Construction Management Master of Science Degree
Construction Management: Online
Master of Science Degree
Advance into leadership positions with this engaging construction management master’s degree.
Overview for Construction Management MS
This program is no longer accepting new student applications.
Students interested in construction management, urban planning, and smart city infrastructure development are encouraged to explore our smart cities construction management MS degree.
Construction management jobs will grow 11% by 2030, double the overall labor market growth. Review our curriculum and you’ll find that this program fulfills the in-demand skills and expertise posted in job listings by employers in this fast-growing and high-demand field.
The master's in construction management is specifically designed for experienced construction management professionals interested in advancing into leadership positions within the field. The MS in construction management may also accommodate recent graduates of undergraduate programs in construction management or related disciplines. The program is offered entirely online.
Aging U.S. Infrastructure Creates High Demand for Construction Managers
America’s infrastructure is challenged. Clogged roads, unsafe pipes, aging bridges and railways, limited broadband access, and so much more.
But what you may not have thought or heard as much about is the enormous infrastructure workforce challenge facing the country. The Brookings Institute’s 2018 estimates show that nearly 17.2 million workers—or about 12 percent of all workers nationally—are employed in infrastructure jobs. And, they note, that just as our physical infrastructure systems are aging and in need of attention, so too are the workers who design, construct, operate, and manage these systems.
A Construction Management Master's Degree Offered Exclusively Online
The master's in construction management provides a depth and breadth in the managerial, technological, economic, and environmental aspects of construction. With an emphasis on operations and company-level management, this advanced degree from RIT offers courses to enhance understanding in construction, facilities management, and related fields.
Designed for working professionals, RIT's MS in construction management is offered 100% online. It’s a flexible degree that provides the requisite strategic skills to lead and advance in the industry. You will develop competencies in the context of the field in leadership, innovative technology, cost analysis and control, operations management and productivity, business development, and client relationship building. The curriculum includes core courses, professional electives, and a choice of a thesis, capstone project, or comprehensive exam.
In-demand careers in construction management include construction project management, facilities management, environmental health and safety management, and business management and leadership. The construction management master's degree focuses on developing the skills that are most in-demand for construction managers, and yield premium salaries, such as:
Contract Management: Contract management skills yield a salary premium in the marketplace, and demand for contract preparation skills is growing by 60%.
Project Management: Project management skills are requested in 60% of postings for construction managers.
Facilities Management: Demand for occupational health and safety skills is growing by 19%.
Quality: Demand for quality assurance and control skills is growing by 40%.
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Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Construction Management MS
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Construction Management (comprehensive exam completion path), MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CONM-650 | Transportation and Construction Leadership and Management Introduction to leadership and management principles applicable to the construction industry including those associated with strategic planning, construction processes, communications, ethical behavior, human resources development, financial management, and risk management. There will be an emphasis on safety and loss prevention management, insurance and risk management, marketing construction services, and bonding requirements for construction companies. (This course is restricted to CONSMGT-MS students.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CONM-690 | Sustainable Building Design and Construction Course material will focus on the design, engineering, and construction of sustainable buildings and how the construction manager guides the project team to meet the owner’s objectives of a sustainable facility. Students will explore the primary differences and similarities between the different green building rating systems. Students will critically assess and prepare written communications regarding the current and evolving practices, and potentials of sustainable building construction and design and prepare them with the skills to determine value-to-cost differences between “green” and conventional designs. Students may receive credit for this course or CVET-505, not both. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| CONM-718 | Construction Operations and Productivity A study of construction operations with emphasis on productivity enhancement focusing on an integrated approach to planning, modeling, analysis, and design of construction operations. This includes productivity concepts; data collection; analysis of productivity data and factors affecting productivity; means for improving production and study of productivity improvement programs. (This course is restricted to CONSMGT-MS students.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CONM-661 | Construction Cost Analysis and Management An introduction to direct cost estimating for construction projects. The estimating techniques covered include quantity take-off, labor productivity, and pricing (labor, material, and equipment). Drawings, sketches, and specifications are used as a basis for developing quantities involving site work, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, and finishes. Students also use software tools to aid in developing takeoff quantities. Different estimate structures and various types of estimates are examined. Direct and indirect construction costs are explored along with approaches for estimating overhead costs and profit. Topics include a logistical study of pre-construction cost analysis and construction management procedures, including conceptual estimating, project cost analysis and control, value engineering, life-cycle costing, feasibility studies, project financial and economic modeling, and quantitative risk analysis techniques. Students may receive credit for only this course or CVET-561, not both. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| GRCS-701 | Research Methods Understanding research and academic writing are foundational skills for all graduate students regardless of degree culmination. This is a graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis, with the goal of all students becoming better consumers of research, and preparing those who choose an empirical research degree culmination and future doctoral pursuits. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. Research strategies using library sources, including academic databases and citation management, are emphasized; as are academic writing skills, including adherence to academic style. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
Professional Electives |
6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CONM-760 | Construction Client Development This course introduces and develops techniques for construction client development, including: the structured sales approach; the referral system; building upon successful projects; exploring how satisfied clients can contribute to winning future construction contracts; the cost and the value of keeping all stakeholders satisfied; the requisite skills for successful construction project sales and how they differ from other professions in the organization. Students will analyze case studies of successful and unsuccessful construction contracts. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CONM-795 | Comprehensive Exam A written comprehensive exam is one of the non-thesis methodologies for completion of the MS degree. This course will provide a forum for independent review of the main concepts of the program core subject areas. The student will take a written examination at the conclusion of the course and must receive a passing grade of at least 80% to be successful. Students will have one additional opportunity to pass this examination if their initial attempt is unsuccessful. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Comp Exam 3 (Fall). |
0 |
Professional Electives |
6 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Construction Management (graduate capstone project completion path), MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CONM-650 | Transportation and Construction Leadership and Management Introduction to leadership and management principles applicable to the construction industry including those associated with strategic planning, construction processes, communications, ethical behavior, human resources development, financial management, and risk management. There will be an emphasis on safety and loss prevention management, insurance and risk management, marketing construction services, and bonding requirements for construction companies. (This course is restricted to CONSMGT-MS students.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CONM-690 | Sustainable Building Design and Construction Course material will focus on the design, engineering, and construction of sustainable buildings and how the construction manager guides the project team to meet the owner’s objectives of a sustainable facility. Students will explore the primary differences and similarities between the different green building rating systems. Students will critically assess and prepare written communications regarding the current and evolving practices, and potentials of sustainable building construction and design and prepare them with the skills to determine value-to-cost differences between “green” and conventional designs. Students may receive credit for this course or CVET-505, not both. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| CONM-718 | Construction Operations and Productivity A study of construction operations with emphasis on productivity enhancement focusing on an integrated approach to planning, modeling, analysis, and design of construction operations. This includes productivity concepts; data collection; analysis of productivity data and factors affecting productivity; means for improving production and study of productivity improvement programs. (This course is restricted to CONSMGT-MS students.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CONM-661 | Construction Cost Analysis and Management An introduction to direct cost estimating for construction projects. The estimating techniques covered include quantity take-off, labor productivity, and pricing (labor, material, and equipment). Drawings, sketches, and specifications are used as a basis for developing quantities involving site work, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, and finishes. Students also use software tools to aid in developing takeoff quantities. Different estimate structures and various types of estimates are examined. Direct and indirect construction costs are explored along with approaches for estimating overhead costs and profit. Topics include a logistical study of pre-construction cost analysis and construction management procedures, including conceptual estimating, project cost analysis and control, value engineering, life-cycle costing, feasibility studies, project financial and economic modeling, and quantitative risk analysis techniques. Students may receive credit for only this course or CVET-561, not both. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| GRCS-701 | Research Methods Understanding research and academic writing are foundational skills for all graduate students regardless of degree culmination. This is a graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis, with the goal of all students becoming better consumers of research, and preparing those who choose an empirical research degree culmination and future doctoral pursuits. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. Research strategies using library sources, including academic databases and citation management, are emphasized; as are academic writing skills, including adherence to academic style. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
Professional Electives |
6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CONM-760 | Construction Client Development This course introduces and develops techniques for construction client development, including: the structured sales approach; the referral system; building upon successful projects; exploring how satisfied clients can contribute to winning future construction contracts; the cost and the value of keeping all stakeholders satisfied; the requisite skills for successful construction project sales and how they differ from other professions in the organization. Students will analyze case studies of successful and unsuccessful construction contracts. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CONM-797 | Graduate Project This course provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their capabilities developed through their course of study to design, develop and/or evaluate a Smart Cities, Transportation, and Construction Management related project culminating in a written report or manuscript and presentation. Project 3 (Spring). |
3 |
Professional Elective |
3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Construction Management (thesis completion path), MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CONM-650 | Transportation andConstruction Leadership and Management Introduction to leadership and management principles applicable to the construction industry including those associated with strategic planning, construction processes, communications, ethical behavior, human resources development, financial management, and risk management. There will be an emphasis on safety and loss prevention management, insurance and risk management, marketing construction services, and bonding requirements for construction companies. (This course is restricted to CONSMGT-MS students.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CONM-690 | Sustainable Building Design and Construction Course material will focus on the design, engineering, and construction of sustainable buildings and how the construction manager guides the project team to meet the owner’s objectives of a sustainable facility. Students will explore the primary differences and similarities between the different green building rating systems. Students will critically assess and prepare written communications regarding the current and evolving practices, and potentials of sustainable building construction and design and prepare them with the skills to determine value-to-cost differences between “green” and conventional designs. Students may receive credit for this course or CVET-505, not both. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| CONM-718 | Construction Operations and Productivity A study of construction operations with emphasis on productivity enhancement focusing on an integrated approach to planning, modeling, analysis, and design of construction operations. This includes productivity concepts; data collection; analysis of productivity data and factors affecting productivity; means for improving production and study of productivity improvement programs. (This course is restricted to CONSMGT-MS students.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CONM-661 | Construction Cost Analysis and Management An introduction to direct cost estimating for construction projects. The estimating techniques covered include quantity take-off, labor productivity, and pricing (labor, material, and equipment). Drawings, sketches, and specifications are used as a basis for developing quantities involving site work, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, and finishes. Students also use software tools to aid in developing takeoff quantities. Different estimate structures and various types of estimates are examined. Direct and indirect construction costs are explored along with approaches for estimating overhead costs and profit. Topics include a logistical study of pre-construction cost analysis and construction management procedures, including conceptual estimating, project cost analysis and control, value engineering, life-cycle costing, feasibility studies, project financial and economic modeling, and quantitative risk analysis techniques. Students may receive credit for only this course or CVET-561, not both. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CONM-788 | Thesis Planning Students will rigorously develop their thesis research ideas, conduct literature reviews, identify and plan methodologies, prepare schedules, and gain a clear understanding of the expectations of the faculty and the discipline. Each student will be required to prepare a committee approved thesis research proposal and may begin work on their thesis. (Prerequisite: GRCS-701 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| GRCS-701 | Research Methods Understanding research and academic writing are foundational skills for all graduate students regardless of degree culmination. This is a graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis, with the goal of all students becoming better consumers of research, and preparing those who choose an empirical research degree culmination and future doctoral pursuits. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. Research strategies using library sources, including academic databases and citation management, are emphasized; as are academic writing skills, including adherence to academic style. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
Professional Elective |
3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CONM-760 | Construction Client Development This course introduces and develops techniques for construction client development, including: the structured sales approach; the referral system; building upon successful projects; exploring how satisfied clients can contribute to winning future construction contracts; the cost and the value of keeping all stakeholders satisfied; the requisite skills for successful construction project sales and how they differ from other professions in the organization. Students will analyze case studies of successful and unsuccessful construction contracts. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| CONM-790 | Thesis The graduate thesis is a formal research document that empirically relates theory with practice. A formal written thesis and oral defense are required. (Prerequisites: CONM-744 or equivalent course.) Thesis 3 (Spring). |
3 |
Professional Elective |
3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Note for online students
The frequency of required and elective course offerings in the online program will vary, semester by semester, and will not always match the information presented here. Online students are advised to seek guidance from the listed program contact when developing their individual program course schedule.