Construction Management - Illinois State

Tuition Fee

Start Date

Medium of studying

Duration

Program Facts

About Program

About University

Admission Requirements

Easy Apply

Program Facts

Program Details

Degree

Bachelors

Major

Construction Management

Area of study

Architecture and Construction

Course Language

English

About Program

Program Overview

The Construction Management program at Illinois State University, accredited by ACCE, prepares students for leadership roles in the construction industry. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering project management, administration, technology, and business principles, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to manage construction projects effectively and sustainably. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and a focus on Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Overview:

The Construction Management major at Illinois State University is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) and aims to develop leaders for the building construction industry. It provides an interdisciplinary curriculum that offers a comprehensive background in various aspects of construction, including:

Construction Management: Focuses on managing the entire construction process, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and project execution.
Administration: Covers the principles of business administration relevant to construction companies, such as accounting, finance, and human resources management.
Technology: Introduces students to the latest technologies utilized in the construction industry, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality, and robotics.
Architectural and Engineering Principles: Provides a foundational understanding of architectural and engineering principles for effective collaboration with architects and engineers.
Business: Covers essential business skills needed to manage a construction business successfully, including marketing, negotiation, and risk management.
Applied Science: Integrates scientific principles relevant to construction, like materials science, structural mechanics, and soil mechanics.
Mathematics: Emphasizes the application of mathematical concepts in construction, including geometry, trigonometry, and statistics.

Program Objectives:

The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

Apply construction management principles to real-world projects.
Manage projects effectively within budget, time, and quality constraints.
Collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients.
Utilize advanced technologies for efficient project planning, execution, and monitoring.
Make informed decisions based on sound ethical and sustainable practices.
Adapt to the evolving construction industry and embrace lifelong learning.

Program Description:

The Construction Management program at Illinois State University is designed to provide a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for successful careers in the construction industry. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application through hands-on projects, case studies, and industry internships. Students gain exposure to various construction methods, materials, and technologies, along with developing essential communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Outline

Program Content:

The program consists of a total of 120 credit hours, distributed across various courses covering different aspects of construction management.
Core courses provide a foundation in construction principles, project management, estimation, scheduling, safety, and building codes.
Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas of interest, such as sustainable construction, heavy civil construction, or project controls.
Students complete a senior capstone project, which involves working on a real-world construction project under the guidance of faculty and industry professionals.

Program Structure:

The program is typically completed in four years, with eight semesters of coursework.
Students typically take 15-18 credit hours per semester, depending on their chosen electives and academic progress.
The program offers both daytime and evening classes to accommodate the needs of working professionals.

Course Schedule:

The course schedule is available on the Illinois State University website and is subject to change each semester.
Students can choose from a variety of courses offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
The program advisors help students select appropriate courses to meet their individual academic goals and career aspirations.

Individual Modules:

Construction Management Fundamentals: Introduces students to the basic principles of construction management, including project planning, scheduling, cost estimating, and construction methods.
Building Systems and Materials: Studies different building systems, materials, and their properties, focusing on their application in construction projects.
Construction Law and Contracts: Covers legal aspects of construction, including contracts, bidding, insurance, and risk management.
Sustainable Construction Practices: Explores sustainable construction methods, materials, and technologies, emphasizing environmental and economic considerations.
Project Management Techniques: Provides students with advanced project management skills, including scheduling software, risk analysis, and change management.
Construction Safety and Health: Emphasizes safety regulations, hazard identification, accident prevention, and emergency preparedness in construction workplaces.
Building Information Modeling (BIM): Introduces students to BIM software and its applications in various stages of the construction process.
Senior Capstone Project: Provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world construction project, working in collaboration with industry professionals.

Assessment

Assessment Methods:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning outcomes, including:
Exams and quizzes to assess knowledge and understanding of course material.
Project assignments to evaluate problem-solving skills, application of knowledge, and teamwork.
Presentations to assess communication and presentation skills.
Case studies and simulations to evaluate decision-making and critical thinking skills.
The senior capstone project to comprehensively assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

Assessment Criteria:

Assessment criteria vary depending on the specific learning outcomes and assessment methods used.
Generally, criteria include:
Accuracy and completeness of knowledge and understanding.
Ability to apply knowledge and skills effectively to solve problems.
Critical thinking and analytical skills.
Communication and interpersonal skills.
Teamwork and collaboration abilities.
Professionalism and ethical conduct.

Assessment Results:

The program conducts regular assessments to monitor student learning outcomes and program effectiveness.
Assessment results are used to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the program meets its objectives and prepares graduates for successful careers in the construction industry.

Teaching

Teaching Methods:

The program employs diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and promote active engagement.
Teaching methods include:
Lectures and presentations to deliver essential knowledge and concepts.
Class discussions and group work to encourage collaboration and critical thinking.
Case studies and simulations to provide realistic scenarios for problem-solving.
Site visits and industry guest speakers to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
Hands-on projects and laboratory exercises to develop practical skills and apply theoretical knowledge.
Technology-enhanced learning through online resources, software applications, and virtual reality simulations.

Faculty:

The program features experienced faculty with extensive industry experience and expertise in various construction-related fields.
Faculty members are actively involved in research and engage in professional development to stay current with industry trends and advancements.
Students benefit from close interaction with faculty members, who provide guidance and mentorship throughout their academic journey.

Unique Approaches:

The program incorporates several unique approaches to enhance student learning and prepare them for the evolving construction industry.
These approaches include:
Focus on Building Information Modeling (BIM):
Project-based learning: Students engage in hands-on projects that simulate real-world construction scenarios, fostering problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
Emphasis on sustainability: The program integrates sustainable construction practices into various courses, preparing students for the growing demand for environmentally responsible construction methods.
Industry partnerships: The program collaborates with industry partners to provide students with internship opportunities, guest lectures, and access to real-world projects.

Careers

Career Paths:

Graduates of the Construction Management program pursue diverse career paths within the construction industry, including:
Construction Project Manager
Estimator
Scheduler
Superintendent
Quality Control Manager
Safety Manager
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Specialist
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Specialist
Facilities Manager
Real Estate Developer
Construction Consultant

Career Opportunities:

Graduates are highly sought-after by construction companies, engineering firms, architectural firms, government agencies, and other organizations involved in the construction industry.
Job opportunities are available in various sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and sustainable construction.
Graduates can pursue careers in both the private and public sectors, with opportunities for project management, design, construction, and operations roles.

Career Outcomes:

The program boasts a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers in the construction industry.
Graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional network to excel in their chosen career paths.
The program consistently ranks among the top construction management programs in the nation, with graduates securing employment with leading companies and organizations.

Other

Point of Pride:

Illinois State University hosts a Construction Management Career Fair every semester, connecting students with some of the nation's largest builders and contractors.

The construction industry is a dynamic and growing field, offering excellent career opportunities for qualified professionals.
Construction management requires well-educated professionals who can manage the complexities of building.
The program provides students with the practical experience and technical skills needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

Schedule a Visit:

Prospective students can schedule a campus visit to learn more about the Construction Management program and experience the Illinois State University campus.

Additional Information:

The program website provides detailed information about the curriculum, faculty, career opportunities, and student resources.
Prospective students can contact the program advisor for personalized guidance and support throughout the application process.