Graduate Certificate in Construction Management

The Graduate Certificate in Construction Management Program equips working professionals in the construction industry, regardless of their background in construction management, with the foundational knowledge to pursue advanced roles and deepen their experience in the industry.

Admission Requirements

1. Completed online application form accompanied by the $50 application fee (waived for internal applicants)
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
3. Letter of Intent (two double-spaced pages maximum) describing your interest in the program, relevant past experiences, and career goals

Prepare for Career Success

Construction management (CM) represents an industry that coordinates multiple independent businesses, contractors and building trades to erect structures in the built environment. The CM works closely with owners, engineers, architects, suppliers, municipalities, and sub-contractors throughout the construction process to assure all of the project goals have been met. 

This certificate program provides a sound basis of knowledge to allow students with undergraduate degrees from a wide range of disciplines to work in the construction industry, and provides education in both the technical aspects, as well the fundamentals of business management techniques.

Students who complete this program will seek employment in many parts of the construction industry, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, as well as infrastructure and heavy construction. Typical careers include supervising construction projects, estimating and cost control, scheduling, and project management.

The Construction Management Median Salary from BLS is $101,480 and the field is growing at a 5% rate, which is above average. 

Gain Necessary Skills

Analytical skills. Construction managers must be able to plan strategies, investigate project cost variances, and solve problems over the course of a project.

Business skills. Construction managers need to prepare and follow project budgets, hire and manage staff, and coordinate with other workers and managers. Self-employed construction managers must generate their own business opportunities and be proactive in finding new clients.

Communication skills. Construction managers must be able to clearly convey information orally and in writing. In addition to talking with owners and clients, managers must give clear orders and explain complex information to construction workers and discuss technical details with inspectors and other specialists, such as engineers.

Decision-making skills. Construction managers need to choose personnel and subcontractors for specific tasks and jobs. They also must make myriad judgment calls about projects to ensure that they adhere to deadlines and budgets.

Leadership skills. Construction managers must effectively delegate tasks to construction workers, subcontractors, and other lower level managers to ensure that projects are completed accurately and on time.

Technical skills. Construction managers must have an applied knowledge of concepts and practices common in the industry, such as construction technologies, contracts, and technical drawings.

Problem solving skills. Construction managers are routinely faced with finding solutions to problems that arise on a construction site. They address these problems using brainstorming techniques, analysis of potential options, and implementation of reasonable solutions that support the projects goals.

Critical thinking skills. Complex issues that construction managers face throughout the project timeline require analysis, assessment, and interpretation of the information objectively and rationally to arrive at well-informed conclusions that support the success of the project.

Program Educational Objectives

Upon completion of the program, we expect our graduates to:

1. Understand the basics of construction management and what it takes to manage a construction project.
2. Value the concept of life-long learning and continue to grow intellectually while keeping informed of new concepts and developments in the construction process.
3. Advance the construction management profession by becoming actively involved in professional associations and societies, serving in professional and community volunteer positions, and acting as a role model for the future generation of constructors.
4. Be prepared for advancement in the construction industry by addressing a broad range of topics including resource management, contractual obligations and risks, design, planning and personnel issues.                        
5. Develop stronger leadership and interpersonal skills that are critical to career progression into upper-management positions

Program Learning Outcomes

We expect students who complete the program to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to plan, organize and control a construction project
2. Demonstrate the ability to lead and/or function as a member of a team
3. Understand the professional and ethical responsibilities of the construction profession
4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively
5. Explain contemporary issues related to the construction industry

One-on-One Advising

As a Construction Management student, you will benefit from one-on-one advising with a faculty member throughout your time at RWU. Our faculty members are experts in the field and have connections throughout the industry to assist you in finding construction internships and full-time jobs.