Construction Management

120 Architecture

Construction management is a diverse discipline focused on the delivery of projects that compose the world's built environment. Included are the determination of project requirements, management of design, procurement of materials, and management of the construction of the project within cost, time, and design parameters. In terms of dollar value output, the construction industry is the largest single production activity in the U. S. economy -- accounting for almost 10 percent of the gross national product. The construction industry is heterogeneous and enormously complex. The major classifications of construction differ markedly from one another: residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure, as well as specialties such as electrical, mechanical, framing, excavation, and roofing. Construction management is the study of how projects are conceived, designed, and built; the types of materials and methods used; techniques for estimating the cost of construction; design and contract law; construction accounting; oral and written communications; safety requirements; project planning and project management.

Undergraduate Program

Adviser
120 Architecture, Box 351610
206-543-6377
uwcm@u.washington.edu

The Department of Construction Management offers the following program of study:

• The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree

Students take the first two years of study as an undeclared major in the College of Arts and Sciences or a community college, completing program prerequisite requirements. Upon admission to the major, students take the prescribed curriculum shown below.

Bachelor of Science

Suggested First-and Second-Year Courses: M E 123; PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 117, and PHYS 118; CHEM 120; ECON 100; ENGL 131, ENGL 281; ESS 101; MATH 112, MATH 124, or MATH 145; ACCTG 215 and ACCTG 225, CM 250, COM 220, MGMT 200, QMETH 201.

Department Admission Requirements

1. Minimum 88 credits in the following categories (courses must be completed by the beginning of autumn quarter to be eligible for admission that quarter):
   1. Construction Science: M E 123.
   2. Business and Management: ACCTG 215 and ACCTG 225; MGMT 200.
   3. Individuals & Societies (I & S): ECON 100, ECON 200, or ECON 201; 10 additional I & S credits from UW Areas of Knowledge list (CM 250 recommended).
   4. Natural World (NW): PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 117, and PHYS 118: MATH 112, MATH 124, MATH 145, or Q SCI 291; ESS 101; QMETH 201; 10 additional NW credits from UW Areas of Knowledge list (CHEM 120 or environmental studies recommended).
   5. Language Skills: 5 credits from English composition list; 5 credits from "W" courses or English composition list (ENGL 131 and ENGL 281 recommended).
   6. Visual, Literary & Performing Arts (VLPA): COM 220; 5 additional VLPA credits (from UW Areas of Knowledge list).
2. Admission to the major is competitive. Admission decisions are based on an applicant's academic performance and potential, extent and quality of relevant experience, apparent attitude, and personal motivation. Completion of prerequisite requirements does not guarantee admission. Completion of prerequisite requirements is not required in order to apply, but is required prior to being admitted in autumn quarter.
3. Departmental application deadline: April 1, for the following autumn quarter. Selection for acceptance into the program is made by early May, and all applicants are notified shortly thereafter. Because each application is valid only once, a student whose application for admission is denied must reapply if consideration is desired in any subsequent year.

Major Requirements

92 credits as follows:

1. Foundation Courses (73 credits): ARCH 320, ARCH 321, ARCH 322; B CMU 301 (or CM 301), CM 310, CM 311, CM 312, CM 313, CM 321, CM 322, CM 323, CM 331, CM 332, CM 333, CM 334, CM 410, CM 411, CM 412, CM 421, CM 422, CM 423, CM 432, and CM 433.
2. Construction/Construction Science Electives (6 credits): Two of the following: CM 415, CM 420, CM 425, CM 430, or ARCH 420
3. Approved Electives (8 credits): Upper-division construction-related courses. Courses offered by the College of Built Environment or by the Foster School of Business are preferred. Courses not in these two colleges require adviser approval. (CM 413 recommended.)
4. Capstone Experience (5 credits): CM 431
5. Additional Degree Requirement: Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in upper-division college courses.

Dual-Degree Program

For requirements of the dual-degree program in architectural studies and construction management, see the Architecture section.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The study of construction management involves an interdisciplinary curriculum that contains a mix of technical, managerial, and business courses to provide graduates the essential skills needed to be successful in the construction industry. Oral and written communication skills are strengthened through written requirements and oral presentations. Construction management skill sets include the ability to read and interpret construction contract documents; the ability to determine appropriate methods for project construction and the proper sequence for each associated construction task; the ability to estimate project costs and time requirements; the ability to evaluate project site safety hazards and take action to minimize the potential for accidents occurring; an understanding of the legal framework associated with contract construction; and the ability to manage the myriad activities associated with constructing a project. 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 Architecture-Urban Planning Library (located on the third floor of Gould Hall) houses construction management books and periodicals. Additional materials are located in the Engineering Library and the Foster Library (Business School). College resources include a 30-work-station computer laboratory in the basement of Gould Hall. Departmental resources include a student lounge in Room 242, Gould Hall. The lounge contains four computers and space for student collaboration.
• Honors Options Available: None offered.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: An internship is required for completion of the degree program. Every student is encouraged to seek summer employment in the construction industry, to provide a taste of real-world experience and an opportunity to work for a construction firm. While the department seeks to identify opportunities for internship positions, the responsibility for securing a position rests with each student.
• Department Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available to eligible students.
• 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: Associated General Contractors of America, National Association of Home Builders, and Mechanical Contractors Association of America. Activities include professional guest lectures, field trips, attendance at professional meetings and seminars, and community service.

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
120 Architecture Hall, Box 351610
206-616-1917

Master of Science in Construction Management

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree (B.S. or B.A.) in civil engineering, construction management, building technology, architecture, or similar field from an accredited college or university in the United States, or its equivalent from a foreign institution. Students with undergraduate degrees in an area other than construction management or building technology must demonstrate an understanding of estimating, project planning and control, and project management either by transcript, validation examination, or successful completion of the following courses: CM 410 (5); CM 411 (3); CM 421 (3).
2. Minimum 3.00 GPA, based on last 60 graded semester hours or last 90 graded quarter hours of undergraduate and graduate study.
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
4. Statement of goals and objectives
5. Letters of recommendation
6. International applicants whose first language is not English must submit a valid Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Michigan Language Test (MLT) score. A minimum score of 580 (TOEFL) or 237 (TOEFLC) or 90 (MLT) is required for admission.

Degree Requirements

45 credits, as follows:

• Core Courses ( 9 credits): CM 500 (3), CM 535 (3), CM 575 (3)
• Construction Management Elective Courses (15-21 credits): 15 to 21 credits of the following: CM 505 (3), CM 510 (3), CM 515 (3), CM 520 (3), CM 525 (3), CM 530 (3), CM 540 (3), CM 545 (3), CM 550 (3), CM 555 (3), CM 565 (3), CM 570 (3), CM 580 (3), CM 582 (3), CM 584 (3), CM 586 (3), CM 588 (3), CM 590 (2), CM 598, B E 551 (3), B E 552 (3), B E 553 (3)
• General Elective Courses (12 credits): Other graduate-level courses approved by adviser.
• Thesis or Research Paper (3 or 9 credits): Research paper - CM 600 (3); thesis - CM 700 (9)