Prospective SCIBER-CT Students

• Comfort with calculus, linear algebra, and statistics
• Basic programming skills (or willingness to complete preparatory modules)
• Familiarity with at least one programming language (Python or C++ preferred)

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• Curiosity about how technology solves real-world problems
• Desire to see your work implemented in actual construction projects
• Balance between theoretical understanding and hands-on application

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• Openness to collaboration across different disciplines
• Communication skills to work with people from varied backgrounds
• Willingness to learn from peers with different expertise

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• Availability for the full academic year plus summer internship
• Dedication to both coursework and research components
• Engagement with professional development activities

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Don't have a construction background? That's okay! Students with an engineering or computer science background will complete preparatory modules prior to starting the program to ensure a solid foundation. What matters most is your interest in applying technology to construction challenges.Back to Top

To participate in SCIBER-CT, you'll need to be enrolled in a master's degree program at San Diego State University. If you're not yet a graduate student at SDSU, we encourage you to explore our diverse range of master's programs in engineering, computer science, and management information systems. SCIBER-CT welcomes students from all of these programs, creating a rich, interdisciplinary learning environment.

Already enrolled in a master's program at SDSU? Great! You're ready for Step 2.

New to SDSU? Visit SDSU Graduate Admissions to learn about admission requirements for your chosen degree program. Once you're accepted and enrolled, you can apply to SCIBER-CT.

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Once you're enrolled in an SDSU master's program, the next step is to complete our SCIBER-CT supplemental application. We review applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early for full consideration and the best chance at fellowship funding.

Apply to SCIBER-CT →

What you'll need:

• Unofficial transcript (min. 3.0 GPA)
• Resume or CV
• Two recommender contacts (system sends letters automatically)
• Statement of Purpose (500-700 words): Reflect on a moment when technology created a tension with something you cared about
• Meta-Prompt Exercise: Write the prompt you'd give an AI to answer the Statement of Purpose question on your behalf
• Domain Self-Assessment (3-5 sentences): Which ARX focus area is furthest from your training?
• Writing sample (optional)

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Interested in receiving financial support while you complete the SCIBER-CT certificate? Our NRT Fellowships provide stipend support, tuition assistance, and funding for research and professional development opportunities.

How it works:

All SCIBER-CT participants follow the same program curriculum, research requirements, and professional development activities. The only difference between NRT Fellows and NRT Scholars is the funding source:

• NRT Fellows: Receive stipend and tuition support funded by the NSF grant
• NRT Scholars: Self-fund through tuition payment, loans, employer sponsorship, outside scholarships/grants, or other sources

To be considered for NRT Fellowship funding:

• Indicate your interest on the SCIBER-CT supplemental application
• You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (per NSF guidelines)
• If selected as a Fellow, you'll verify your citizenship/residency status with SDSU representatives before funds are disbursed
• If you're not selected for fellowship funding or prefer not to apply, you can still participate fully in SCIBER-CT as an NRT Scholar. Both Fellows and Scholars have identical access to coursework, faculty mentorship, industry internships, research opportunities, and all program activities.

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We're looking for students who are genuinely excited about the future of construction and eager to explore how cutting-edge technologies can transform the industry.

What we look for:

• Strong fit with our mission: You're curious about AI, robotics, advanced communications, or immersive technologies and can see yourself applying these tools to real-world construction challenges.
• Demonstrated interest: Maybe you've taken relevant coursework, worked on related projects, or have professional experience that sparked your interest in smart construction. Show us what drew you to this field.
  Interdisciplinary mindset: SCIBER-CT brings together students from construction engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and other fields. We value students who are comfortable working across disciplines and learning from peers with different backgrounds.
• Research potential: We're training the next generation of researchers and innovators. Your application should demonstrate curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to tackle complex problems.
• Commitment to collaboration: The construction industry benefits from varied perspectives. We welcome students from all backgrounds and are especially interested in applicants who will contribute to a collaborative, inclusive learning environment.

Our review process:

We evaluate your complete application to understand your potential for success in SCIBER-CT. Academic performance matters, and we also consider your statement of interest, letters of recommendation, and the unique experiences you bring to the program. We want to understand who you are, what motivates you, and how SCIBER-CT fits into your journey.

Questions about the application?
Reach out to us at [email protected]. We're here to help and happy to discuss whether SCIBER-CT is the right fit for you.

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No. We welcome students from all engineering disciplines, computer science, and management. What matters most is your interest in applying technology to construction challenges. Normalizing modules will help you gain necessary construction knowledge as you go.

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Yes, if you're enrolled in an SDSU master's program. The certificate is open to current SDSU graduate students across engineering, computer science, and management programs. You must be enrolled at SDSU for the duration of the certificate program (fall semester, spring semester, and summer semester). At this time, we are not able to accept students visiting from another institution. Contact us at [email protected] with questions about how the certificate fits with your degree program.

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One year, structured as follows:

• Fall semester: 2 courses + research planning
• Spring semester: 2 courses + research
• Summer: Full-time internship

NRT Fellows should plan to focus full-time on the program throughout.

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Fellows receive NSF-funded stipends and full tuition support. Scholars participate in all program activities but secure their own funding through industry-sponsored internships, teaching assistantships, personal funds, loans, or employer sponsorship. Both receive the same educational experience, research opportunities, faculty mentorship, and program benefits.

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Yes, as NRT Scholars. International students can participate in all program activities and receive industry-paid internships. However, due to NSF regulations, Fellowship eligibility (NSF-funded stipends and tuition support) is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

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Yes. You must be enrolled in a master's program at SDSU to participate in SCIBER-CT. If you're not yet admitted to an SDSU graduate program, start by applying through SDSU Graduate Admissions. Once you're accepted and enrolled, you can apply to the SCIBER-CT certificate.

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Absolutely. All admitted students participate in the full SCIBER-CT program with identical access to coursework, research opportunities, faculty mentorship, industry internships, and professional development activities. The only difference is the funding source. Both Fellows and Scholars are valued members of the SCIBER-CT community.

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Python and C++ are most commonly used. Basic programming experience is expected, but if you're not proficient in these languages, preparatory modules and boot camps are available. We'll help you build advanced skills throughout the program.

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A: That's exactly why SCIBER-CT is interdisciplinary. We intentionally bring together students from civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, and management because no one arrives with expertise in all three focus areas (AI and Machine Learning, Robotics and Automation, Advanced Communications and Immersive Technologies). The program is designed around collaboration between students with different technical backgrounds. You'll learn from faculty and from your peers who bring strengths in areas where you're still developing. We also provide personalized support developed with your mentors to help bridge any gaps in your background. Your domain self-assessment in the application helps us understand where you'll need that support so we can set you up for success from day one.

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Research experience is beneficial but not required. We're looking for potential and genuine interest. If you haven't done formal research, describe relevant projects, internships, or coursework that demonstrate analytical thinking and curiosity about construction technologies.

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It depends on your role. NRT Fellows are expected to focus full-time on the program (coursework, research, and professional development). Scholars may work part-time depending on their other commitments, but full participation in courses and program activities is required.

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Yes. All SCIBER-CT participants will be placed in paid summer internships with our industry partners. Fellows' internships are funded through the NSF grant; Scholars' internships are paid directly by industry partners.

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Locations vary based on our partners' current project needs. Our industry partners (Clark Construction Group, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, and Azbil) have offices and active projects in multiple regions. Some internships may be in San Diego, while others could be at project sites or corporate offices elsewhere in California or across the country. We work with each student individually to match them with positions that provide valuable experience while considering their circumstances and preferences.

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Yes, in collaboration with your faculty advisor. Research projects are developed through a collaborative process between you and your SCIBER-CT faculty mentors. You'll work together to identify a project that meets program requirements while aligning with your academic interests and professional goals. Your faculty advisor brings expertise in potential research directions, and you bring your unique interests and career aspirations.

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