Graduate Degree

The Master of Science degree program with a major in construction management is designed to provide breadth in the managerial, technological, economic, and environmental aspects of construction.  The program is also designed to provide depth through a systems approach encompassing project management, estimating, scheduling and project controls, land acquisition and development, architectural and engineering design, construction technology, real estate, finance, business management, and marketing.

The master’s program in construction management is available under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis).  Students who anticipate careers in teaching, consulting, or research, or who plan to pursue a doctoral program, are encouraged to select Plan A.  After the student’s academic advisor has approved the student’s program of study under Plan A, the student may not pursue the program under Plan B without the approval of the school.

Students who are enrolled in the master’s program in construction management often take courses in business management, labor and industrial relations, civil engineering, human environment and design, resource development, urban planning, statistics, or education, in addition to courses in the major.  Students may work directly with one or more faculty members on an independent basis to cover material that is not available through regular courses.

Master of Science

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the master's degree program in construction management, an applicant must take the Graduate Record Examination General Test and have the scores submitted to the department.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must:

1. Have a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management or in a related area such as architecture, business, design, engineering, management, or urban planning.
2. Have a cumulative grade–point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the undergraduate program.
3. Have experience in the construction industry acceptable to the department.
4. Have completed as part of the undergraduate program 3 semester credits of introductory calculus (MTH 124 Survey of Calculus I or its equivalent); 3 semester credits of introductory physics (PHY 231 Introductory Physics I or its equivalent).

Applicants who do not meet the requirements referenced in item 1. and 4. above may be required to complete specified collateral courses with a grade-point average of at least 3.00. These courses will not count toward the degree. The guidance committee will determine which courses are required as collateral courses for each applicant.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Construction Management

The student must complete a total of 30 credits for the degree under Plan A (with thesis) or 33 credits for the degree under Plan B (without thesis). For students who elect independent study courses, including Construction Management 890, no more than 6 credits under Plan A and 9 credits under Plan B may be counted toward the requirements for the degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and must meet the requirements specified below:

Transfer Credits

No more than 9 semester credits of graduate course work (excluding research and thesis credits) may be transferred from other recognized educational institutions.