Program Overview

M.S. in Construction Management Program Details

The Master of Science in Construction Management program at Colorado State University is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in construction management. The program is tailored to meet the needs of professionals in the construction industry who wish to enhance their careers or pursue advanced research opportunities.

Program Requirements

• The program requires a minimum of 30 credits for completion.
• Students must complete a series of undergraduate courses to fulfill leveling requirements if their baccalaureate degree is not in a construction-related field.
• Leveling courses include:
  • CON 265 Plan Reading and Quantity Survey (3 credits)
  • CON 365 Estimating (3 credits)
  • CON 367 Construction Contracts and Project Administration (3 credits)
  • CON 461 Scheduling and Cost Control (3 credits)
• A grade of "B" or better is required to clear the leveling requirement, and these courses cannot be audited or taken in a pass/fail grading scheme.

First Year Student Deadlines

• October 1: Secure a permanent faculty adviser.
• March 15: Complete and submit the "GS6: Program of Study" Form with the help of the adviser.

Research Committee

• The committee must consist of at least three faculty members for a master's degree program.
• The members include:
  1. The adviser who serves as chairperson of the committee.
  2. One or more additional members from the department.
  3. Any non-departmental faculty member who may be appropriate.
  4. One member from an outside department who represents the Graduate School.

Graduation Deadlines and Requirements

• Apply (or reapply) to graduate by completing the "GS25 Application/Reapplication to Graduate" form by the deadline posted on the graduate school website.
• Successfully defend the thesis or professional paper by the deadline.
• Submit signed and completed "GS24 Report of Final Examinations" to the Graduate School within two business days of defending the thesis or paper.
• Complete and submit the "GS30 Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form" to the Graduate Program Liaison for review and completion (Plan A students only).
• Complete and submit the "GS40 Non-Thesis Plan B Master's Requirement" to the Graduate Program Liaison for review and completion (Plan B students only).

Departmental Graduation Requirements

• Submit a journal or proceedings article with the faculty adviser.
• Submit an electronic PDF copy of the thesis or professional paper to the CM graduate program adviser.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

• The time limit for degree completion is five years.
• Each semester, the CM graduate program adviser will put an advising hold on students who have completed coursework but not thesis/paper or students who are registering for continuous registration but have courses needed to be completed.

Electronic Thesis Guidelines

• View Electronic Thesis Guidelines for specific requirements.

Restrictions

• At least 24 credits must be earned at Colorado State, 21 of which must be earned after admission to the Graduate School.
• At least 16 of the credits earned at Colorado State must be in courses numbered 500 or above, with at least 12 in regular lecture and laboratory courses.

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantships

• The department may offer Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) or Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) depending on availability and student credentials.
• Priority for new and renewal GTA positions is given to students who are admitted and enrolled in the CM master's program or collaborative doctoral programs with a primary adviser/co-adviser who is a CM faculty member.