September - University of Nebraska

II. REVIEW CRITERIA
A. Centrality to Role and Mission
Interdisciplinary Nature
While educational programs in traditional fields provide stability and value, graduates of
multi-disciplinary programs will have an additional edge in securing employment in this century.
This concept is recognized as extending to research and academia within the University of
Nebraska’s A 2020 Vision: “The direction of science and research in the future will be toward large,
multidisciplinary and/or multi-institutional efforts.”
A multi-disciplinary approach is at the very core of this proposal, not simply an incidental or
added feature. Construction is a discipline that has changed dramatically in the last three decades.
Architects, architectural engineers, and other designers are building teams with constructors to
create more efficient processes leading to construction productivity improvements through
innovative technological advances. The proposed Master of Science program in Construction is
designed to produce graduates with a true interdisciplinary orientation, prepared to integrate and
work with the spectrum of specialties involved in the construction industry.
A graduate program of this nature will encourage and facilitate interdisciplinary research
among faculty members. An example of interdisciplinary research in the construction field is
bridge research. This work includes exploring better designs, better construction methods, and new
materials. Another example of interdisciplinary research is the development of wireless sensors for
use during construction and during the life of the structure.
Research Component
The University of Nebraska has committed itself to improving its national reputation in the
areas of research and graduate education. While high-quality undergraduate teaching will always
remain a vital part of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s mission, its role includes that of a
comprehensive research university. One mandate of A 2020 Vision is the development of strong
graduate programs.
The use of engineering and research in the field of construction is increasingly important.
The industry requires scientifically trained people to serve as experts capable of responding to the
demands imposed by burgeoning technological advances. For example, utilizing a new field called
4-D modeling, construction sequences can be modeled to determine the most cost effective and time
efficient manner of construction. Other new technologies include global positioning and radio
frequency identification (RFID) applications for material tracking, 3-D object processing, and
equipment utilization.
The proposed Master of Science program in Construction will provide a pathway to the
research based Doctor of Philosophy degree. This pathway is not currently available through the
existing master’s level degree available in Construction, which is a professional degree, not a
research degree. The proposed degree will also be available to students who do not wish to pursue
the Doctor of philosophy degree but who are still interested in gaining research experience. As a
terminal degree, the M.S. will provide its graduates with an opportunity to gain essential research
skills directly applicable in construction environments. Strong research programs also significantly
enhance undergraduate educational opportunities.
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