MSCM - Campus

(Campus MSCM) Apply using the online application process  | Plan of Study Form for Campus MSCM 

The construction management (CM) MS graduate program is designed to blend engineering, business, and construction management concepts to produce a professional graduate who can manage construction processes effectively and efficiently. It also provides a path for those interested in research and a career path in academics. The students will have an in-depth education in state-of-the-art construction specializations including, sustainable construction and materials, resilient construction, building information modeling, decision-making, and advanced productivity. Those without a construction-related baccalaureate degree may be required to complete leveling (foundation) CM courses before they complete the program.

The Campus MSCM program is offered in the following two paths:

Executive – Total 36 credit hours, 33 credit hours of courses and 3 credit hours of independent study for a research project

Research – Total 30 credit hours, 24 credit hours of courses and 6 credit hours of Master Thesis

This path is offered only to on-campus MSCM students.  This path is designed to serve construction professionals interested in learning more about construction research. This path consists of 36 credit hours, with 33 credit hours of coursework and a 3-credit hour research project. It blends engineering, business, and construction management concepts together to produce a professional graduate who understands basic research methods and can manage higher level construction processes effectively and efficiently. Research focus areas within the construction management department include:

Advanced Materials & Sustainability
Building Science for Resilient Communities
Built Environment Informatics 
Facilities Management

The program requires 36 credit hours of graduate studies. The final program of study is developed with approval from the student’s supervisory committee.

Hours are divided into three required categories:

Core Courses – 15 credit hours (5 required courses)

  • CM 7010 Research Methods in Construction Management (3) 
  • CM 7030 Project Delivery (3)
  • CM 7222 Human Factors & Leadership (3)
  • EXST 7004, EXST 7005, EXST 7006, CM 7150, or equivalent
  • 1 Construction Management (CM) elective course – 3 credit hours 

Electives – 18 credit hours selected with approval by the student’s supervisory committee designed to support the student’s professional and research goals.

Project Course –CM 7207 - 3 credit hours 

This path is offered only to on-campus MSCM students.  This path is designed to serve a construction professional that would like to pursue research, culminating in a master’s thesis.  This path consists of 30 credit hours with 24 credit hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of thesis research. The program of study focuses on higher levels of research but also blends engineering, business, and construction management concepts together to produce a research graduate planning a career in academia. Focus research areas within the construction management department include:

  • Advanced Materials & Sustainability
  • Building Science for Resilient Communities
  • Built Environment Informatics 
  • Facilities Management

The program requires 30 credit hours of graduate studies. The final program of study is developed with approval from the student’s supervisory committee. Hours are divided into three required categories:

Core Courses – 12 credit hours (4 required courses)

  • CM 7010 Research Methods in Construction Management (3)
  • CM 7030 Project Delivery (3)
  • CM 7222 Human Factors & Leadership (3)
  • EXST 7004, EXST 7005, EXST 7006, CM 7150, or equivalent

Electives – 12 credit hours selected with input from the student’s supervisory committee designed to support the student’s professional and research goals. 

Thesis Research – CM 8000 - 6 credit hours

 

American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)The graduate degree program is fully accredited by:

American Council for Construction Education
1717 North Loop 1604 East, Suite 320
San Antonio, Texas  78232-1570

 

Public Information Requirements ACCE Standards

Graduate School

Bachelor’s degree from accredited U.S. or equivalent from a foreign institution
GPA – 3.0 on all undergraduate work (or last half-degree) and a 3.0 on any graduate work already complete

Master Program Requirement

Construction Management academic or field experience in construction estimating, scheduling and project management. If missing, leveling coursework will be required prior to graduation.

The mission of the Master of Science in Construction Management program is to provide a quality course of study for individuals needing a career change, for the construction professionals that seek to preparation for administrative construction positions or for those interested in pursuing research related activities.

  • Increase the number of graduate students entering into the workforce.
  • Enhance research initiatives through graduate experiences and participation.
  • Optimized course content, pedagogy, and student learning.

Upon completing the program, students should be proficient in the following areas:

  1. Create effective and professional written communications
  2. Apply critical thinking
  3. Apply problem solving techniques
  4. Apply decision making techniques
  5. Apply research methods
  6. Apply advanced communication technology
  7. Apply professional ethics
  8. Apply advanced construction management practices
  9. Understand risk management
  10. Understand the principles of leadership in business

The Distinguished Student Leaders in Construction Management designation was created to showcase students who have demonstrated exemplary academic and leadership abilities.

The average starting salary for LSU CM master's graduates is $110,500 (based on the LSU Career Services data 2019). Find out more information about salary earning potentials and employers on our About page.

Graduates from our program go on to do amazing things with amazing companies, locally and beyond. You can find more information below on the types of jobs, employers, and employers who recruit our graduates below.

Positions:

  • Scheduler
  • Estimator
  • Cost Control
  • Compliance
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Materials Manager
  • Equipment Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Consultant
  • Sales
  • Business Development
  • Building and Code Inspector
  • and more!

Types of Employers:

  • Industrial, Residential, Industrial or Commercial Construction Firm
  • General Contracting Firm
  • Special Trade Contractors (Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Mechanical)
  • Real Estate Developer
  • Materials Supplier
  • Equipment Supplier
  • Engineering Firm
  • Consulting Firm
  • Local Government
  • Educational Institutions
  • Self employment
  • and more!

Our Graduates Work For:

  • Turner Industries
  • Cajun Industries
  • ISC Group
  • Regal Construction
  • DR Horton
  • MMR Group
  • Performance Contractors
  • The Lemoine Company
  • D.E. Harvey Builders
  • The Brandt Companies
  • EXCEL USA
  • and more!

Department Strategic Plan

A new comprehensive plan started 2013 and contains the systematic and sustained efforts to enable the degree program to fulfill its mission.  It also provides the internal status of the degree program resources and goals as well as the factors that influence its operations. This strategic plan is updated annually at the end of LSU's fiscal year and represents the collective input from all of our constituencies. 

CM Department Strategic Plan Summary - 2021-2022

SLO Program Assessment

The CM MSCM degree program is continually monitored for effectiveness and progression towards the program's mission goals and learning outcomes.  Ten student learning outcomes (SLOs) are measured using a comprehensive exam (thesis or project), exit survey results of the graduates, student course evaluations, and though direct measurements from the CM coursework. A comprehensive assessment is completed at the end of each academic year:

Student Learning Outcome Assessment F2021-S2022

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