Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
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Program Overview
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
Position yourself to pursue a career as a construction executive, project manager, field engineer, planning and scheduling engineer, cost engineer, cost estimator, as well as other positions in the field with the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree. You’ll learn to apply modern methods and metrics for surveying, use appropriate technical tools to solve engineering problems, and demonstrate a fundamental understanding of building mechanical and electrical systems.
The construction sector is growing rapidly and individuals with a well-rounded education in written and verbal communication, technical construction fundamentals, math, business, law, and other relevant courses are in high demand. The construction management program was developed with guidance and assistance from current leaders in the industry and provides relevant training for future managers in the field.
In support of the National University mission, the educational objectives of the Construction Management degree program are to prepare graduates to achieve success within a few years of graduation. The graduates are expected to:
- Succeed in pursuing chosen career path and demonstrate technical competence in utilizing construction management principles and skills in industry, academia, or the public sector.
- Engage in sustained learning through graduate education, professional development, and self-study in construction management, engineering, and other professionally related fields.
- Function well on a diverse and multidisciplinary team with effective communication skills.
- Exhibit leadership, high standards of ethical conduct, and societal responsibility in the practice of construction management.
Degree Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, students must complete at least 180 quarter units to include a minimum of 69 units of the University General Education requirements; 76.5 units must be completed at the upper-division level and 45 units must be taken in residence, including the capstone project classes. In the absence of transfer credit, students may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the total units for the degree. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation. All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
Preparation for the Major
10 Courses
Public Speaking
4.5 Quarter Units
This class is an introduction to the principles and application of speaking effectively to diverse audiences in a variety of settings. Focus is on topic selection, organization, analysis of research, and delivery, with special attention on learning effective delivery skills.
College Algebra & Trigonometry
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation
Examines higher degree polynomials, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry and matrix algebra needed for more specialized study in mathematics, computer science, engineering and other related fields. Computer and/or graphing calculator use is highly recommended.
Introductory Physics
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: 2 years of high school algebra and MTH 204, or MTH 215, or MTH 216A and MTH 216B
Non-calculus based general physics course for earth and life science majors. Study of force, laws of motion, heat, fluid mechanics, electricity, magnetism, light (optics) and modern physics.
One of the following:
Introductory Physics Lab
1.5 Quarter Unites
Prerequisite: PHS 104, or PHS 171 for science majors
Non-calculus based general physics lab course for earth and life science majors. Laboratory experiments and exercises will include data analysis and evaluations of measurement. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: force, gravity, laws of motion, fluid mechanics, electricity, and light (optics).
Physics Lab for Engineering
1.5 Quarter Unites
Non-calculus based general physics lab course for Master of Science in Environmental Engineering online program. The course includes interactive illustrations, explorations, and problems in major parts of General Physics: Kinematics, Dynamics, Electric current and Optics.
Academic Information Literacy
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Focuses on the role of informatics in contemporary health care. Wireless and mobile computing, maintaining data integrity, information security and confidentiality and HIPAA, telehealth, and electronic health records (EHR) will be explored.
Healthcare Research
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: Completion of the major requirements
Focuses on reading and conducting research in health and human performance. Research approaches and procedures will be explored. Examples of various research methods and techniques will be discussed. A research proposal will be developed.
Labor Relations
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: Completion of the major requirements
A cross-disciplinary course that teaches effective report and research paper writing through the use of key computer technologies. Topics include library and Internet research; information organization, evaluation, and synthesis; MLA and APA style formats; and the use of document-production, image-editing, and presentation software.
Intro to Graphics and Auto CAD
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: MTH 215
Introduction to the latest version of Auto CAD software for two- and three-dimensional modeling, engineering graphics and technical drawings.
Engineering Mathematics
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: CMTH 215
An examination of the major mathematical tools for engineers and scientists.
Statics & Strength of Material
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: EGR 220
Introduction to the key topics in strength of materials with focus on applications, problem solving and design of structural members, mechanical devices, and engineering systems.
Financial Accounting Funds.
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of basic accounting theory and the application of accounting principles, this course includes the recording and summarization of business transactions in the form of financial statements under the rules of generally accepted accounting principles. (GAAP). It is designed for students who have little or no prior knowledge of financial accounting, this course corresponds to Principles of Accounting I at other colleges.
Applied Probability & Stats.
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: CSC 208, or MTH 220; EGR 220
Introduction to the theory and applications of probability and statistics. Topics include data and numerical summary measures, fundamental concepts of probability, conditional probability, random variables, common distributions, quality and reliability and statistical inference (estimation, hypothesis testing, and regression). The emphasis is on developing problem solving skills and application to business, social sciences and engineering.
^For online students only
Requirements for the Major
19 Courses
Prin. of Mgmt & Organizations
4.5 Quarter Units
Introduction to the roles of managers and the vision, mission and goals of organizations. Investigates management theories and explores the four primary functions of managers: Planning, Organizing, Leading and Controlling. Covers issues related to human resource management, organizational structure and behavior, creative problem solving, effective communication, and the management of teams, change and innovations.
Engineering Economics
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: MTH 215
Economic Analysis for decision making with emphasis on rate of return, net present value, benefit-cost and multi-objective evaluation methods. Cost estimation and alternative analysis.
Scientific Problem Solving
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: CSC 208, or EGR 220
The scientific approach to problem solving through analysis and design are presented using modern computer science and engineering examples. Critical thinking and communication skills will be used to interpret and present results from real-world case studies where computers were used to solve scientific problems.
Scientific Problem Solving-LAB
1.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: EGR 320 with a minimum grade of C. The laboratory experiments in EGR 320L build on the content covered in EGR 320 (mechanical, electrical, and thermodynamics problem solving concepts).
Using hands-on computer tools, the scientific approach to problem solving through analysis and design is applied in this laboratory course. Results from these hands-on activities will be interpreted and presented both on an individual basis and in a team environment. Critical thinking and communication skills will be used to interpret and present results of scientific investigations.
Legal&Ethicl Const/Engr Issues
4.5 Quarter Units
Course focuses on basic principles and new developments in the legal aspects of architectural, engineering and construction processes. Coverage includes contractor licensing, professional design services, liability, intellectual property, and competitive bidding.
Computer Aided Engineering I
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: EGR 219
Introduction to simulation modeling and analysis, model development, intermediate and detailed modeling, modeling issues and techniques.
Surveying, Metrics and GIS
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: EGR 219
Land and topographic surveying with global position systems and geographic information systems (GIS). Fundamentals of distance, leveling angles, theodolites, transverse surveys and computations. Hands-on with ArcView GIS to understand the basic GIS concepts and applications in land planning.
Structural Analysis
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: EGR 220 and EGR 225
Introduction to analysis of wood, steel and concrete structures. Basic structural loads, forces and moments in beams, columns and trussed systems. Internal reactions and method of sections. Stress, sheer and deformation in beams and columns. Basic design fundamentals.
Soil Mechanics and Foundation
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: CEN 323
An introduction to soil mechanics and foundation engineering. The course teaches the students how to solve certain fundamental problems related to consolidation, shear strength, and design of shallow and deep foundations; and familiarizes students with relevant terms and soil tests so that they can work effectively with geotechnical engineering specialists. The course features soil basics, including their derivation, identification and classification. The principles of water flow in soils, settlement and heave, and shear strength of soils will be discussed. Consolidation problems, factors of safety for foundations, and foundation settlement prediction will also be covered.
Constr Materials and Methods
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: MTH 215
An overview of the basic materials and methods utilized in construction projects. Wood, steel, masonry, glass, and concrete and other material are introduced along with their associated construction systems in foundations, framing, cladding, windows, doors, finishes and roofing.
Plans and Specifications
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: EGR 219
Drawing and interpretation of plans, sections, details, symbols, notes and details in architectural, construction and shop drawings. Coordination and reference between drawings. Specification creation incorporating material properties, construction techniques and legal factors. Industry standards from AIA and CSI are presented.
Mech and Electrical Systems
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: MTH 215
The impact of M/E systems on the design and construction process including energy considerations. Fundamentals of HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, electrical distribution, lighting, information systems, and vibrations in the building system.
Est., Scheduling and Control
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: CEN 410
An introduction to the fundamentals of construction management, estimating, scheduling and control. Quantity takeoff estimations for material, time, equipment and overhead are presented. Activity durations, scheduling and project updating for control are covered.
Project Management Fundamental
4.5 Quarter Units
This course focuses on project management concepts and definitions, network scheduling techniques, strategic planning, risk management, cost control, and project implementation.
Est., Scheduling & Control II
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: CEN 419
An advanced course built on the fundamentals of construction management, estimating, scheduling and control introduced in CEN 419. Topics concerning quantity takeoff estimations for material, time, equipment, overhead, critical path, and precedence networks for activity durations, scheduling, and project updating for control are presented.
Field Inspection and Safety
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: CEN 410
Integration of safety and productivity into daily field operations through inspection and accountability. Examines accident costs and contributing factors and techniques for risk minimization. Presents the relationship between safety and quality and techniques for site, structure, general and mechanical and electrical system inspections.
Constr, Acct, Finance and Law
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ACC 201
Application of business accounting and financial principles to the construction industry. Construction accounting systems, depreciation and financial analysis are introduced. Labor, overhead, and profit management are presented. Cash flow, time value of money, and legal aspects specific to construction industry contracts are introduced.
Design & Const Process Integra
4.5 Quarter Units
An introduction to the detailed processes of construction management and the relevant tools, processes and techniques that are involved. Students will be developing skills and knowledge to integrate and manage the overall construction process including the project proposal and design, cost estimate, contract document drawings and specifications, construction schedule, and project presentation.
Sustainable Construction
4.5 Quarter Units
An introduction to the basic principles of sustainability as it applies to construction. Sustainability encompasses the 3Es of economics, environment and equity. Sustainable construction is examined in all stages of a building life-cycle from design to commissioning and beyond. This course provides both broad knowledge of sustainable construction techniques and uses in-depth design tools for integrating sustainable principles into modern construction management processes.
Construction Senior Project
3 Courses
Construction Senior Project I
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: Completion of 10 core courses in construction program.
A team capstone project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the construction program. This is the first part of a three-part sequence. Students will form teams and begin research leading to a senior project proposal.
Construction Senior Project II
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: CEN 486A
A team capstone project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the construction program. This is the second part of a three-part sequence. Students begin to implement the project that was proposed in CEN 486A.
Construction Senior ProjectIII
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: CEN 486B
A team capstone project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the construction program. This is the third part of a three-part sequence. Students finalize the project that was proposed in CEN 486A and CEN 486B.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree will prepare you for careers such as:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- General and Operations Managers
- $100,934 avg. salary (USA)
- 373,566 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Operations Management
- Marketing
- Merchandising
- Finance
- Project Management
- Inventory Management
- Profit And Loss (P&L) Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- CVS Health
- AutoZone
- Buckle
- Walmart
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Menards
- Construction Managers
- $81,557 avg. salary (USA)
- 52,305 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Construction
- Project Management
- Subcontracting
- Construction Management
- Project Schedules
- Change Orders
- Commercial Construction
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- CDM Smith
- Black & Veatch
- CBRE
- D.R. Horton
- Turner Construction Company
- Scott Humphrey Corporation –
- Project Management Specialists
- $98,263 avg. salary (USA)
- 94,949 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Project Management
- Construction
- Subcontracting
- Construction Management
- Project Schedules
- Project Planning
- Change Orders
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- CDM Smith
- Lumen Technologies
- Deloitte
- CBRE
- Jacobs Solutions
- Black & Veatch
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Demonstrate knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering and its application in identifying, formulating, and solving construction problems.
- Design a construction system, process, or procedure to meet desired needs.
- Indicate a fundamental understanding of mechanical, electrical and structural systems, and sustainability.
- Integrate and apply field inspection and survey techniques, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
- Apply the principles of project management, accounting, cost estimating and scheduling techniques in construction processes.
- Develop and test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data, and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
- Communicate effectively through written, verbal, and graphical media with a range of audiences.
- Understand legal aspects, ethical issues, and professional responsibilities in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- Function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.
Admissions
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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
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Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
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National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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