Learn To Blow Up Buildings Safely: The 5 Best Demolition Engineering Courses
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Many of us believed that the whole process of demolition is just nothing more than blowing up and destroying stuff. Yes, it is all about destroying buildings. But demolition is not just explosives.
Demolition engineering is involved in the whole process, and you need to attend classes and lectures just to qualify for the job.
If you are interested in precision demolition and construction, degree programs in civil engineering, structural engineering, and building construction management have specific courses that specialize in demolition.
Structural engineering students will learn how they should examine buildings for reliability and sustainability, while construction management students focus on interdisciplinary topics in construction, business, and engineering.
The Lowdown
If you own a few excavators or have a wrecking ball just laying around, destroying a 3-story building is challenging and tricky and needs prior knowledge, but this is generally not too difficult.
But if your projects involve destroying a 30-story skyscraper or even larger, then you need to hire the professionals: the true explosive demolition engineer to handle the whole demolition process.
The 5 Best Demolition Engineering Schools and Courses
Specializations in demolition are very rare at the bachelor’s level. But since the field entails a lot of engineering skills, you can opt to go for institutions that offer programs in civil engineering, structural engineering, building construction management, or architectural engineering.
Demolition engineering categorically falls under the broader career category of Civil Engineers. Below are 5 of the best schools and courses that prepare you for this “explosive” career path.
California State University Long Beach
Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management
If you are a graduate with this degree, expect to have a career in industry or research. This undergraduate program is your pathway toward getting jobs at engineering companies.
- You can contribute to the building and planning of everything: from building demolitions to construction, bridge projects to water and power systems.
- Students also have the choice to get a high level of engineering studies (master’s degrees) that will lead to more lucrative careers.
- Tuition fees for this program is $19,978 per year.
What Makes the Program Unique
The civil engineering program at CSULB is built around a core of mathematics and engineering science. Interested BSCE students at CSULB will receive practical and theoretical experience in the analysis, design, planning, and building of different types of public projects and private works.
Did You Know?
Not all colleges offer individual tutoring. But at CSULB, you can secure individual appointments with a tutor at a specified time. You can review together, learn about the techniques most employers look for in BSCE graduates, or even discuss future career plans.
Stanford University
Structural Engineering and Geomechanics
These master’s degrees from Stanford University’s Structural Engineering and Geomechanics program focus on research and other areas related to structural analysis, design, mechanics, risk management, and sustainable material recycling and structures.
- Stanford pioneered advancements in probabilistic hazard and risk analysis, structural health monitoring, earthquake loss assessment, and nonlinear dynamic analysis.
- The course has a challenging and exciting atmosphere for professional and learning advancement.
- Per unit rate is $1,391.
What Makes the Program Unique
Careers waiting for you once you complete your course at SEG include ones in software companies, engineering services firms, national laboratories, companies that support the engineering industry (like demolition engineering), startup companies, and even universities.
Did You Know?
Stanford operates the John A. Blume Earthquake Engineering Center for much of its professional and research activities. This center hosts students, houses different laboratories, and supports various outreach activities.
Purdue University
Construction Management Technology
Purdue University offers this Construction Management Technology program:
- The program has concentrations in four areas:
- Demolition and Restoration Management in the Built Environment
- Healthcare Construction Industry Management
- Mechanical, and Electrical Construction management
- Residential Construction Management
- Infrastructure Construction Management
- The program teaches you how to successfully excel in the construction industry.
- You will work together with your classmates, on tasks that focus on all the key aspects of a construction project: the methods, materials, scheduling, safety, estimating, and the latest in technology.
- In-state students pay $750 for each credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $906 for the same credit hour.
What Makes the Program Unique
- The program lets you experience the subject first hand since you will be visiting recent construction job sites.
- The course offers a thorough understanding and hands-on experiences with real projects in both office and fieldwork.
- Professors are experts in demolition engineering, demolition safety, risk management, material recycling, and many more.
- After completing 800 hours of construction-related internship tasks, the valuable experience you gain, and the new skills will help you thrive in the world of new construction.
Did You Know?
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors of this training course are qualified for the Kiewit Scholars Program, a program that awards yearly scholarships and provides professional and personal growth opportunities for future leaders in the construction and design industry.
The school also has study abroad excursions to China, England, Ireland, and Australia.
The University of Kansas
Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering
A civil engineer implements different private and public tasks, including a demolition project, to improve the physical infrastructure of society.
- This bachelor’s degree gives students a theoretical background in the field.
- The heavily discussed topics include the design of steel and reinforced concrete structures, control systems, environmental pollution, foundations, and surface transportation systems.
- The course culminates in a series of senior-level professional design courses.
- There are several scholarships available for this program, including ACEC Scholarships, Professor Thomas Mulinazzi Family Scholarship, KU School of Engineering Scholarships, and WTS Sharon D. Banks Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship.
- Average tuition fees after financial aid is $29,412.
What Makes the Program Unique
Because of the growing need for civil engineering professionals, this degree is a good training ground for sharpening the skills needed in the field. At Kansas University, those who completed the course have become successful in their professional practice. Others made it big in government and private laboratories, some academic research institutions, while there are those who lead successfully in managing firms.
Did You Know?
The Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science program at Kansas University is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, a nonprofit, ISO 9001 certified organization accrediting university and college programs in natural and applied science, engineering, engineering technology, and computing. All the faculty members are licensed professional engineers as well.
Cornell University
Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
Civil engineers are creators and innovators. They design, build and even help demolish buildings, bridges, schools, and dams.
- This undergraduate program of civil engineering at Cornell University gives you the proper training and education so you can make the right decisions relative to the field.
- You can also become leaders in established firms, and even start your own since you will learn how to use your intellect to successfully thrive in the business arena.
- It’s one of the most expensive degree programs, with an average tuition and fees of $65,204.
What Makes the Program Unique
Students can also earn a minor in Engineering Management and a major in Environmental Engineering when enrolled in the program. Only a few schools offer this kind of academic setup.
Did You Know?
The Civil Engineering program at Cornell University is ranked number 11 in the Best Civil Engineering Undergraduate Program by the US News and World Report for 2025.
Washington State University
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
This program, accredited by the engineering accreditation commission ABET, provides intensive training and techniques in fundamental principles of engineering.
- This major field has different specialization tracks, including
- Civil and Construction Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Infrastructure Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Water Resource Engineering
- Every program is custom-fit to meet the interest and needs of the student.
- Annual tuition excluding fees is $5,942 (in-state) and $14,221 (out-of-state).
What Makes the Program Unique
This bachelor’s program puts a strong emphasis on combining laboratory and classroom education with computer-aided design and analysis. Undergraduate students can also use the department’s micro-computer laboratory.
Did You Know?
Apart from its classroom education, the school also allows students to achieve additional experience through different activities provided by an active student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
The Importance of Demolition Engineers
Today, many people want to demolish old buildings or homes to give way to new ones. To get these things completed, demolition engineers are called in. These professionals are trained and well-versed in the entire process of demolition.
They prioritize safety and security. Demolition is not just about blowing up a building with explosives and stuff, but security is of paramount importance as well. All these things are done in accordance with the laws and regulations.
How to Become a Demolition Engineer
Proper Training and Experience
You need to have both to become a demolition engineering expert. Although it’s hard to find schools that offer a bachelor’s degree in this field, any engineering program, such as construction management, that has majors in demolition, planning, safety, and even a science degree, will work.
Certificate and License
In the built environment sector, you need to have the right certificate and license necessary for the job. You should also have training approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to gain a federal license.
The US Environmental Protection Agency also needs workers, managers, and supervisors to be trained and accredited as asbestos removal professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to earn a degree to become a Demolition Engineer?
While there is no degree in demolition engineering, this field falls under the civil engineering umbrella. Thus, a good way to gain access to this field is to have a degree in civil engineering.
How much do Civil Engineers earn?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics information shows that civil engineers earn a median annual wage of $95,890.
Summary Points
- Although there are no degrees and courses on demolition engineering, a civil engineering program is your step towards becoming one.
- Certifications and special training, and of course ample experience, will help you become a demolition engineering expert.
- Since the field involves explosives, blasters, and the like, you should also demonstrate the ability to strictly adhere to safety procedures and rules.
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