graduate
curriculum

Master of Science in Construction Management

The Master of Science in Constructive Management (MSCM) program is designed to extend the undergraduate degree in construction and develop new career options. The MSCM program increases the student's understanding of the complete construction industry including state of the art processes, production techniques, design functions, research applications, management methods and leadership skills.

The MSCM program is intended for entry-level managers, project engineers, and related supervisory personnel who are interested in broadening their construction management knowledge base, sharpen their management acumen, and ready themselves for advancement opportunities and leadership positions within the construction industry.


Program Objectives

The Master of Science in Construction Management program is designed to:

  • develop advanced competencies in the technical, management, and leadership aspects of professional construction management;
  • broaden the career potential of individuals through applied learning experiences in construction, management; and technology;
  • provide advanced preparation in the technical aspects and human factors of the construction industry; and
  • develop a broad perspective needed for those employed in or aspiring to middle and upper management positions within the construction industry.

Admission Requirements

All applicants for admission to the Master of Science in Construction Management program must:

  • meet the degree admission requirements of the EMU Graduate School ;
  • possess a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.50; and
  • possess a baccalaureate degree in construction management or a related field, such as, civil engineering or architecture.

Candidates who have a baccalaureate degree in a field not directly related to construction may be admitted conditionally. These candidates may be admitted conditionally and will be required to complete a suite of certain undergraduate courses in construction management.

International candidates seeking admission must:

* score at least 550 on the TOEFL or 85 on the MELAB;
* possess at the time of admission a baccalaureate degree in construction management or related field such as, civil engineering or architecture; and
* complete a suite of certain undergraduate courses in construction management.

Requirements for Completing the Master Degree in Construction Management Program

An applicant for the Master Degree in Construction Management must:

* if admitted conditionally, complete all of the required undergraduate courses and complete all conditional requirements before starting the graduate program;
* complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit applicable to the MSCM program, as approved by the graduate advisor;
* earn a minimum of 16 semester hours in graduate level construction management courses with a grade of 3.0 GPA ("B") or better;
* earn an overall 3.0 GPA ("B") to qualify for graduation;
* complete a thesis/development project option, if elected;
* receive the recommendation of their program adviser and the Graduate School , and
* complete all University Graduate School requirements.

400-level courses may not be taken for graduate credit.

Construction Management Graduate Course Requirements

Construction Core 14 credit hours
CNST 501 Project Estimating (2)
CNST 502 Project Scheduling (2)
CNST 504 Project Management (2)
CNST 616 Analysis of Commercial Structures (3)
CNST 624 Project Productivity and Cost Control (3)
CNST 626 Construction Processes (2) Construction Electives 4-8 credit hours
CNST 503 Construction Delays and Claims (2)
CNST 590/591/592 Special Topics (1/2/3)
CNST 645 Occupational Safety and Health (2)
CNST 648 Principles of Construction Technology (2)
CNST 679/680/681 Special Topics (1/2/3)
CNST 682/683/684/685 Workshop (1/2/3/4)
CNST 689 Industrial Internship (2)
CNST 690/691/692 Development Project (1/2/3)
CNST 690/691/692 Thesis (1/2/3)
CNST 693/694/695 Seminar (1/2/3)
CNST 697/698/699 Independent Study(1/2/3)


Non-Construction Cognate Requirements

8-12 hours of graduate level, non-construction coursework chosen in consultation with the MSCM program adviser.


Conditional Requirements

The conditionally admitted students will be required to complete the following suite of undergraduate courses in construction management before starting the MSCM program:

CNST 201 Construction Systems (3)
CNST 229 Commercial Print Analysis (3)
CNST 302 Contracts, Documents, Reg., Specs (3)
CNST 304(401) Construction Estimating and Bidding(3)
CNST 361(301) Planning & Scheduling (3)
CNST 406 Construction Law(2)
CNST 450 Project Management(3)


Construction Management Graduate Courses

CNST 501 Project Estimating. 2 hrs
An investigation into the estimating and bidding practices used within the construction industry in order to prepare, analyze, and submit an estimate of the costs for a project.
Prereq: CNST 401 or equivalent.

CNST 502 Project Scheduling. 2 hrs
An investigation into advanced scheduling techniques and the application of these within the construction industry.
Prereq: CNST 301 and CNST 403, or equivalents.

CNST 503 Construction Delays and Claims. 2 hrs
An investigation into the risks, liabilities, and responsibilities involved in today's construction industry. The areas of liability, contract interpretation, changes, changed conditions, delays, damages, documentation, and dispute resolution are addressed.
Prereq: CNST 406 or equivalent.

CNST 504 Project Management. 2 hrs
An investigation of the typical problems associated with construction projects and applicable management practices for solving managerial problems.
Prereq: CNST 450 or equivalent

CNST 590/591/592 Special Topics. 1/2/3 hrs
An experimental course for subject matter not provided in other departmental offerings. The content will change from semester to semester. Students may elect this course several times as long as different topics are studied. Not more than six hours of special topics may be used on a degree program.
Prereq: Department permission.

CNST 597/598/599 Independent Study. 1/2/3 hrs
Opportunities are provided for the selection and completion of an individual study under the direction of a University faculty member. An approved written proposal is required. Both "independent Study" and "Research Proposal Format" guideline sheets are available from the department.
Prereq: Department permission.

CNST 616 Analysis of Commercial Structures. 3 hrs
An investigation into the construction industry practices associated with the use of working drawings to analyze project requirements for bidding, planning, scheduling, and controlling construction projects.
Prereq: CNST 302 and CNST 403, or equivalents.

CNST 624 Project Productivity and Cost Control. 3 hrs
An investigation into the contemporary problems related to construction productivity and methods to be employed to control construction costs.
Prereq: CNST 403 or equivalent.

CNST 626 Construction Processes. 2 hrs
An investigation of the more accepted and standard practices associated with the process of construction.
Prereq: CNST 450 or equivalent

CNST 645 Occupational Safety and Health. 2 hrs
An exploration of occupational safety and health from a human behavior perspective. Attention will be given to the development of safety management systems. Legislative safety and health policies will be analyzed to determine their effectiveness.

CNST 648 Principles of Construction Technology. 2 hrs
A study of the production system of the construction industries, utility systems, housing construction, and city and regional planning practices.

CNST 679/680/681 Special Topics. 1/2/3 hrs
An experimental course for subject matter not provided in other departmental offerings. The content will change from semester to semester. Students may elect this course several times as long as different topics are studied. Not more than six hours of special topics may be used on a degree program.
Prereq: Department permission.

CNST 682/683/684/685 Workshop. 1/2/3/4 hrs
Students will be provided practical and theoretical study in a selected topic area. Offered on a credit/no credit basis.
Prereq: Department permission.

CNST 689 Industrial Internship. 2 hrs
A field study of industrial theory and practice through internship experiences with cooperating industries. Designed for students desiring experiences beyond those obtained in their previous or present employment. Offered on a credit/no credit basis.

CNST 690/691/692 Development Project. 1/2/3 hrs
A theory application project conducted under the supervision of an adviser and departmental graduate committee.
Prereq: Department approval plus 12 prescribed credit hours in one's graduate concentration.

CNST 690/691/692 Thesis. 1/2/3 hrs
A research-oriented study conducted under the super vision of an adviser and departmental graduate committee and under the guidelines described in the EMU Thesis Manual.
Prereq: Department permission.

CNST 693/694/695 Seminar. 1/2/3 hrs
A research-oriented courses for graduate majors.
Prereq: Department permission.

CNST 697/698/699 Independent Study. 1/2/3 hrs
Opportunities are provided for the selection and completion of an individual study under the direction of a University faculty member. An approved written proposal is required. Both "Independent Study" and "Research Proposal Format" guide line sheets are available from the department.
Prereq: Department permission.