Division of Engineering and Construction Management
Studies in Engineering with Electrical/Computer, Mechanical or Renewable Energy Concentrations, and in Construction Management

Bland (chair), Caldwell, Faust, Gilmour, Macfarlan, Rodriguez, Song, M. Terrill, Xu
The Division of Engineering and Construction Management comprises the Departments of Construction Management and Engineering. Bachelor's degrees are offered in Construction Management and Engineering. An associate's degree is offered in Construction Management and a minor is offered in Construction Management.
Mission
The mission of the Division of Engineering and Construction Management is to provide a university education integrating general studies and disciplinary studies to equip students to excel in their chosen major.
The faculty of the division seeks to educate the student in the methods of carefully and logically understanding problems and of designing solutions for those problems. Education within the division is in the context that "All truth is God's truth"; therefore, a biblical world- and life-view is the basis for problem-solving procedures. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." (Proverbs 1:7). A low student-faculty ratio within the division assures interaction between faculty and students on these and other issues. The curriculum and the co-curriculum prepare the division graduates to function effectively in advanced technical positions or to enter graduate studies.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree with electrical/computer, mechanical, or renewable energy concentration is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), http://www.acce-hq.org.
Facilities
The division facilities are housed in the Balzer Technology Center that is LEED certified. There is over 40,000 square feet for classroom, laboratory, and fabrication areas. Laboratories support instruction and student design activities in thermal sciences, fluids, mechanical testing, machine design, materials science, instrumentation, control systems, electronics, and communications. A welding shop, a machine shop, and a modeling shop provide support for student projects. The Construction Management Department has a 7,000 square foot construction area and office that is used for the integrated Senior Capstone course which manages the construction of a building each year. Division majors have exterior sites for conducting solar and wind energy experiments.
Advisory Boards
Advisory boards for both Construction Management and Engineering are made up of distinguished alumni and other professionals. These groups give counsel on curriculum focus, professional issues, and integration of faith and learning.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to upper-division Construction Management and Engineering students. These are supported by the Fred Olney Endowed Engineering Scholarship, the Engineering Excellence Endowed Scholarship, the Harold C. and Mildred B. Ward Endowed Engineering Scholarship, the Charles Willis Endowed Scholarship, the Robert D. Nabholz Construction Scholarship, the Milton and Leila Levy Endowed Scholarship, the National Association of Women in Construction Scholarship, the American Society of Professional Estimators Endowed Scholarship, the Jeff Scholtens Memorial Endowed Scholarship, the Barnabas (An Encourager) Endowed Scholarship (Acts 4:36), and the Engineering Opportunity Endowed Scholarship.
DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
(SYMBOL: CM)
The vision of the Department of Construction Management is to prepare graduates to influence the construction management environment through a balanced application of technical expertise, ethics, stewardship, creativity, craftsmanship, work, community, and leadership. The education is provided in a Christian context that promotes spiritual growth and the development of positive character traits such as honesty, reliability, and industriousness, which result in a high level of professionalism.
Construction Management students have access to over twenty computer workstations in the department. These stations are equipped with software used for estimating, scheduling, 3D architectural design, structural design, and other construction applications. Computer applications are studied in lecture courses and are used in practicum courses on real projects. Practical experience is also given in the use of surveying equipment and applicable power tools. Seniors gain experience in managing an actual construction project.
Graduates from this department are equipped to meet the demands of the construction industry. They are found managing the construction process in both the residential and commercial sector of the industry. This program is also suited for students interested in becoming Christian missionary builders and for students interested in Design-Build. Students also choose from a set of electives that includes various business courses that relate to domestic and international topics.
John Brown University is a member of the Associated Schools of Construction, and is recognized by the Arkansas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, Inc., the Arkansas Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, and the American Institute of Constructors. The program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), phone: (210) 495-6161.
National Certification Exam
Graduating seniors are required to take the Associate Constructor Exam administered by the Constructor Certification Commission (CCC). The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) is the sponsoring organization and is the professional society for those working in the field of construction management.
Student Learning Objectives
- Understand construction materials, methods, systems, and participants required to complete various types of construction projects.
- Understand the business principles of accounting, risk management, and legal requirements for a construction project.
- Apply ethical principles appropriate to the profession to make informed and principled choices.
- Analyze construction documents in order to evaluate the design, estimate costs, plan, sequence, and manage/control the construction process.
- Create oral, visual, and written communication related to construction management for a diverse audience.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with major in Construction Management
1. University Core Curriculum - 37 hours
The Mathematics elective is covered by BUS 2193, the Physical Science elective is covered by PHY 1114, and the Social Science elective is covered by ECN 2123 in the program requirements. EGL 4003, the Life Science elective, and the Global Studies elective are not required.
2. Construction Management Major Field - 93 hours
ATG 1163 Accounting for Decision Making
BUS 3113 Spreadsheet Analytics
BUS 4253 Business Law and Ethics
CHM 1014 Fundamentals of Chemistry
CM 1112 Construction Techniques I
CM 1122 Construction Techniques II
CM 1212 Introduction to Construction Management
CM 1223 Graphic Communication Skills
CM 1313 Materials of Construction
CM 2213 Construction Methods I
CM 2223 Construction Methods II
CM 2322 Statics and Strength for Technology
CM 2440 Construction Internship
CM 3213 Construction Safety and Quality
CM 3233 Structural Systems for Building
CM 3603 Mechanical/Electrical Systems for Buildings
CM 3723 Building Information Modeling
CM 4323 Construction Contracting
CM 4613 Construction Project Planning and Scheduling
CM 4713 Construction Management I
CM 4723 Construction Management II
ECN 2113 Principles of Microeconomics
MGT 2173 Principles of Management
MKT 2143 Principles of Marketing
PHY 1114 Fundamentals of Physics I
3. Three hours of electives from the following:
FIN 3003 Principles of Finance
INT 3273 Cross-Cultural Business Intelligence
INT 4103 Global Environment of Business
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Requirements for minor in Construction Management
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 19 hours.
CM 1212 Introduction to Construction Management
CM 1223 Graphic Communication Skills
CM 1313 Materials of Construction
One of the following:
CM 1112 Construction Techniques I
CM 1122 Construction Techniques II
One of the following:
CM 2213 Construction Methods I
CM 2223 Construction Methods II
One of the following:
CM 3213 Construction Safety and Quality
CM 3603 Mechanical/Electrical Systems for Buildings
Requirements for the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree with major in Construction Management
1. University Core Curriculum - 26 hours
COR 1002 Gateway Seminar in Christian Scholarship
EGL 1013 English I: Composition
EGL 1023 English II: Literary Analysis and Research
One of the following:
HST 1013 Western Civilization I
HST 1023 Western Civilization II
One of the following:
Core Electives
Wellness Activity - 1 hour
Natural Science - 3 hours
Social Science - 3 hours
2. Courses Specified by this Department - 33 hours
ATG 1163 Accounting for Decision Making
BUS 3113 Spreadsheet Analytics
CM 1112 Construction Techniques I
CM 1122 Construction Techniques II
CM 1212 Introduction to Construction Management
CM 1223 Graphic Communication Skills
CM 1313 Materials of Construction
CM 2440 Construction Internship
One of the following:
CM 2213 Construction Methods I
CM 2223 Construction Methods II
Six hours from the following:
CM 3213 Construction Safety and Quality
CM 3603 Mechanical/Electrical Systems for Buildings
3. Electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
The Associate of Science degree with major in Construction Management is not available to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with major in Construction Management.
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
(SYMBOLS: EE, EN, ME, RE)
Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to the economical solution of practical technical problems. There are some 25 different engineering specialties, but of the nearly 1.5 million engineering jobs available each year the greatest numbers are filled by engineers having electrical or mechanical backgrounds. More than one half of engineering jobs are in the manufacturing industries. The major part of the remainder is in engineering and architectural services and business and management consulting services. Governments employ about 200,000 engineers. Renewable energy is an emerging technical area driven by the need to replace fossil fuels with an energy efficient and environmentally friendly alternative.
Engineers in the electrical/computer and mechanical areas design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment, mechanical equipment, energy systems, and information systems. Renewable energy engineers will integrate both the mechanical and electrical for state-of-the-art energy developments.
Mission
The Engineering Department strives to educate students in the application of science and technology to the service of God and humanity. The goal is to produce graduates who can begin effective engineering practice in industry, graduate school, or the mission field.
Program Educational Objectives
The faculty of Engineering is committed to the following objectives which are consistent with both the university and the division mission statements and emphasize the head (intellectual), heart (spiritual), and hand (professional).
1. HEAD - John Brown University engineering graduates will have a strong general education, a broad foundation in electrical and mechanical fundamentals, and a depth of knowledge in a specific engineering discipline sufficient to ensure both immediate application and life-long learning.
2. HEART - John Brown University engineering graduates will be aware of their personal and professional responsibility to serve both God and humanity.
3. HAND - John Brown University engineering graduates will be prepared and confident to begin an entry-level engineering position, pursue graduate studies, or contribute as a Christian technical missionary.
Student Learning Outcomes
The program outcomes are published on the university web site. A graduate from the John Brown University engineering program should have
a. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
b. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
c. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
d. an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
e. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems in electrical/computer, mechanical, and renewable energy domains;
f. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility in light of a Christian worldview;
g. an ability to communicate effectively;
h. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
i. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
j. a knowledge of contemporary issues; and
k. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Design Emphasis
At JBU the engineering design experience starts in the freshman year, develops with more extensive technical content through the sophomore and junior years, and culminates with the two-semester senior design project. The scheme for the lower-level design courses is to introduce design methodology using small design projects that prepare the student to clearly define the problem, identify the constraints and criteria, and establish the requirements for the design. By the third year, the student will have developed the technical background to work out significant engineering design problems. The junior-level design lab provides an opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team and produce both oral and written presentations.
Fourth year experiences include those in electronic design, machine design, and fluid system design as well as the capstone design project. The capstone project is an intense experience for the engineering student. It approaches a "real-world" situation. The projects must be finished and satisfy stated objectives as determined by active negotiation with the engineering faculty and the sponsors. Oral and written presentations are produced for this project.
Degree Candidacy
Students must apply for degree candidacy status during the second semester of the sophomore year. At this time, the student will make known their concentration of choice and complete a four-year plan in consultation with their advisor.
Certification for Additional Concentration
A student who completes all requirements for the B.S.Eng. degree with one concentration may receive an enhancement certification from the chair of the Division of Engineering and Construction Management certifying the additional work done in second concentration area by completing at least nine hours of additional course work from the second concentration's required courses (this does not include electives).
A student who completes all the common requirements for a B.S.Eng., all the required courses from two concentrations, and four electives from those two concentrations may receive a B.S.Eng. degree with double concentration in those two areas.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.Eng.) degree with Electrical/Computer, Mechanical, or Renewable Energy Concentration
1. University Core Curriculum - 34 hours
The Mathematics elective is covered by MTH 1134, the Physical Science elective is covered by PHY 2114 and the Global Studies elective is covered by EN 3513 in the program requirements. EGL 4003, the Wellness elective, the Wellness Activity, the Life Science elective, and the Social Science elective are not required.
2. Engineering Core - 78 hours
CS 1113 Introduction to Computing
EN 1112 Engineering Concepts and Design
EN 1223 Concepts in Mechanical Engineering
EN 1323 Concepts in Electrical Engineering
EN 3213 Engineering Materials Science
EN 3413 Linear Signals and Systems
EN 3513 International Problem Solving
ME 3313 Statics and Strength of Materials
MTH 2114 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
MTH 3183 Probability and Statistics
3. One of the following Concentrations
A. Electrical/Computer Concentration - 24 hours
EE 4413 Digital Communications Theory
Technical Electives - 9 hours from the following:
EE 4303 Digital Signal Processing
EE 4403 Advanced Digital Systems
EN 3233 Advanced Computer Programming
EN 4403 Engineering Management
B. Mechanical Concentration - 24 hours
Technical Electives - 9 hours from the following:
EN 3233 Advanced Computer Programming
EN 4403 Engineering Management
ME 4103 Advanced Strength of Material
ME 4303 Finite Element Analysis
ME 4603 Advanced Thermodynamics
C. Renewable Energy Concentration - 23 hours
CHM 2154 General, Organic, and Biochemistry
RE 2121 Practicum in Renewable Energy
RE 2213 Renewable Energy Thermal Fluids Introduction
RE 3153 Mechanical Issues of Wind Engineering
RE 3173 Renewable Energy/Electric Power Engineering
Technical Electives - 6 hours from the following:
EN 3233 Advanced Computer Programming
EN 4403 Engineering Management
ME 4103 Advanced Strength of Material
ME 4303 Finite Element Analysis
ME 4603 Advanced Thermodynamics
B.S.Eng. with Electrical/Computer or Mechanical Concentration - Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . 136
View 4-Year Plan & Flowchart - Electrical/Computer
View 4-Year Plan & Flowchart - Mechanical
B.S.Eng. with Renewable Energy Concentration - Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135