Construction Management, M.S.

Program Description

The Department of Engineering is offering an interdisciplinary Masters of Science degree in Construction Management. This degree is designed for working professionals who are in leadership/management positions in the construction industry or planning to advance their careers to manage large construction projects.

The goals of the Masters of Science degree in Construction Management are to prepare effective managers for large public and private construction projects, to prepare the workforce required for the state’s transportation infrastructure improvements, and to enable current and future engineers and other professionals to assume leadership roles in the construction industry.

This program is different from other construction management programs as it is based on a well-balanced curriculum covering various aspects of the construction management profession. Special attention is given to working professionals with classes offered at times convenient for the students. Students will take required courses in legal and environmental issues in construction, project planning and control, cost estimating, financial and risk management issues. Also issues in construction safety and current trends in construction industry will be discussed. Students will also have a broad choice of electives from courses in construction management, engineering, business, or other graduate courses with department approval.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Masters of Science degree in Construction Management is to prepare effective managers to lead medium and large public and private construction projects, prepare a technically capable management workforce requirement for the state’s transportation infrastructure improvement projects, and enable current and future engineers and other professionals to assume leadership roles in the construction industry.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with an M.S. in Construction Management from Cal State East Bay will be able to:

1. have knowledge in the core construction management areas (legal issues in construction, environmental issues, project planning and control, financial decision making, risk analysis, and safety),
2. have knowledge in broad areas of construction management beyond the core areas,
3. communicate effectively,
4. function in teams,
5. have the knowledge of sustainable building and construction techniques and relevant state regulations,
6. have an awareness of the complex environment (involving professional and ethical responsibilities) in which they will practice their profession,
7. have the ability to educate themselves and be prepared for lifelong learning and professional development, and
8. have experience in solving real life problems.

Career Opportunities

With the expected increase in large construction work, in part stemming from the increase in public spending on California’s transportation infrastructure improvement, there is considerable demand for individuals who can technically and scientifically manage large construction projects. The construction industry, as a whole, is one of the largest industries in the nation with a great need for skilled project managers. Sample jobs are construction manager, site manager and others.

Features

The M.S. in Construction Management is designed to accommodate working adults. The class meetings will be conducted at times convenient for the students. Most of the faculty and instructors have significant construction management work experience. Students will have the opportunity to take elective courses in construction management, engineering, business, or other graduate courses with department approval, to broaden their skills.

Admission

The M.S. in Construction Management is open to individuals planning a career or advancing their career in the construction industry, and who have

1. a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 (4.0 basis) in their undergraduate work,
2. relevant work experience, and
3. College Algebra and Trigonometry or equivalent level math courses.

In addition to the University Graduate and Post-baccalaureate Application, all applicants should submit to the department:

1. personal statement explaining their reasons for wanting to pursue the M.S. in Construction Management degree,
2. a resume detailing their professional and academic achievements, and
3. two letters of recommendation.

Admission to the University and admission to the M.S. in Construction Management degree program are separate steps.

Student Standing and Progress Toward the Degree

There are three categories of student status which reflect student progress toward the degree: “Conditionally Classified Graduate” student, “Classified Graduate” student, and “Advancement to Candidacy” student.

1. Students achieve “Conditionally Classified Graduate” status when they have been admitted to the M.S. in Construction Management degree program, but have not yet completed the prerequisites for “Classified Graduate” status in the M.S. in Construction Management.
2. Students achieve “Classified Graduate” status when they have satisfied the University Writing Skills Requirement. For information on meeting the University Writing Skills Requirement, see the Testing Office website at www.csueastbay.edu/testing or call 510.885.3661.
3. Students are advanced to Candidacy when they have completed the required courses with a 3.0 or better GPA.

Note: Students who fail to maintain progress by falling below a 3.0 GPA in their graduate courses for two or more consecutive quarters will be academically disqualified from the university.