2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The construction industry is widely recognized as a male-dominated environment, which has presented challenges in attracting qualified female employees. The considerably low female student enrollments in construction engineering and management (CEM) undergraduate degree programs have continued to draw attention from academia. This case study focuses on a cohort of female students in a CEM program at a regional university in the Northeast. It examines the students’ CEM degree choice decision, their learning experience, and the strategies for attracting more female students to CEM programs. This study identifies the factors that influence female students' choices in pursuing CEM degrees and suggests strategies to encourage and attract more women to study and work in the industry. The results of the case study highlight that personal interest in construction and career opportunities are the most significant factors influencing female students' decisions to major in CEM. Furthermore, the majority of students reported positive learning experiences during their studies. The findings inform recommendations for CEM program recruitment efforts. The recommendations include collaborating with a Professional Women in Construction chapter to provide prospective students with increased opportunities for engagement within the construction industry. Additionally, enhancing advertising efforts through social media platforms and the internet, featuring female guest speakers, and providing high school students and counselors with up-to-date information on CEM programs are strategically significant actions to address the gender imbalance in the field.