Construction management is the overall planning, coordination, and control of a project from inception to completion. The CM major addresses issues related to the management of multiple project sites and the applications of resource management, schedule control, cost control, design, and other requirements of the construction process. Design elements concentrate on the relationship between the built environment and the comfort of its inhabitants while safety education emphasizes the health of the individual worker.

A major in from provides a strong foundation for professional careers in the construction industry. The curriculum integrates technology and innovative management systems with the basics of civil engineering, business and management, and the communication skills required to be successful in today’s world. Coursework includes construction methods, estimating, scheduling, computer technologies, architectural principles, fundamentals of management and law, steel and concrete structures, and soils. The curriculum incorporates hands-on labs for most courses. This diverse program creates a broad range of career options for graduates.

Learning Outcomes

Students will develop and demonstrate:

• Professional, analytical, and problem solving skills related to the career requirements in construction management
• Strong professional communication skills with an emphasis on written, graphic, and verbal skills related to the career requirements in construction management
• Technical proficiency in the following construction management areas: design/engineering, management, materials and methods, estimating, scheduling, safety, surveying, and project administration

Potential Occupations

The construction industry has become a highly technical industry marked by continuous and dramatic change. There is a continued demand for capable and highly trained construction management professionals who can adapt and become effective leaders in the field. CM continues to boast one of the highest placement rates and entry level salaries of all majors.

In addition to the campus Career Center, the CM Department prides itself on its in-house career support. Services provided by the Phelps Placement Office include internship and career placement, bi-annual CM career fair, in-house industry interviews, graduate resume publication, year-round intern and job postings, resume and business correspondence resources, and career assessment counseling.

Entry-level occupations include, but are not limited to: field engineer, assistant estimator, project scheduler, cost control engineer, safety engineer, project supervisor, project coordinator, quality assurance specialist, project engineer, assistant project manager, and assistant superintendent. Recruiting Industries include: Commercial, Heavy Civil and Heavy Highway, Industrial and Utility, Mechanical and Electrical, Project Controls and Consulting, Residential Development, Specialty Contracting, and Transportation.