Program Director:

Blake Wentz, Ph.D.
Office: CC-61C
Phone: (414) 277-2204
Fax: (414) 277-7415
Email: wentz@msoe.edu

The degree is for students who wish to become nonresidential building construction project professionals. The rigorous program melds instruction about business administration, basic scientific and engineering principles, and construction science, building information modeling (BIM), and project management techniques to graduate professionals who are savvy about current industry practices and educated for a lifetime of learning in this challenging and rewarding career.

Program Mission

The MSOE BSCM program’s mission is to provide a learning environment that incorporates the needs of the construction industry while developing a well-rounded professional construction manager.

Program Educational Objectives

The following program educational objectives describe the expected accomplishments of graduates during the first several years following graduation from the CM program at MSOE.

• Graduates of the BSCM program who choose to pursue certification as a Certified Professional Constructor (CPC), after attaining the required years of work experience stipulated by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC), achieve that distinction.
• Graduates of the BSCM program who choose to pursue a graduate degree can achieve that distinction.
• Graduates of the BSCM program will pursue opportunities to advance their professional skills through lifelong learning (e.g. graduates studies, conferences, seminars, etc.).
• Graduates of the BSCM program will demonstrate a commitment to their profession by participating in one or more professional societies.
• Graduates of the BSCM program will demonstrate, in their professional practices, an appreciation for sustainable construction.

Student Outcomes

The following student outcomes describe what students are expected to know or be able to do by the time they graduate from MSOE. BSCM graduates will be:

• Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Able to work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledgeable of the responsibilities, both professional and ethical, that are required of a construction manager.
• Knowledgeable of the need for lifelong learning and have the motivation to pursue it.
• Knowledgeable in the humanities and social sciences and of contemporary issues necessary to understand the global, societal and environmental impact of the construction manager.
• Proficient in the business management areas listed below:
  • Economics
  • Principles of management
  • Accounting
  • Business law
• Proficient in the mathematics and science areas listed below:
  • Mathematics: calculus I and II, probability and statistics
  • Analytical physical science: general physics and general chemistry
• Proficient in the construction sciences areas listed below:
  • Design theory
  • Analysis of design of construction systems
  • Construction graphics
  • Construction surveying
  • Construction methods and materials
• Proficient in the construction areas listed below:
  • Estimating
  • Planning and scheduling
  • Construction accounting and finance
  • Construction law
  • Safety
  • Project management

The objectives and outcomes are achieved by quality control processes that:

• ensure adherence to the program accreditation criteria prescribed by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
• ensure continuous program improvement, especially
  • by routinely exchanging ideas and observations with the BSCM Industry Advisory Council.
  • by carefully analyzing program assignment and examination results, as well as other student instructional feedback.
• are complementary with the BSAE program.

Some Common Positions

Construction Project Manager - The construction project manager (PM) has overall responsibility and authority to direct and coordinate actions that deliver the project to the client on time, under budget, and with required safety and quality. The PM might be associated with the project as soon as the client conceives the project and until the building is turned over to the owner for its intended use. Construction PMs can be likened to entrepreneurs with full accountability for all project activities.

Construction Cost Estimator - An estimator applies knowledge of construction materials and processes and their costs to forecast the funds required to erect a building. Estimators mentally picture the work and interact with other members of the project team to determine probable costs. Estimates are required at various stages of building design - from early conceptual estimates to help the owner determine if the project is affordable, to detailed cost estimates for competitive bids after the project is designed.

Construction Scheduler - A scheduler typically works on larger projects, applying knowledge of construction methods and processes to help plan project activity sequences and to efficiently schedule the work, in order to meet required project completion deadlines. Completing a project on time is the single most important factor for its success, and the scheduler ensures that members of the project team have the information they require to make this happen.

Construction Information Systems Manager - A construction information systems manager links advanced hardware and software technologies with construction project actions and processes to keep their companies viable. To remain competitive, modern construction firms must leverage the productivity and decision-making benefits of information automation. Information systems are indispensable for efficient knowledge management, an essential function for any construction industry company that seeks a sustainable competitive advantage. Mastering the latest technical and construction project management skills, graduates of the five-year dual-degree CMIS option deliver exceptional value to construction industry firms at the technological frontier.

Construction Superintendent - The construction superintendent is the contractor’s representative at the construction site. The superintendent directs and coordinates the site activities, which include the building trades. Responsibilities include ensuring that the work progresses according to the schedule and construction documents, material and equipment are delivered to the site on time and the various trade activities are not in conflict with one another.

Facilities Manager - One of the many responsibilities of a facilities manager is being the owner’s representative in the building construction process. This responsibility may include formulating the building program’s initial budget, seeking design construction services, monitoring the construction process and overseeing approval of all billings.

Field Engineer - A field engineer engages in the design of temporary structures, site planning and layout, cost estimating, planning and scheduling, management, materials procurement, equipment selection, cost control and quality management. Many construction professionals, including those without engineering degrees but with adequate formal technical and managerial education, begin their careers in positions carrying this or a similar title.

The popular five-year AE/CM option practically provides knowledge and skills equivalent to those held by graduates of baccalaureate architectural engineering programs who later earn a master’s degree in construction project management. These graduates fully understand the technical and managerial details of both design and construction - a noteworthy capability, since design-build is an expanding construction contracting alternative. Although CM graduates typically seek to be certified professional constructors, the AE degree enables AE/CMs to also earn a Professional Engineer license. This may offer particularly great occupational flexibility for graduates, as well as exceptional value to their employers.

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