Smart Cities Construction Management Master of Science Degree

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Designed for students who want to become experts and thought leaders in the civil and construction industries, and contribute to the development of smart cities and urban infrastructure.

11%

Employment Growth in this Field

88K+

Annual Salary for these Jobs

#2

Best Construction Job: Construction Manager

(US News)

Overview for Smart Cities Construction Management MS

Why Study Smart Cities Construction Management at RIT?

  • STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
  • Innovative Curriculum: Engage in cutting-edge courses that blend traditional construction management with modern technological advancements.
  • Flexible Learning Options: Attend classes entirely online, on-campus, or via a combination of both, and complete your degree with either a thesis or capstone project.
  • Career Readiness: Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various roles within the smart cities and civil engineering sector, including construction management, project management, urban planning, infrastructure development, and more.

What is a “Smart City?”

A smart city is an urban area that uses advanced technologies and data-driven solutions to improve the quality of life for its residents. It involves the integration of various engineering systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and digital technologies to create a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient city.

Opportunities in Smart Cities Construction Management

Construction management jobs are projected to grow 11% by 2030, double the overall labor market growth.  

Due to this rapid growth, a graduate degree in smart cities construction management (sometimes known as urban development) is an excellent fit for those interested in pursuing roles such as:

  • Construction manager
  • Building services engineer
  • Construction engineer
  • Project engineer
  • Project manager
  • Estimator
  • Real estate developer
  • Site manager
  • Land developer
  • Transportation engineer
  • Transportation planner
  • Civil engineer
  • Municipal engineer
  • Municipal manager
  • Urban and regional planner
  • Infrastructure asset manager
  • Critical infrastructure data analyst
  • Transportation and logistics analyst

RIT’s Smart Cities Construction Management Master’s Degree

The smart cities construction management MS is tailored for students with a BS in civil engineering and construction-related fields, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and leadership skills in developing next-generation smart cities and infrastructure systems. Designed for both domestic and international students, this program prepares graduates for leadership roles in construction management and smart city infrastructure. It also focuses on integrating emerging technologies in civil and transportation engineering, equipping students to apply these innovations to urban infrastructure development.

While a traditional construction management MS focuses on general construction management topics, the smart cities construction management (SCCM) degree provides you with two areas of concentration – built environment and transportation. The SCCM degree also exposes you to emerging technologies in construction management and transportation, equipping you with the necessary and in-demand skills to leverage technologies to address societal challenges and tackle climate change.

The rapidly evolving field of smart cities construction management highlights emerging technological advancements that set RIT’s MS degree apart from competitors, particularly through a strong emphasis on GIS, remote sensing and imaging, smart city design, and advanced data analytics as applied to transportation and urban infrastructure. Our program will prepare you to thrive in a rapidly advancing field by leveraging high-tech national and international growth opportunities, including the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which allocates $550 billion for transportation, clean water and wastewater, power grid, and cyberinfrastructure.

Students can expect to work on a range of research/industry projects led by the department faculty. These esteemed program faculty have been awarded several research grants from the National Science Foundation, Department of Labor, American Society for Engineering Education, and other research foundations. Faculty have access to multiple industry connections that can provide valuable resources and potential job leads to students.


 
 

 

This program is offered on-campus or online.

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Careers and Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education

What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.

Cooperative education is optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the smart cities construction management MS degree.

Featured Work and Profiles

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Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Smart Cities Construction Management MS

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

View Printable Curriculum

Smart Cities Construction Management, MS degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
CONM-620
Transportation and Construction Industry Dynamics
This course deals with dynamics in a variety of infrastructure industries, in particular the transportation and construction industry. Conceptual frameworks, case discussions, and skill-oriented activities are applied to each topic. Topics include group dynamics, leadership and power, the influence of technology, communications, motivation, and organizational design and development for government agencies and engineering firms in the transportation and construction industry. Class sessions and assignments are intended to help participants acquire the skills managers need to improve organizational relationships and performance in the Transportation and Construction Industry. Organization flowcharts of engineering firms and federal, state, county, and municipal government agencies with an emphasis on the department of transportation will be covered with an in-depth discussion on intra- and inter- agencies interaction and private-public partnership. Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
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-710 
Smart Cities, Transportation, and Construction Seminar
The seminar will set forth specific topics under the general subject of Smart Cities, Transportation, and Construction. Cost analysis and productivity improvement related to the construction projects are also covered in the seminar. Experts from multiple areas (e.g., Smart Cities, Infrastructure, Transportation, Safety Systems, Water Supply, Energy Networks, and Construction Management) are invited to give presentations and lead discussions during the seminar. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 3
CONM-743
Smart Cities Infrastructure Monitoring
Smart City Infrastructure has been identified as a promising potential application domain for the Internet of Things (IoT) with a wide range of possible services that can benefit City Administration/Municipal Governance. The Internet of things (IoT) is the internetworking of physical devices, e.g., vehicles, construction equipment, crops, the human body, buildings, and other items, each embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity that enable these objects to collect and exchange data. This course provides an overview of IoT applied while architecting smart city infrastructure monitoring applications. Students will learn the fundamentals of IoT infrastructure and networking technologies including hardware, smart city sensors, IoT cloud technologies, and IoT communication protocols. The students will develop smart city infrastructure monitoring solutions using IoT-focused design methods. The course will run as a hands-on, multi-discipline project-oriented course, with project discussions, presentations, and demonstrations led by the student teams. Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
Choose one of the following:
3
 
 Professional Elective (Project Culminating Experience)
  
   CONM-744
 Smart Cities Infrastructure Data Analytics (Thesis Culminating Experience)
  
 
Concentration Courses
 9
Second Year
Choose one of the following:
3
   CONM-797
 Graduate Project (Project Culminating Experience)
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).
  
   CONM-790
 Thesis (Thesis Culminating Experience)
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).
  
 
Professional Elective
 3
Total Semester Credit Hours
30

Concentrations

Built Environment Concentration
CONM-630
Advanced Construction Scheduling Techniques
This course examines different types of schedules used in the construction process including bar charts, Critical Path Method (CPM), and Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). Develops an understanding of the forward and backward passes for both the activity-on-arrow (AOA) and activity-on-node (AON) analyses. Analysis of cost and resource loaded schedules. Explains linear and repetitive schedules. Introduces advantages/disadvantages of delay analysis techniques. Industry scheduling software is introduced. Lecture 3 (Fall).
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).
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).

 

Transportation Concentration
CONM-640
Economics of Transportation and Supply Chains
The course covers cutting-edge areas of transportation and supply chains, including: effects of the pandemic, innovation, infrastructure, dynamic pricing, safety, public-private partnerships, and regulation. This course will feature guest speakers who will present and discuss different facets of the economics of transportation, supply chains. The course emphasizes applying economic concepts to transportation issues in the United States and around the globe, using all modes of transportation including air, road, rail, trucking, maritime, pipelines, and transit. Examples include the role of transportation , the substitution of communications for transportation, road pricing, parking pricing, the development of autonomous vehicles and platooning, spectrum for transportation safety and connected vehicles, transportation equity, energy efficiency and electric vehicles and electrification of the transportation system, and the role of GPS as a free utility. Lecture 3 (Fall).
CONM-641
Geographic Information Systems for Smart Transportation Infrastructure
This course provides comprehensive instruction in the underlying concepts and principles of geographic information system (GIS) technology and its application to the design and analysis of transportation infrastructure systems. The focus is applications in transportation of spatial data acquisition, geoprocessing, geostatistical methods; visualization, and querying of spatial data; network modeling, terrain mapping, and spatial analysis. Special attention is given to the formulation and use of transportation models, visualization, and analysis of transportation systems within GIS environment. Lecture 3 (Fall).
CONM-742
Remote Sensing and Image Analysis for Smart Transportation Infrastructure Application
This course introduces the use of Global Positioning Systems and Remote Sensing for field mapping and data acquisition in transportation infrastructure. Accuracy, data standards, GPS equipment, and mission planning are explored. Students will progress through different levels of equipment ranging from recreational-grade GPS receivers to professional data loggers and survey-grade receivers. Students will learn the introductory concepts of satellite sensors, satellite image capture, processing of satellite images, and its application for transportation issues. Specifically, students will learn how to interpret different features on digital images, detailed assessments of digital images for various transportation issues. In a field setting, students will learn how to configure and utilize a real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS system with the base station and rover. The course will introduce students to satellite images for projects works in transportation. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience through field exercises and practical service-learning projects. Lecture 3 (Spring).

 

MS Professional Electives

Students can select professional elective courses from any other concentration or from the courses identified below. 

Electives
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).
CONM-744
Smart Cities Infrastructure Data Analytics
CONM-745
Transportation Systems Management and Operations
The course provides students with an introduction to Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO). TSMO skills gained from this course will allow students to better understand the current needs of managing and operating Transportation Infrastructure. TSMO is designed to provide a basic understanding of how transportation infrastructure is operated to meet the mobility needs of transportation system users. The focus is on interconnecting planning, design, organization, construction, and maintenance functions of transportation systems leading to a comprehensive understanding of the interdependencies involved in establishing and sustaining the TSMO. The course is designed primarily to serve as a TSMO refresher for practitioners and at the same time for aspiring professionals to gain the necessary foundational background to take up careers in TSMO. Lecture 3 (Fall).
PROF-710
Project Management
This course addresses project management from a multidisciplinary perspective, covering the fundamental nature of and techniques for managing a broad range of projects. Topics cover the Project Management Life Cycle from Planning to Termination. It also addresses the behavioral and quantitative facets of project management, as well as the use of methods, tools and techniques for the initiation, planning, and execution of projects. Introduces the standard framework, processes and knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute. *Note: Bachelors degree or minimum of 5 years of work experience in a project related business environment. Recommended education or work experience in organizational behavior, mathematics and basic accounting. *Note: BUSI-510 may not be substituted for BUSI-710 in a graduate concentration or the advanced certificate in project management. Additionally, a student may not register for and receive credit for both BUSI-510 and BUSI-710, whether taken as an undergraduate or graduate student. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
PROF-711
Advanced Project Management
Advanced Project Management covers the topics necessary for implementation of and excellence in project management. It deals with turning the principles and theory of project management into practice. The course addresses the best practices for project management in the world; project portfolio management and ROI; the project office and Six Sigma; project risk management and integrated projects; corporate cultures, behavior, and cultural failures; informal, adaptive, and extreme project management; and critical chain project management. Integrates aspects of the framework, processes and knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute. *Note: Advanced Project Management is available in on-campus and online formats. (Prerequisite: (PROF-710 or DECS-744 or ISEE-750) or PROF-714 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
PROF-712
International Project Management
With the increasing frequency of globalization, mergers, and acquisitions, international projects are becoming more prevalent and approaching the norm for many organizations. This course addresses a wide range of international projects—based in different industries and multiple countries. It deals with cultural and social differences within firms; cultural and social differences among countries and within countries; languages and dialect variations; different management practices and structures; religious practices; legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements; technology and infrastructure differences in different regions; and time zone differences. Incorporates aspects of the framework, processes and knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute. (Prerequisite: PROF-710 or PROF-711 or PROF-714 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

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.

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus or online.

On Campus

Offered Admit Term(s) Application Deadline STEM Designated
Full-time Fall or Spring Rolling Yes
Part-time Fall or Spring Rolling No

Online

Offered Admit Term(s) Application Deadline STEM Designated
Full-time Fall or Spring Rolling No
Part-time Fall or Spring Rolling No

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Smart Cities Construction Management MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

TOEFL IELTS PTE Academic
79 6.5 60

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree

Additional Information

Additional English Language Test Score Accepted

TOEFL, IELTS, or CET-4 is accepted. For CET-4, an overall score of 530 is required (Reading ≥ 180, Writing ≥ 160, Listening ≥190).

Bridge Courses

If academic and/or work preparation is needed before being admitted and beginning graduate studies, applicants are encouraged to develop a plan with the program chair. Preparatory course(s) may be completed at RIT, or with pre-approval may be completed at other universities. Each course must be completed with a grade of B or higher.

Online Degree Information

Courses are a blend of synchronous and asynchronous, depending on the preference of the instructor. Synchronous courses are offered in the evening, between 5-8 pm, ET. For students who are unable to attend courses during this time due to their work schedule and/or time zone, sessions will be recorded and shared by request and faculty will work with students to be sure material is not missed. Full-time students can take 3 or 4 courses each semester, allowing them to graduate in 1.5 years. Part-time students usually take two courses each semester and can graduate in 2.5 years. Students need to take 6 required courses and 2 to 4 professional electives depending on the exit strategy they choose. For specific details about the delivery format and learning experience, contact the Program Contact listed on this page. The program offers two exit strategies: capstone project or thesis. RIT does not offer student visas for online study.

Online Tuition Eligibility
The online Construction Management MS is a designated online degree program that is billed at a 43% discount from our on campus rate. View the current online tuition rate.

Online Study Restrictions for Some International Students

Certain countries are subject to comprehensive embargoes under US Export Controls, which prohibit virtually ALL exports, imports, and other transactions without a license or other US Government authorization. Learners from the Crimea region of the Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria may not register for RIT online courses. Nor may individuals on the United States Treasury Department’s list of Specially Designated Nationals or the United States Commerce Department’s table of Deny Orders. By registering for RIT online courses, you represent and warrant that you are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any such country or on any such list.

Contact

Admissions Contact
  • Douglas Cotter
  • Assistant Director, International Enrollment
  • International Enrollment
  • Enrollment Management
  • 585‑475‑6768
  • dbcges@rit.edu
Program Contact
  • Yewande Abraham
  • Associate Professor
  • Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Management and Safety
  • College of Engineering Technology
  • 585‑475‑6214
  • ysaite@rit.edu
Offered within the
Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Management and Safety