Academic Programs Catalog

The program is designed to provide a student with a background in managerial, technological, economic, social, political, and environmental aspects of residential and commercial construction. A systems approach is used and includes project management, construction science, land acquisition and development, real estate, finance, management, and marketing. Career opportunities include supervisory and managerial employment within commercial and residential contracting, land development, and real estate organizations; material distribution systems; financial institutions; and governmental agencies.

Admission as a Junior

Construction management builds upon a basic understanding of mathematics, physics, statistics, and economics to develop the skills necessary to manage construction projects. Prior to enrollment in the major, students must have demonstrated this basic understanding by a minimum performance in the courses listed and a minimum grade-point average of 3.00 in CMP courses listed in item 2. below.

Enrollment in the construction management major is limited. Those seeking admission must at least meet the criteria listed below.

While meeting all of the criteria above is necessary to be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management, it does not guarantee admission. Other factors such as MSU grade-point average, construction management grade-point average, work experience, and personal experience may also be considered.

For additional information about admissions criteria and procedures, students should contact the Construction Management Program in the School of Planning, Design, and Construction.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Construction Management major is met by completing Construction Management 385. This course is referenced in item 3. below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the Construction Management major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Physical Sciences that consists of Physics 231. 
   
   The completion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following courses (62 credits):
   	ACC	230	Survey of Accounting Concepts				3
   	CMP	101	Principles of Construction Management				2
   	CMP	124	Residential Construction Materials and Methods				3
   	CMP	210	Commercial Construction Methods				3
   	CMP	222	Statics and Strengths of Materials				3
   	CMP	230	Utility Systems				3
   	CMP	245	Principles of Green Building				3
   	CMP	305	Site Construction and Measurement				3
   	CMP	311	Construction Project Scheduling				3
   	CMP	315	Construction  Quantity Surveying				3
   	CMP	322	Structural Systems				3
   	CMP	325	Real Estate Principles and Construction Finance				3
   	CMP	328	Building Information Modeling for Construction				3
   	CMP	385	Construction Documents and Contracts (W)				3
   	CMP	401	Construction Safety Management				3
   	CMP	415	Cost Estimating and Analysis				3
   	CMP	423	Construction Project Management				3
   	MGT	325	Management Skills and Processes				3
   	MTH	124	Survey of Calculus I				3
   	PHY	231	Introductory Physics I				3
   	PHY	232	Introductory Physics II				3
   	Students must have a minimum grade-point of 2.0 in each of the following courses: CMP 401, 415, and 423.
   b.	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   	CMP	445	Green and Energy Efficient Building Construction				3
   	CMP	453	Land Development				3
   	CMP	475	Practical Experiences in Construction Management				3
   	CMP	491	Special Topics in Construction Management				3 or 4
   	CMP	493	Professional Internship in Construction Management				3
   	PDC	403	Introduction to Domicology: Sustainable Built Environment				3
   c.	One of the following courses with a minimum grade-point of 2.0 (3 credits):
   	CMP	435	Residential Building and Development Projects (W)				3
   	CMP	436	Commercial Building Projects (W)				3
   	CMP	492	Capstone Project Competitions				3
   d.	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   	COM	100	Human Communication				3
   	COM	225	An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication				3
   	COM	240	Introduction to Organizational Communication				4
   e.	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   	STT	200	Statistical Methods				3
   	STT	201	Statistical Methods				4
   f.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	EC	201	Introduction to Microeconomics				3
   	EC	202	Introduction to Macroeconomics				3
   g.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	FI	320	Introduction to Finance				3
   	GBL	323	Introduction to Business Law				3
   	MKT	327	Introduction to Marketing				3
   	SCM	304	Survey of Supply Chain Management				3

The Interior Design program is designed to prepare students for professional careers in interior design or for professional masters programs. The program provides students an opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, and insights needed to solve design problems creatively and effectively. Interior Design students will obtain fundamental and in-depth design knowledge, basic and advanced design skills, critical thinking strategies for evidence-based design solutions, and skills necessary for real-world practice and research. The curriculum enables the student to design and present solutions that support physical, psychological, social, and behavioral needs of all users and enhance health and well-being. 

The Interior Design Program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The program meets the educational requirements for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). 

Admission

The number of students admitted to the major in interior design is limited. To be considered for admission, a student must have:

1. Completed at least 28 credits.
2. An all–university grade–point average of 2.50 or better.
3. A grade–point average of 3.00 or better in the following courses: Interior Design 140, 142, 150, 152, and 240. Those courses are referenced in item 3. a. below in the Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design.

In addition, transfer students must have previous design work evaluated by the department prior to placements in required courses.

Selective admissions are made at the end of spring semester for Michigan State University and transfer students from those students who have met the criteria referenced. The final selection of students to be admitted to the major is based on the cumulative grade–point average of all courses taken and a grade–point average calculated for selected courses and portfolio review by faculty members.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Interior Design major is met by completing Interior Design 442.  This course is referenced in item 3. a. below.
   
   The completion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
2. The completion of the requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following courses (57 credits):
   	IDES	140	Design for Living				3
   	IDES	142	Design Theory Studio				3
   	IDES	150	Interior Design Drafting				3
   	IDES	152	Interior Environments				3
   	IDES	240	Computer–Aided Design for Designers				3
   	IDES	250	3D Modeling and Visualization				3
   	IDES	252	Interior Design Synthesis I				4
   	IDES	340	Interior Design Specifications and Workroom Practices				3
   	IDES	342	Interior Design:  Human Dimensions				3
   	IDES	343	Interior Design Presentation and Media				3
   	IDES	344	History of Interior Design: Ancient Through Rococo				3
   	IDES	350	Interior Design Lighting and Environmental Systems				3
   	IDES	352	Interior Design Synthesis II				4
   	IDES	354	History of Interior Design:  Neo–Classical Through Modern				3
   	IDES	393	Introduction to Professional Practice				1
   	IDES	440	Contemporary Design Issues				2
   	IDES	441	Interior Design Open Office Systems				1
   	IDES	442	Interior Design Programming (W)				3
   	IDES	451	Interior Design Professional Practice				2
   	IDES	452	Interior Design Synthesis III				4
   b.	Any two of the following History of Art options (6 to 9 credits):
   	(1)	Any History of Art course (3 or 4 credits).
   	(2)	Any History of Art course (3 or 4 credits).
   	(3)	IDES 490 Independent Study (3 to 5 credits) earned through the Interior Design Education Abroad program.
   	(4)	IDES 456 Historic Preservation and Sustainability (3 credits).

Established in 1898, the undergraduate Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program provides a diverse learning experience which strives for balancing ideology, design, technology, art and science toward creating a sustainable and resilient world. The program curriculum prepares students to be responsible landscape architects and fulfilled individuals with a breadth and depth of professional knowledge, bridged with the employability skills to advance in practice. Graduates master the scientific evidence-based approach in creating design solutions across scales with the integration of art, science and human interaction, applying their knowledge to diverse and immersive project types from local to international settings.

The program includes professional courses in design theory and graphic communications, environmental perception, history, and plant materials and their uses; technical aspects of site development, design applications for representative land uses; site planning for typical projects; community planning, housing and recreational development; and urban and regional design and planning.

The program offers meaningful opportunities and challenges within the classroom and on community projects, which prepare the student to communicate through writing, speech and graphics. The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program at Michigan State University has been accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB) since 1952.

Honors Study

Students interested in honors programs in landscape architecture should consult with an academic advisor.

Admission

The number of students who can be admitted as sophomores to the landscape architecture major is limited. To be admitted to the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program, the following factors will be taken into consideration:

1. Completion of 28 credits.
2. Submission of a completed Landscape Architecture application package by the deadline specified by the School.
3. Achieve a grade of 2.0 or higher in the following core Landscape Architecture courses:
   1. LA 140 Graphics and Two-Dimensional Design Studio
   2. LA 141 Graphics and Three-Dimensional Design Studio
   3. LA 200 Introduction to Landscape Architecture
4. Completion of the University, College and School mathematics requirement referenced in item 2. b. (2) below.
5. Completion of PDC 120 Planning and Design Digital Graphics.

Admissions are determined by the faculty on the basis of the relative qualifications of applicants and the enrollment capacity in the program. Admission is competitive. Transfer students and students with 28 or more credits who want to change their major to Landscape Architecture may have previous design work evaluated by the program prior to placement in landscape architecture second-year courses and above.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Degree in Landscape Architecture

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 130 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree in Landscape Architecture.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the Landscape Architecture major leading to the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree in the School of Planning, Design and Construction may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses:  Plant Biology 105, an ISP course and ISP laboratory.  The completion of the ISP course and ISP laboratory satisfies the laboratory requirement.  Plant Biology 105 may be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major referenced in item 2. below.
   
   The completion of Mathematics 116, or Mathematics 103 and 114, or Mathematics 103 and Statistics and Probability 200 or 201 referenced in requirement 2. below may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Landscape Architecture major is met by completing Landscape Architecture 480.  That course is referenced in item 2. c. below.
2. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	A minimum grade of 2.0 in all Landscape Architecture courses referenced in requirement 2.c. below.
   b.	Collateral Courses (30 to 35 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following courses (22 credits):
   		HRT	211	Landscape Plants I					3
   		HRT	212	Landscape Plants II					3
   		HRT	311	Landscape Design and Management Specifications					4
   		ISS	310	People and the Environment (I)					4
   		PDC	120	Planning and Design Digital Graphics					2
   		PLB	105	Plant Biology					3
   		UP	424	Geographic Information Systems and Design Tools for Planning					3
   	(2)	One of the following groups (5 to 7 credits):
   		(a)	MTH	116	College Algebra and Trigonometry				5
   		(b)	MTH	103	College Algebra				3
   			MTH	114	Trigonometry				3
   		(c)	MTH	103	College Algebra				3
   			STT	200	Statistical Methods				3
   			or						4
   			STT	201	Statistical Methods
   	(3)	Students must demonstrate AutoCAD proficiency through transfer credit, waiver or completion of the following course (0 to 3 credits):
   		IDES	240	Computer-Aided Design for Designers					3
   	(4)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		EC	201	Introduction to Microeconomics					3
   		EC	202	Introduction to Macroeconomics					3
   c.	Landscape Architecture Courses:  All of the following courses (61 credits):
   	LA	140	Graphics and Two-Dimensional Design Studio						4
   	LA	141	Graphics and Three-Dimensional Design Studio						4
   	LA	200	Introduction to Landscape Architecture						3
   	LA	230	Site Construction Materials and Methods						4
   	LA	231	Landscape Site Engineering						4
   	LA	242	Creating Space Studio						4
   	LA	243	Place Making Studio						4
   	LA	332	Advanced Landscape Site Engineering						4
   	LA	344	Connections of Scale Studio						5
   	LA	345	Design Development Studio						5
   	LA	390	Landscape Architecture Field Studies						3
   	LA	421	Drawing as Knowing						4
   	LA	447	Juried Design Studio						5
   	LA	448	Regional Environmental Design Studio						2
   	LA	449	Landscape Architecture Design Studio						3
   	LA	480	Professional Practice in Landscape Architecture (W)						3
   d.	Directed Electives (14 credits):
   	A minimum of 14 additional credits in courses approved by the student's academic advisor and program director. Courses that are used to satisfy the University Integrative Studies and writing requirements may not be used to satisfy this requirement. Courses used to satisfy the AutoCAD proficiency requirement referenced in item 2 b. (3) above may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

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.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in cooperation with the Landscape Architecture program and the Interior Design program in the School of Planning, Design and Construction and the Departments of Horticulture and Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies participate in the Master of Arts degree in Environmental Design. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the primary administrative unit.

The purpose of this master’s degree is to train students to address the environment-related issues in research and design using scientific, evidence-based approach. The program focuses on the complex interdisciplinary nature for sustainable environments. Students will develop a highly individualized plan of study with a focus in sustainable built, natural, and virtual environments. Students who are enrolled in the program will be able to take courses on ecology, human environment and design, construction management, social science, environmental resource development, city and regional planning, statistics or education, in addition to courses in the major.

The Master of Arts Degree in Environmental Design addresses four areas of professional development. These include:

1. acquisition of in-depth knowledge in the area of environmental design theory;
2. development of problem-solving skills within an interdisciplinary professional context;
3. development of technological expertise and a knowledge base in a selected area of environmental research and design; and
4. a greater command of analytical, graphic, written, and oral communication skills.

All students will take a core of three courses in environmental design (theory, seminar, and studio), in addition to either a Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). Students will elect relevant courses in fields which pertain to their design area of interest.

The program is planned to provide an alternative to traditional professional degrees by addressing the needs of students with undergraduate design backgrounds who wish to work in an interdisciplinary setting while pursuing an area of individual interest.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in Environmental Design, the applicant must have:

1. completed a bachelor’s degree in a design related field such as horticulture, park and recreation, interior design, landscape architecture, or architecture.
2. a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 in design and technology courses with an academic background sufficient to indicate probable success in the program.
3. satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE) as judged by the environmental design faculty. No substantive area GRE examinations are required.
4. acceptance as an advisee by a participating environmental design faculty member.

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

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Environmental Design

Students in the Master of Arts in Environmental Design must complete a total of 33 credits for the degree under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A minimum of 17 of those credits must be at the 800-level or above, distributed as follows:

For Plan A , students must complete a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 9 credits of Master’s Thesis Research (899) in one of the following departments: Planning, Design and Construction; Horticulture;  or Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. They must also prepare a written thesis and pass an oral examination.

For Plan B, students must complete 6 credits of Master’s Research (898) in one of the following departments: Planning, Design and Construction; Horticulture;  or Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. They must also complete either a major planning or design project or pass a comprehensive examination.

The many aspects of our built and natural environment – buildings, facilities, interior spaces, infrastructure, neighborhoods, and communities – are an integral part of our society. Every new space and structure serves to define and shape a community’s personality. Poor planning design and/or construction can compromise a community’s appearance and drain its resources. Conversely, well-planned, designed and constructed environments sustain and enrich a community.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Planning, Design and Construction with a concentration in construction management, environmental design, or urban and regional planning will enable students to meet future challenges. Graduates of this program will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the effects of plans, regulations, design, materials, project management techniques, and construction systems on the economic, environmental, and social concerns of stakeholders and society.

Admission

To be considered for regular admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Planning, Design and Construction, an applicant must have all of the following:

1. A master’s degree in a related field.
2. A cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
3. GRE scores no lower than 301 in combined verbal and quantitative and at least 4.0 analytical.
4. TOEFL scores (for international applicants):
   1. Paper-based – no lower than 575 (with no sub scores below 52)
   2. Computer-based – no lower than 235 (with no sub scores below 19)
   3. Internet-based – no lower than 90 (with no sub scores below 19 for reading, listening, and   speaking, and no writing sub score below 22)

Additionally, students are encouraged to submit a sample of scholarly work or a portfolio of design work. Depending on the proposed area of concentration, the school may ask for  additional background information.

Provisional admission may be granted to an applicant who does not meet the above requirements but demonstrates outstanding potential. Collateral course work will not count  towards degree requirements.

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

Guidance Committee

The guidance committee should be comprised of at least four faculty members. The chairperson and one other committee member should be from the student’s area of concentration within the School, a third member can be from the student’s area of concentration or another area of concentration within the School, and a fourth member must be from outside the school.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Planning, Design and Construction

The student must:

The Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development and Construction trains students to gain knowledge about real estate development and to integrate sustainable principles that shape our built environments for current and future generations. The program is available online only.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development and Construction

The Graduate Certificate in Urban Resilient trains students to gain knowledge about urban resilient redevelopment and to integrate sustainable principles that shape our built environments for current and future generations. The program is available online only.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Urban Resilient Redevelopment