Industry-University Partnerships for Construction Engineering Education

Many construction engineering educators and construction industry leaders realize the value of establishing effective, working industry-university partnerships. By viewing the construction industry as its customer and by collaborating with industry leaders on matters influencing the undergraduate program, the university faculty can sustain and improve the quality of the educational program. The degree to which construction engineering graduates are prepared to perform well in practice can be enhanced by effective industry-university cooperation on such matters as the construction education mission and objectives, curriculum, course content, faculty qualifications and development, resources, co-ops and internships, and other issues. Based on 23 years of experience in Purdue University's Construction Engineering and Management program as well as on experience elsewhere, issues are discussed concerning ways of implementing effective industry-university collaboration in construction engineering education. Conclusions highlight some characteristics of a beneficial industry-university partnership: effective joint strategic planning; a separately administered construction engineering program; a committed, involved industry advisory committee; a student intership program; faculty experienced in the construction industry; and outcome-based measures of success.