Program Overview

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Master of Science in Construction and Infrastructure Management

The Master of Science in Construction and Infrastructure Management (MSCIM) degree is designed for individuals interested in the management of construction and transportation infrastructure. This program is intended for applicants with diverse backgrounds, particularly those in areas other than engineering, who currently work for or aspire to work for construction companies, transportation agencies, public agencies, or private companies providing professional services in transportation and construction management.

About the Program

The MSCIM degree provides graduate-level study for those seeking mid- and upper-level management positions in the construction and transportation industries. Students with degrees in construction management, engineering, science, mathematics, operations research, statistics, political science, physical science, psychology, health sciences, urban or regional planning, and related disciplines are invited to apply. Applications for admission to the program are evaluated on an individual basis by the Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction (CEEC) faculty.

Available Options

The program offers four concentrations:

• Construction Management - Thesis Track
• Construction Management - Non-Thesis Track
• Transportation Infrastructure Management - Thesis Track
• Transportation Infrastructure Management - Non-Thesis Track

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please refer to the Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

Thesis Track

1. Demonstrate knowledge in the chosen area of expertise (construction and transportation).
2. Acquire and apply appropriate research methodology to solve contemporary construction/transportation problems.
3. Demonstrate an ability to generate, collect, compile, and interpret research data.
4. Demonstrate technical communication skills.

Non-Thesis Track

1. Demonstrate knowledge in the chosen area of expertise (construction and transportation).
2. Demonstrate technical communication skills.

Career Possibilities

A Master of Science in Construction and Infrastructure Management (MSCIM) provides graduates with high-level planning, management, and analytical skills that enable them to plan, schedule, organize, and estimate costs for complex construction and infrastructure projects. MSCIM graduates may also be prepared to manage teams of professionals for infrastructure development in industrial, utility, and government settings.

Requirements

Master of Science - Construction and Infrastructure Management

Plan Description

The Master of Science - Construction and Infrastructure Management (MSCIM) degree is for individuals interested in the management of construction and transportation infrastructure. It is intended for applicants with all baccalaureate backgrounds, especially those in areas other than engineering, and who either presently work for or aspire to work for construction companies, transportation agencies, public agencies, or private companies who provide professional services in the transportation and construction management fields.

Plan Admission Requirements

• Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
• All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Graduate College Admission Requirements

1. Completed application in the Application Portal and non-refundable application fee.
2. Bachelor's Degree Must hold a four-year baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution or an approved equivalent.
3. Grade Point Average Must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor's degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester credits).
4. All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. Official transcripts are required upon admission.

Department Admission Requirements

Admission to the program leading to the MSCIM degree in thesis and non-thesis subplans is open to those students completing the following requirements:

1. Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor's degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last 60 semester credits of undergraduate degree.
2. Students interested in the Construction Management concentration must have earned credits in specific subjects or their equivalents with a C (2.00 out of 4) or better grade.
3. Students interested in Transportation Infrastructure Management concentration must have earned credits in specific subjects or their equivalents with a C (2.00 out of 4) or better grade.
4. The above-mentioned deficiency courses required of a student before entering the MSCIM program will be determined on an individual basis.
5. The applicant must submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP), not exceeding two pages, and highlight their reasons to pursue a MSCIM degree.
6. A short resume (no more than 2 pages) must be submitted.
7. In addition, two letters of recommendation (LOR) must be submitted by individuals familiar with the applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Subplan Requirements

Subplan 1: Construction Management - Thesis

Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements

• Required Courses Credits: 6
  • CEE 609 - Engineering Project Management
  • CEE 700 - Research Methods in Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Specialty Courses Credits: 12
  • Complete at least four of the following courses:
    • CEM 632 - Temporary Construction Structures
    • CEM 651 - Construction Estimating
    • CEM 653 - Construction Scheduling and Resource Optimization
    • CEM 654 - Heavy Construction Equipment & Methods
    • CEM 680 - Sustainable Construction
    • CEM 685 - Construction Law and Contracts
    • CEM 705 - Construction Engineering Management
    • CEM 710 - Modular Construction
    • CEM 720 - Information and Sensing Technology in Construction
• Elective Course - Credits: 3
  • Complete 3 credits of an advisor-approved course.
• Thesis Prospectus Preparation - Credits: 3
  • CEM 790 - Preparation of Thesis Research Prospectus in Construction and Infrastructure Management (CIM)
• Thesis Credits: 6
  • CEM 797 - Research Thesis in Construction and Infrastructure Management
• (Optional) Graduate Internship - Credit: 1
  • CEM 792 - Graduate Internship for Master in Construction Management

Degree Requirements

1. Students who have credit in CEM 600-level or equivalent courses will select other courses from the specialty course list or elective courses with the approval of the advisor.
2. A Thesis Advisory Committee composed of at least four members of the UNLV graduate faculty is to be formed for the student.
3. In addition to the coursework requirements, at least 3 credits of thesis research prospectus preparation (CEM 790) must be taken, and at least 6 credits of research work associated with the master's level thesis (CEM 797).
4. At least 50% of the courses (600 and 700 level) within the total coursework must be from the College of Engineering.
5. At least 50% of the courses within the total coursework must be 700 level.
6. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
7. All requirements for the MSCIM are met upon the satisfactory completion of the proposed research, the submission of a satisfactory thesis, and the successful oral defense of the thesis before the Thesis Advisory Committee.

Graduation Requirements

The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.

Subplan 2: Construction Management - Non-Thesis

Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements

• Required Course Credits: 3
  • CEE 609 - Engineering Project Management
• Specialty Courses Credits: 21
  • Complete at least eight of the following courses:
    • CEM 632 - Temporary Construction Structures
    • CEM 651 - Construction Estimating
    • CEM 653 - Construction Scheduling and Resource Optimization
    • CEM 654 - Heavy Construction Equipment & Methods
    • CEM 680 - Sustainable Construction
    • CEM 685 - Construction Law and Contracts
    • CEM 705 - Construction Engineering Management
    • CEM 710 - Modular Construction
    • CEM 720 - Information and Sensing Technology in Construction
• Elective Courses - Credits: 6
  • Complete 6 credits of advisor-approved elective courses.
• (Optional) Graduate Internship Course - Credit: 1
  • CEM 792 - Graduate Internship for Master in Construction Management

Degree Requirements

1. Students who have credit in CEM 600-level or equivalent courses will select other courses from the specialty courses list or elective courses with the approval of the advisor.
2. A Master's Examination Committee composed of at least four members of the UNLV graduate faculty is to be formed for the student.
3. At least 50% of the courses (600 and 700 level) within the total coursework must be from the College of Engineering.
4. At least 50% of the courses within the total coursework must be 700 level.
5. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
6. Students must take and pass a culminating exam prepared by the student's Master's Examination Committee.

Graduation Requirements

The student must pass the culminating exam.

Subplan 3: Transportation Infrastructure Management - Thesis

Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements

• Required Courses Credits: 6
  • CEE 609 - Engineering Project Management
  • CEE 700 - Research Methods in Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Elective Courses Credits: 15
  • Complete at least 15 credits of advisor-approved elective coursework including a minimum of 3 courses from the following list (with at least two 700 level courses).
• Thesis Prospectus Preparation - Credits: 3
  • CEM 790 - Preparation of Thesis Research Prospectus in Construction and Infrastructure Management (CIM)
• Thesis Credits: 6
  • CEM 797 - Research Thesis in Construction and Infrastructure Management
• (Optional) Graduate Internship Course - Credit: 1
  • CEM 792 - Graduate Internship for Master in Construction Management

Degree Requirements

1. In addition to CEE 609 and CEE 700, all students must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits of approved graduate courses.
2. A Thesis Advisory Committee composed of at least four members of the UNLV graduate faculty is to be formed for the student.
3. In addition to the coursework requirements, at least 3 credits of thesis research prospectus preparation (CEM 790) must be taken, and at least 6 credits of research work associated with the master's level thesis (CEM 797).
4. At least 50% of the courses (600 and 700 level) within the total coursework must be from the College of Engineering.
5. At least 50% of the courses within the total coursework must be 700 level.
6. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
7. All requirements for the MSCIM are met upon the satisfactory completion of the proposed research, the submission of a satisfactory thesis, and the successful oral defense of the thesis before the Thesis Advisory Committee.

Graduation Requirements

The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.

Subplan 4: Transportation Infrastructure Management - Non-Thesis

Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements

• Required Course - Credits: 3
  • CEE 609 - Engineering Project Management
• Elective Courses - Credits: 27
  • Complete at least 27 credits of advisor-approved elective coursework including a minimum of 3 courses from the following list (with at least two 700 level courses).
• (Optional) Graduate Internship Course - Credit: 1
  • CEM 792 - Graduate Internship for Master in Construction Management

Degree Requirements

1. In addition to CEE 609, all students must successfully complete a minimum of 27 credits of approved graduate courses.
2. A Master's Examination Committee composed of at least four members of the UNLV graduate faculty is to be formed for the student.
3. At least 50% of the courses (600 and 700 level) within the total coursework must be from the College of Engineering.
4. At least 50% of the courses within the total coursework must be 700 level.
5. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
6. Students must take and pass a culminating exam prepared by the student's Master's Examination Committee.

Graduation Requirements

The student must pass the culminating exam.