The program offered by  covers the wide variety of structures that make up the built environment, offering a focus on the properties of materials and construction systems, how materials are fabricated to produce buildings and other structures, and the business aspects of the construction industry.

Strengths of the program

• Strong, broad-based instruction in business, construction, architecture, and engineering through the specific expertise of several WSU departments.
• This well-established program has developed a strong tradition in teaching about structures, technology, and problem-solving inherent to construction since its start at WSU more than 50 years ago.
• The program encourages you to develop an inquisitive and inventive mind to address complex construction methods and management techniques.
• WSU’s School of Design and Construction is a member of the Associated Schools of Construction, a national organization of universities with construction-oriented curricula.

Career

The need for professionally educated construction managers has increased in recent years. The Associated General Contractors of America, the American Institute of Constructors, the Associated Builders and Contractors, the National Association of Home Builders, and various other national associations have urged universities to educate people at the university level for management positions in the large and rapidly expanding construction industry. WSU has responded to this need by continually expanding and strengthening its construction management program.

The construction management program at WSU has experienced at (or near) 100% placement for the last 8-10 years regardless of the overall economic condition.  WSU graduates are typically recruited to positions in building construction and heavy civil construction working for general contractors or subcontractors. Others opt for positions in real estate development or residential construction. There are options to work for both private and public entities.