M.S. Construction Management

This program is intended primarily for students holding a B.S. in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a closely related field. Prospective students, whose undergraduate degree is not in a closely related field, should contact the Civil Engineering and Construction Management (CECM) Department to discuss additional prerequisite courses with a faculty advisor.

History

Once every four years, America’s civil engineers provide a comprehensive assessment (in terms of grades) of the nation’s major infrastructure categories in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)’s Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. Since 1998, the grades have been near failing, averaging only Ds, due to delayed maintenance and underinvestment across most categories. In the 2021 ASCE Report Card, America’s cumulative GPA for infrastructure rose slightly to a C‐. Moreover, with the passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act), a once‐in‐a‐generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness, the demand for more education in construction management is needed. Accordingly, the US requires infrastructure projects for years ahead. This Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM) degree is needed to fulfill the needs of the challenging nature of the construction industry.

Program Vision

The Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM) degree is intended to serve owners' representatives, consulting engineers, architects, design engineers, contractors, and subcontractors, who have a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.

Program Mission

Graduates will gain knowledge, technical skills, and managerial abilities needed for success in the construction industry, attain leadership in the field, and increase career opportunities in the construction industry. Graduates will be able to meet industry and government needs for professionals in construction management‐related positions.

Program Objectives

The CSUN graduate Construction Management Program prepares students for lifelong careers in the construction industry that will allow them to make productive contributions to the construction field and society, and to find job satisfaction. To accomplish this overall goal, graduates of this program should have the following attributes during the first few years following graduation:

1. Exhibit the planning, organization, execution, and legal skills of a construction manager.
2. Compare Construction Management technologies, innovations, and processes.
3. Evaluate the logistics underlying construction systems and devise strategies for managing these complexities.
4. Demonstrate the financial, managerial, and cognitive acumen of a leader in the construction industry.
5. Analyze how issues of cost, schedule, and design impact project development and implementation.
6. Apply global, ethical, and sustainability perspectives to Construction Management knowledge.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Masters of Science in Construction Management Program at California State University, Northridge will have the following learning outcomes:

1. Working knowledge of engineering terms common to construction operations, equipment, and material procurement, maintenance, estimating and bidding techniques, work scheduling, quality control techniques, resource allocation, common construction practices, construction organizations, and financing.
2. Familiarity with basic elements of a contract, types of specifications, general provisions, resolution of legal disputes, and negotiating strategies.
3. Working knowledge of construction equipment to include selection and performance, estimating productivity, and equipment economics. Working knowledge of the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of construction materials and their non‐destructive testing including metals, concrete, timber, asphalt, and soil.
4. Knowledge of problems meeting the growing energy demand. Selection of energy sources and their corresponding advantages and disadvantages.
5. Basic understanding of data processing and computer techniques for application to engineering problems.
6. Working knowledge of and ability to apply business and financial accounting principles.
7. Proficiency in oral and written communications and ability to identify, research, and recommend alternatives to various engineering problems for presentation to both technical and non‐technical managers.

Careers & Outcomes

Construction Management graduates work in the public and private sectors at rewarding careers, guiding construction projects through all stages of development. Below are common job titles for our graduates, as well as examples of where our alumni work.

Degree Requirements

Read M.S. in Construction Management Program Requirements

Required Courses

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree in Construction Management: 30