September - University of Nebraska

Workforce Development
The University of Nebraska – Lincoln, as Nebraska’s premier advanced degree granting
institution, has the mission of educating professionals for the State of Nebraska and the Midwest
region. UNL has traditionally provided engineering and technological education and service to
Nebraska’s industries at the basic research level, at the production level.
The Nebraska Research Initiative (NRI) was implemented to increase the base of
technologically oriented industry and research in Nebraska, particularly in specific areas such as
construction and manufacturing. NRI is expected to create an increasing demand for multidisciplinary
graduates in the building materials and construction industries in the near future.
The construction industry of this region endorses a graduate program in construction and has
shown support for this type and level of program by encouraging employees to enroll in graduate
programs currently offered by UNL. It is expected that the number of employees enrolling, as well
as the companies sending employees, will increase with the introduction of the Masters of Science
program in construction.
B. Evidence of Need and Demand
B.1. Need for the Program
Workforce Needs of Business, Industry, and Employers
The need for more construction engineers and managers exists globally and as the
complexity of construction projects increases. Construction must be carried out in an environment
of meeting cost and time projections while delivering technological sophistication with the highest
standards of artisanship. The demand for construction managers and engineers has increased as
sophisticated technology and the proliferation of laws which establish standards for structures and
construction materials, worker safety, energy efficiency, and environmental protection further
complicate the construction process. In addition, the complexity and sophistication has exceeded the
body of knowledge supplied by the current baccalaureate degree and as a result, the need for an
expanded knowledge base at a graduate level has emerged. The following organizations all require
graduate engineering and management components of the construction process:
• Construction firms – are increasing in size and numbers due to the demand for professional
construction services for complex projects and the fast track design build project delivery
system, creating a high demand for managers.
• Engineering companies – intensive construction-related companies of all sizes, especially where
large or complex projects occur.
• Design firms – have increasing concerns about constructability, sustainability, and operability in
their projects.
• Owners – need a competent representative to interface with designers and constructors for their
projects, as well as requiring expert planning, estimating, and scheduling skills.
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