Program Overview

B.S. in Construction Management

The Construction Management program at Colorado State University is designed to provide students with the tools, experience, and perspective needed to make an impact in the dynamic and rewarding field of construction management. Construction management is the overall planning, coordination, and control of a project from inception to completion. Construction managers work in dynamic teams to take the designer’s vision and make it a reality.

Program Description

The program integrates engineering, business, and construction practices, offering a comprehensive education that prepares students for careers in construction management. With one of the highest job placement rates and starting salaries of any major, a degree in Construction Management is a great choice for those who enjoy teamwork, solving tangible problems, critical thinking, and creating the world around them.

Admission Criteria

Every student pursuing the Construction Management (CM) major will start as Pre-Construction Management (Pre-CM) and must meet the following entrance requirements before being fully admitted to the Construction Management major:

• Earn a minimum 2.50 cumulative CSU GPA, and a 2.75 Pre-CM GPA.
• Meet the Construction Management requirement:
  • Complete CON 101 with a "B-" grade or better.
  • Complete CON 132 with a "C" grade or better.
  • Complete CON 151 with a "C" grade or better.
• Meet the Written Communication requirement:
  • Complete CO 130 with a "C" grade or better.
  • Complete CO 150 with a "C" grade or better.
  • Complete AUCC Category 2: Advanced Writing with a "C" grade or better.
• Meet the Mathematics requirement:
  • Complete MATH 125 with a "C" grade or better.
  • Complete MATH 127 with a "C" grade or better.
  • Complete MATH 160 with a grade of "C" or better.

Program Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 42 upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits. The curriculum includes:

• Freshman year:
  • CO 150: College Composition (GT-CO2)
  • CON 101: Introduction to Construction Management
  • CON 132: Construction Graphic Communications
  • CON 151: Construction Materials and Methods
  • CON 192: Construction Management Seminar
  • ECON 202: Principles of Microeconomics (GT-SS1)
  • GEOL 121: Experiential Geoscience Laboratory (GT-SC1)
  • MATH 117: College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1)
  • MATH 118: College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1)
  • MATH 125: Numerical Trigonometry (GT-MA1)
• Sophomore year:
  • ACT 205: Fundamentals of Accounting
  • BUS 205: Legal and Ethical Issues in Business
  • CON 232: Modeling for Construction
  • CON 251: Materials Testing and Processing
  • CON 253: Surveying and Construction Layout
  • CON 265: Plan Reading and Quantity Survey
  • CON 317: Safety Management
  • CON 353: Field Management for Construction
  • PH 110: Physics of Everyday Phenomena (GT-SC2)
  • PH 111: Physics of Everyday Phenomena Laboratory (GT-SC1)
  • SPCM 200: Public Speaking
• Junior year:
  • CON 267: Construction Management Pre-Internship
  • CON 340: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems
  • CON 365: Construction Estimating
  • CON 366: Construction Equipment and Methods
  • CON 367: Construction Contracts/Project Administration
  • CON 368: Construction Budget and Cost Controls
  • CON 457: Structures for Construction
• Senior year:
  • CON 461: Construction Scheduling
  • CON 465: Construction Management Professional Practice
  • CON 469: Soil Mechanics for Construction
  • MGT 305: Fundamentals of Management
  • Advanced Writing
  • Elective

Research Areas

The Department of Construction Management is committed to providing an equal opportunity program for all populations in the student body and the construction industry, including all genders, racially minoritized groups, people with disabilities, and veterans.

Career Opportunities

The program boasts one of the highest placement rates and entry-level salaries of all majors. The Phelps Placement Office assists students in securing internships and careers, and the department hosts two annual industry career fairs.

Student Resources

The department offers comprehensive support to undergraduate students, including advising, student clubs, and organizations. Students are introduced to leadership opportunities, sustainability, and community engagement, while getting connected to partners in the construction industry.

Accreditation

The program is accredited, with 93% of students having plans secured before graduation, an average base salary of $77,458, and an average of 2+ job offers per student.