This course is intended to establish a basic understanding of the estimating process, and therefore substantial course focus will be placed on the term group project which consists of the development of a bid estimate for a small construction project.

Topics that may be covered related Sustainable Smart Cities include:

Estimating and Bidding Strategies   ·   Artificial Intelligence Advancements   ·   BIM Applications   ·   Software Applications in Estimating   ·   Emerging Regulations

 

CECM 671: Construction Liability and Contracts

3 credit hours

This course provides an overview of the fundamental aspects of the laws that affect construction and engineering companies as well as the project owners.

Particular emphasis is placed on contract forms and provisions related to liability for engineering design and construction companies, the roles of the typical participation in the process, and dispute resolution. Students will learn the importance of contract language negotiations and the impact of project risk transfer.

Topics that may be covered related Sustainable Smart Cities include:

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks   ·   Smart Contracts   ·   Block Chain Technology ·   Legal and Ethical Considerations   ·   Emerging Regulations   ·   Case Studies

 

CECM 672: Construction Methods and Equipment

3 credit hours

This course provides students a big-picture understanding of the construction methods employed to bring the concepts and designs of architects and engineers to physical reality.

The International Building Code is presented in the course material as are the fundamental principles of green building and sustainable design. Detailed study of typical building materials, design details, and construction methods are presented in a logical sequence. Students will understand the planning and deployment of equipment, materials, labor, and subcontractors using a variety of building material and system types.

This course provides a necessary baseline knowledge vocabulary and understanding of the role and activities of the designers, engineers, material suppliers, inspectors, and constructors in the commercial building process.

Topics that may be covered related Sustainable Smart Cities include:

Green Construction Materials   ·   Sustainable Construction Applications and Methods  ·   Advanced Construction Techniques and Developments

 

CECM 673: Techniques of Project Planning and Control

3 credit hours

This course provides a thorough understanding of the project scheduling process in construction planning and control.

Students learn the relationship between the work breakdown structure, organization breakdown structure, and the activities used in developing project schedules. The Critical Path Method (CPM), the Precedence Diagram Method (PDM), the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), and the Line of Balance (LOB) scheduling methods are discussed in detail to include hand calculations and powerful computer software products. The use of scheduling techniques for project control, resources constraint management, cash flow management, risk management, and project completion date management are investigated as is the importance of communications in the planning and monitoring/controlling processes.

Students will experience hands on use with Primavera scheduling software.

Topics that may be covered related Sustainable Smart Cities include:

AI Applications in Planning and Control   ·   Integration of Smart Technologies into Urban Infrastructure   ·   BIM Applications

 

CECM 674: Green Building Design/Construction

3 credit hours

This course introduces emerging trends in green building sustainable design and construction.

The course will include instruction suitable to prepare students for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental (LEED©) Green Building Rating SystemTM certification exam.

Topics that may be covered related Sustainable Smart Cities include:

Energy Efficiency   ·   Water Management and Conservation   ·    Green Building Codes and Standards (i.e., GSAS, BREEAM, and ISI Envision)   ·   Waste Management and Recycling

 

CECM 675: Advanced Construction and Engineering Economics

3 credit hours

This course provides an extensive overview of financial and managerial accounting concepts for non-financial managers.

Students will learn the basic elements of accounting (Generally Accepted Accounting Practices). They will understand how typical financial records and financial statements are established for companies. Once the basics are understood, students will study how financial data is used for internal cost controlling, planning, and budgeting. Fundamental financial calculations associated with the time value of money, debt instruments, taxes, inflation, and cash flow estimates are emphasized.

Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Excel business functions in solving financial problems.

Topics that may be covered related Sustainable Smart Cities include:

Funding Financial Planning Models   ·   AI Applications in Construction Finance   ·   Public Private Partnerships  ·  Funding Mechanisms for Sustainable Smart Cities

 

CECM 676: Construction Project Risk Management

3 credit hours

This course addresses the methodologies employed in the engineering and construction industries to assist in rational decision-making in the face of uncertainty.

The course reviews the fundamentals of common probabilistic theories and models, data sampling, hypothesis testing, and the basics of Bayesian Decision Theory. In addition, basic financial analysis tools will be reviewed. Theoretical models will then be applied to specific examples encountered in engineering and construction decision making with emphasis on engineering economics applications.

Topics that may be covered related Sustainable Smart Cities include:

Physical and Technical Infrastructure Resiliency   ·    Smart Sensors and Monitoring Systems   ·   Internet of Things (IoT) Applications   ·   Big Data Integration  ·   Machine Learning Techniques ·   AI-Powered Tools and Technologies

 

CECM 688: Construction Management and Leadership Challenges in the Global Environment

3 credit hours

This course is designed to prepare students to face the demanding management and leadership challenges facing construction and engineering industry leaders as competition becomes ever more globalized.

The necessity to personally remain trained and relevant in the changing business environment is emphasized. Strong resume writing and oral interview skills are emphasized as a necessary skill for job seekers as well as job providers. Strategic planning, management, and leadership in the built environment requires savvy leaders with exceptionally developed analytical and communications skills suitable for multi-disciplinary and multi-national ventures. Every individual and organization must continually innovate and reinvent to stay competitive.

Students participate in a group project designed to reinforce the methodology associated with preparing and presenting a dynamic business plan. This course will provide the opportunity for students to discuss and research these concepts and to recognize the necessity to think independently, challenge conventional thinking, and visualize alternatives.

Topics that may be covered related Sustainable Smart Cities include:

Strategic Planning and Management Strategies   ·   Challenges Associated with Construction and Maintenance of Smart Cities   ·   Emerging Regulations

 

CECM 689: Building Information Modeling (BIM) Techniques

3 credit hours

This course provides students with an overview of the evolution of BIM technology in the construction industry followed by hands-on training in the basic application of contemporary BIM software.

Students will learn basic modeling skills and how to produce graphical presentations. Advanced applications of BIM technology will be discussed and demonstrated. Students will be provided with BIM software and will be required to complete a multi-step BIM model as a term project.

Topics that may be covered related Sustainable Smart Cities include:

BIM Applications   ·   Integrating Smart Contracts with BIM   ·   AI Advancements with BIM Technologies   ·   Digital Twin Technology

 

CECM 690: AIU Capstone Project

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout their dual master’s program in Engineering and Construction Management to a real-world project focused on sustainable smart city construction. Students will work in teams to identify, research, and develop a comprehensive solution to a complex construction management challenge related to the design, construction, or operation of sustainable smart cities. The project will require students to integrate their understanding of engineering principles, construction management practices, and sustainability concepts to develop innovative and practical solutions that address the challenges of creating livable, sustainable, and resilient urban environments.

 

Hardware/Software Needed

Students will need specific hardware/software to complete the degree program. As with all technology, the required hardware/software is subject to change and additional items may need to be acquired or purchased.

The needed hardware/software includes, but is not limited to:

Hardware

Operating System: Windows 10 – 64-bit (caution: Windows 10 S-Mode is not supported).

Processor: Multi-core Pentium, Xeon, or i-Series or AMD equivalent.

Memory: 16 to 32 GB.

Hard drive: 320 GB. 30 GB Free hard-drive space.

Laptop or Desktop Monitor: student’s preference.

  • Second Monitor (highly recommended):24″ to 27″ Screen – 1,280 x 1,024 with true color, and with monitor extend settings implemented.

Mouse: Wireless with scroll wheel (highly recommended).

Graphics Card: A high quality graphics card for advanced graphics (i.e., DirectX 11 with Shader Model 5, NVIDIA® GeForce 6200 GPUs, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750, and with 4GB of video memory). This particular high-end graphics card is required to run specific software programs (i.e., Autodesk Revit) in the CECM 689 Building Information Modeling (BIM) course.

Learn more about Autodesk software requirements by browsing the internet for the latest versions of Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Navisworks Manage.

Note about Computer Choice

We strongly recommend that students purchase their own Windows-based personal computer. Students will need to have full administrative rights for their computer to install software applications for use in the CECM 670, CECM 673, and CECM 689 courses. In the past, some students attempting to use their work computers have encountered issues installing these software applications due to administrative rights restrictions and/or conflicting software on the work computer.

Additionally, some students have experienced issues during exams due to incompatibility with web proctor service when using a work computer. During exams, students need to have full administrative rights to allow remote access on their computer and monitor by the testing proctor.

Students wishing to use an Apple computer will need to take additional steps to install and run specific Windows-based software programs. This includes On-Screen Takeoff (used in CECM 670: Construction Estimating and Bidding), Oracle Primavera P6 (used in CECM 673: Techniques of Project Planning and Control),and Autodesk Revit and Navisworks Manage (used in CECM 689: Building Information Modeling).

  1. Students will need to purchase and install either Parallels Desktop, Boot Camp, or VMWare Fusion on their Mac. Second, they will need to purchase (or acquire through UAB) and install a copy of the Windows Operating System.
  2. After completing these two tasks, students should be able to install and run the required Windows-based course software programs.

However, the most effective and issue-free way to install and learn how to use the various required class software packages is on a Windows-based computer. Typically, students who encounter issues with the Windows-based programs are those who choose to use a Mac. Students using Windows-based computers do not encounter similar issues when installing or running these applications. Although we can provide general information and guidance, Mac users will be responsible for resolving issues that they encounter while choosing to run Windows and Windows programs on a Mac.

Office Jet, Desk Jet, All-in-One Printer, and Scanner (student’s preference).

Cell phone scanning apps (e.g., Adobe Scan, CamScanner, Microsoft Office Lens, etc.) and saving or printing electronic files to PDF format are more acceptably common.

Back-up Drive: 1 TB External Drive or a Cloud Storage Service (e.g., OneDrive). Note: It is recommended to save original work and back-up files in different places.

Audio/Video

  • Headset/Earbuds are recommended for enhanced audio quality.
  • Internal/External Webcam. External webcam required for side view placement during proctored exams.
  • Internal or External Microphone.
  • Headset/Earbuds
  • Webcam [Internal/External]
  • Microphone [Internal/External]

 

Virtual Class Participation:

Internal laptop webcams and microphones are suitable for virtual class participation only. However, internal speakers cannot be used for virtual classes. Students are required to use an external headphone/headset or earbuds.

Online Proctored Exams:

Internal webcams and microphones are not suitable for online proctored exams. An external webcam and microphone is required for use during proctored exams.

For students using a laptop with an external monitor, the laptop must be closed and an external keyboard is required.

 

Internal laptop webcams and microphones are suitable for virtual class participation only. However, internal speakers should not be used for virtual classes. Students are required to use an external headphone/headset or earbuds for enhanced audio quality.

Internal webcams and microphones are not suitable for online proctored exams. An external webcam and microphone is required for use during proctored exams to provide a side view of your testing environment.

For students using a laptop with an external monitor, the laptop must be closed during the exam and an external keyboard is required.

To be successful in the program, students are required to have a strong reliable high-speed Internet and connectivity connection with the following minimum bandwidth:

  • Internet download speed: 12 Mbps
  • Internet upload speed: 3 Mbps

It is recommended that students use a dual-band router (2.4GHz / 5GHz suggested) and have a direct hard-wired connection from their computer to the internet source (modem/router). WIFI is not recommended during exams and students are encouraged to hard wire to their internet modem.

Hotspots and tethering are not allowed during proctored exams.

Test your internet speed at speedtest.net.

Tablets, smart phones, and other electronic devices are not acceptable to access eBooks during proctored examinations. If eBooks are allowed by the instructor during a proctored examination, they must be accessed on the computer monitored by ProctorU. Students purchasing Kindle eBooks will need to install the Kindle for PC app on their proctored computer.

Standard hand-held scientific calculator.

Software

Students will need recent versions of:

  • Microsoft Office 365: includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, Outlook (student email), and One Drive (5 TB cloud storage)
  • Adobe Pro: used to create multi-page PDF files (or equivalent)
  • Media Player: Windows Media player or equivalent
  • Web Browers: Firefox or Chrome Internet browser (recommended for daily use). Guardian Browser must be used for proctored exams
  • Operating System: Windows Operating System
  • Cloud Storage: OneDrive
  • Antivirus Software: Microsoft Defender (included with Microsoft Office 365)

All course content is delivered through Canvas, UAB’s e-learning software platform. Learn about Canvas’ browser requirements.

Hardware/Software Discounts

As a UAB student, you also have access to free or discounted software through UAB IT’s OnTheHub website.

Third party hardware and software may also be purchased at discounted prices at thinkedu.com.

For technical support, students can submit a ticket through this form or email AskIT at askit@uab.edu.  Students can also call AskIT @ (205) 996-5555.

 

For additional information, please contact:

Remon Eskander, Ph.D.
Professor of CEM
Engineering Programs Director
Alamein International University
Email

Ireny Beshara, Ph.D.
Head of Construction & Project Management
Housing & Building National Research Center
Email