Purdue University's first-of-its-kind bridge engineering track is addressing a workforce gap.
Purdue's Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering (LSCCE) launched its Bridge Engineering Education Program, the first bridge-focused curriculum in the U.S., this fall in response to increasing industry demands for qualified entry-level bridge engineers.
"There is a significant need among design firms and state DOTs for highly qualified structural engineers with expertise in bridge design," said Brandon Chavel, PE, PhD, AISC vice president of bridges. "Armed with a Purdue education focused on bridge design, fabrication, construction, and inspection, graduates can make an immediate impact when they enter the workforce and help address infrastructure needs in the public and private sectors."
The program will:
- develop undergraduate and graduate bridge-focused curricula,
- equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce long-term solutions to aging bridge infrastructure,
- provide the next generation of engineers with the latest tools and materials needed to develop robust new bridge designs, and
- partner with industry to provide experiential learning opportunities for students.
The program began with the introduction of two courses in fall 2025: Loading and Analysis for Steel Bridge Design, and Evaluation and Advanced Design of Steel Bridge Flexural Members. Two new courses focused on steel bridge engineering will be offered in the Spring 2026 semester, along with a seminar series with leading experts in steel bridge design, fabrication, and inspection.
"Launching a bridge-focused concentration is a natural next step for applying LSCCE's historic strengths to industry's needs," said Robert J. Connor, the Jack and Kay Hockema professor in civil engineering. "We are very excited to see the incredible enthusiasm and support from the steel bridge industry in helping our school make this goal a reality."
AISC and the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) are among the program's first industry partners and are providing a $1 million grant over the next five years to aid in its launch. LSCCE has also received an additional $1.3 million in gifts from DeLong's; High Steel Structures, LLC; Industrial Steel Construction; SDI – Long Product Group; STS Steel; Stupp Bridge; Wabash Steel; and W&W | AFCO.
"We look forward to working with Purdue over the next few years as we develop this model curriculum and educate the next generation of bridge engineers," Chavel said. "We hope to see other education institutions follow this model and create similar programs to address the bridge infrastructure needs with an educated entry-level workforce."
"The impact of this program will extend far beyond the classroom," said John O'Quinn, president of High Steel Structures, LLC and an AISC Board of Directors member. "It will cultivate a pipeline of talent prepared to tackle the complex challenges we face in infrastructure today and in the future. The collective industry action shows Purdue and the broader engineering community that the structural steel bridge industry stands united behind education, innovation, and long-term sustainability. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this collaborative effort to strengthen the foundation of our profession and inspire the leaders who will define its future."
Individuals or companies interested in supporting the program can contact Brandon Chavel ([email protected]) or Robert Connor ([email protected]).