Construction Management Master of Science

The master of science in construction management (MSCM) degree and certificate are designed to provide programs of advanced study for candidates anticipating a managerial career in the construction industry. In addition to course delivery in a hybrid distance mode, flexibility is built into the program to provide an optimum educational experience to working students.

These programs reflect a collaborative effort between the construction industry and university, and are intended to meet a growing need in the construction industry for technical professionals with management and applied research skills. The interdisciplinary curriculum includes management-oriented courses and technical electives that allow the student's program of study to reflect individual interests and career goals.

The programs are geared toward the working professional, although many students also enter the programs immediately after completing an appropriate undergraduate degree. Most MSCM degree program applicants have academic background in the traditional disciplines of civil, electrical, mechanical, architectural, or industrial engineering.

An accelerated master of science (BS/MS) degree program is available for qualified seniors in the engineering BS programs at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The accelerated master’s degree program allows such students to take up to 9 graduate-level credits to simultaneously meet undergraduate and graduate degree program requirements.

Students with non-engineering backgrounds have also succeeded in the MSCM program, and typically start off with the certificate program.

Online or On Campus

Using blended learning technologies, courses are offered online concurrently with traditional face-to-face classes. This "HyFlex" approach to creating and managing blended courses provides students even greater choices when trying to manage their time. Hyflex, (Hybrid/Flexible), allows a student to choose whether they will attend a face-to-face class, or complete the required work online for any particular class date. Hybrid - combines both online and face-to-face teaching and learning activities. Flexible - students may choose whether or not to attend face-to-face sessions with no "learning deficit." Methods of instruction include hybrid lecture, threaded online discussions, written assignments, quizzes, and term papers. This 100% flexible approach enables delivery that meets the needs of today's mobile professionals.

Certificate Program

Practicing professionals or students seeking upper-level management positions in various construction related industries may be initially interested in the 12-hour construction management certificate. Many students have used this certificate program as a starting point for their graduate education. Further studies will lead to the MSCM degree.

Professional Master's Program (Non-thesis)

Consistently ranked one of "America's 100 Best College Buys", the School of Mines developed this flexible, affordable, part-time master's program so you can continue to work while advancing your career and keeping your knowledge up-to-date in this rapidly changing field. The program offers you access to the School of Mines' award-winning faculty and first-class curricula. In addition, you will be part of a student cohort that includes working professionals from across the US. Courses typically meet one evening per week and cover the core topics in construction management.

Program Overview

• The professional master's curriculum includes 33 credits of coursework consisting of five core classes plus six elective classes allowing a program of study to reflect both individual interests and career goals.
• The program includes an interdisciplinary curriculum with over 21 hours of management-oriented courses.
• Up to twelve hours of appropriate credit may be transferred from other institutions.
• A HyFlex blended delivery of both online and face-to-face interaction allows participation for local and distance professionals.

Core Curriculum (15 credits)

• Construction contracts: social, economic, and legal aspects of contracts
• Construction project management: estimating, scheduling, and project control
• Advanced construction management: lean construction, productivity, and process improvement
• Construction equipment management: equipment cost and productivity
• Construction company management: financial management, strategic planning, business development, human resources management, information management, quality management, and risk management

Electives

• Professional practice portfolio
• Building codes
• Advanced materials and methods
• Sustainable construction
• Managing sustainable projects
• Safety management
• Quality management
• Business strategy
• Ethics and professionalism
• Innovation and commercialization
• Engineering economics
• Ergonomics
• Engineering management and labor relations

The courses and sequence of the MSCM program are designed so that students can enter the program at any one of the three semesters during the year.

For more information on the construction management master's program, contact:
Dr. Scott Amos
Professor and Program Coordinator - Construction Management MS
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
(605) 394-1694
Scott.Amos@sdsmt.edu