Construction Management
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management (CM) is designed for students interested in the technical aspects of managing a construction project from inception to completion. The CM program provides insight into the inner workings of the construction industry.
The B.S. Construction Management degree is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Construction Management Program Criteria.
Eight Semester Plan
The B.S. in Construction Management requires 120 total hours. For more information on the suggested sequence of courses required for a degree in Construction Management please view the plan or visit the WCU course catalog.
Transfer Students
Transfer as seamlessly as possible from a community college to one of the College
of Engineering and Technology’s programs.
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Internship Opportunities
Undergraduate students who are working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management are required to complete an internship, which can be fulfilled in one of the three semesters (summer, fall or spring) prior to graduation.
Students receive two credits for successfully completing a one-semester internship prior to graduation. Work experience of 400 hours in the construction industry approved in advance by the Instructor of Record. Upon completion of this course, students will have gained experience in project-based work in the construction industry and will have learned how to:
- Apply construction management concepts to construction projects
- Work in a project-team environment
- Meet deadlines and work under pressure
- Interface with the various different members of the construction industry
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the CM program will move up through the profession either through the project superintendent career path or through a construction management career path to the position of project manager. The next level of advancement is either manager of multiple projects, vice president, president or chief executive officer of a construction firm or owner of a company.
With a degree in construction management, students have the option of several different career paths. Typical starting positions include the following:
- Inspector
- Contract administrator
- Scheduler
- Estimator
- Cost control
- Project controls
- Procurement
- Facilities manager
- Assistant construction manager
- Construction manager
- Assistant project manager
- Project manager
Minor in Construction Management
Undergraduate students at WCU may also choose to minor in construction management. The minor in Construction Management is open to non-CM majors and requires 24 credit hours. For more information on the course requirements, visit the WCU course catalog.
Program Objectives
WCU's Construction Management curriculum sets out to meet specific learning objectives and prepare each student with particular knowledge and analytic skills to ensure their success in the industry:
Program Educational Objectives are broad statements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that the program is preparing graduates to achieve.
Graduates of the Construction Management Program will:
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Apply their technical knowledge as practicing professionals or engage in graduate education.
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Work successfully in their chosen career individually and within a professional team environment.
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Engage in professional development in their profession by adapting to new technology and career challenges.
Student Outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to know and be able to apply by the time of graduation.
For baccalaureate degree programs, these student outcomes must include, but are not limited to, the following:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.
- An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
- An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty
*This table represents first-time full-time fall semester enrollment.
| Academic Year | FR | SO | JR | SR | 2nd Bachelors | Total | Degrees Conferred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | 58 | 40 | 48 | 65 | 2 | 213 | 43 |
| Fall 2021 | 49 | 46 | 53 | 61 | 2 | 211 | 37 |
| Fall 2020 | 54 | 58 | 39 | 60 | 1 | 212 | 29 |
| Fall 2019 | 79 | 36 | 45 | 47 | 1 | 208 | 23 |
| Fall 2018 | 52 | 46 | 34 | 35 | 1 | 168 | 39 |
| Fall 2017 | 51 | 36 | 20 | 52 | 1 | 160 | 34 |
Accreditation
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