Construction Management

The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree, accredited by the American Council for Construction Education, benefits from strong industry support and mentoring. The department works closely with the Construction Industry Advisory Council (CIAC), which includes most major construction industry associations and companies within the region and nationally. This close relationship ensures that students receive the support they need to succeed in the construction industry.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: Upon completion of the Construction Management degree program, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate proficiency in creating oral and written communications appropriate to the construction discipline.
  • Create construction project safety plans, cost estimates, and schedules.
  • Analyze professional decisions based on ethical principles and methods, materials, and equipment used for construction projects.
  • Apply electronic-based technology and basic surveying techniques for construction.
  • Understand a broad plethora of concepts, including: different methods of project delivery; the roles and responsibilities of all constituencies involved in the design and construction process; construction accounting and cost control; construction quality assurance and control; construction project control processes; legal implications of contract, common, and regulatory law to manage a construction project; basic principles of sustainable construction; basic principles of structural behavior; and basic principles of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.

    Graduates pursue careers with construction companies, design firms, public agencies, homebuilders, consulting firms, real estate developers, and construction material suppliers.

• Instructional and Research Facilities: The department has offices and meeting spaces on the UW campus, and the Center for Education and Research in Construction (CERC) facilities housed in the Sand Point complex at Magnusson Park. The facility features 25,000 square feet of laboratory and classroom space on two levels, suitable for hands-on building activities and exploring a full-scale prototype in either a physical or digital space. A dedicated laboratory of construction methods and concrete materials has various lab and testing equipment.
• Honors Options Available: College Honors (completion of both Interdisciplinary Honors and Departmental Honors requirements). Departmental Honors. See department website for more information.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Every student is strongly encouraged to have a summer internship in the construction industry before completing the degree program to have a taste of real-world experience and an opportunity to work for a construction firm. The department offers a set of career services including an annual Construction Career Expo that is attended by more than 100 companies. While the department seeks to identify opportunities for internship positions, the responsibility for securing a position rests with each student. See department website for more information.
• Department Scholarships: The department offers numerous scholarships. See department website for more information.
• Student Organizations/Associations: 
  • Sigma Lambda Chi is a national student honor society for recognition of outstanding students majoring in construction management. Membership is offered only to those students in the top twentieth percentile of their class. Each year the student chapter conducts community service activities.
  • Associated Students in Construction (ASIC) is an umbrella organization for several student chapters of national organizations, including Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), and many more. ASIC activities include professional guest lectures, field trips, attendance at professional meetings and seminars, and community service.

Construction Management