Construction Management

• Strong, broad-based instruction in business, construction, architecture, and engineering through the specific expertise of several WSU departments.
• This well-established program has developed a strong tradition in teaching about structures, technology, and problem-solving inherent to construction since its start at WSU more than 50 years ago.
• The program encourages you to develop an inquisitive and inventive mind to address complex construction methods and management techniques.
• WSU’s School of Design and Construction is a member of the Associated Schools of Construction, a national organization of universities with construction-oriented curricula.
• Accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).

The curriculum is organized into two parts. Pre-construction management occurs during the first year and is followed by a professional construction management curriculum in the last three years.

After fulfilling the requirements of the first year, all students must then apply for admission into the construction management program. Due to limitations of space and facilities, certification as a major in construction management can only be granted to a limited number of the most qualified students. Selection is based upon satisfaction of minimum requirements and overall grade point average.

Among the construction management courses you will take:

Structures I & II
Materials I & II
Construction Documentation
Earthwork & Equipment
Estimating I & II
Delivery Systems
Scheduling
Cost Control
Human Factors 

Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

Plan ahead

To certify your major in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, you will need to complete specific prerequisite courses. Use our list of transfer equivalencies to make sure you take the right transfer courses at your current college.

Also check out the University's transfer student guide for more information on transferring to WSU.

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.

For all students at WSU

Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:

• Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration.
• Complete the FAFSA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need.

CMore about WSU scholarships and financial aid

For construction management majors

The College of Engineering and Architecture offers a limited number of scholarships to entering freshmen and transfer students in the School of Design and Construction. Once certified into the program, the school offers scholarships to students who are high academic achievers.

Carpenter Hall has been home to WSU’s design and construction programs for over 100 years. Today, Carpenter Hall houses the majority of classroom, studio, and administrative office space for the School of Design and Construction (SDC), where students have access to computer labs with state-of-the-art design and construction software, meeting and student lounge spaces, and other vital resources. The SDC’s gallery and exhibition space can be found on the ground floor, with an intriguing array of gallery shows running throughout the academic year.

The Associated Students of Construction Management (ASCM) is the umbrella organization for all of the student groups within the program and provides a link with professional associations including the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the Design Build Institute of America (DBIA), and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA).

Students, working in teams, engage in regional and national competitions, sponsored career fairs, and enjoy social activities. The program also has a chapter of Sigma Lambda Chi which is the construction honorary society for high achieving students.

Curiosity about how structures are designed and built

An affinity for design, construction, and management

A desire to work in a collaborative and integrated environment

Good math preparation

The need for professionally educated construction managers has increased in recent years. The Associated General Contractors of America, the American Institute of Constructors, the Associated Builders and Contractors, the National Association of Home Builders, and various other national associations have urged universities to educate people at the university level for management positions in the large and rapidly expanding construction industry. WSU has responded to this need by continually expanding and strengthening its construction management program.

The construction management program at WSU has experienced at (or near) 100% placement for the last 8-10 years regardless of the overall economic condition.  WSU graduates are typically recruited to positions in building construction and heavy civil construction working for general contractors or subcontractors. Others opt for positions in real estate development or residential construction. There are options to work for both private and public entities.

The program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).