About the Program

The master's degree in Construction Administration prepares construction and related industry professionals with an in-depth knowledge of key areas of construction administration and management. Construction administrators oversee projects from design through completion, ensuring that work is finished on schedule and within budgetary guidelines. While the ongoing economic crisis has precipitated a slowdown in the industry, there remains a need for skilled administrators which is certain to grow as the economy recovers.

The part-time Construction Administration graduate degree program's curriculum focuses on the commercial and residential building sectors of the industry and encompasses the increasingly complex process of construction administration, from design through build, essential for those charged with bringing projects to completion safely and within budget. Courses in construction management provide in-depth coverage of key topics such as cost estimating and project financing, construction techniques, human and material resources, construction law, conflict resolution, and environmental safety and conservation. During their third and final year students develop and complete a master's project, working individually and in teams to analyze plans and specifications and create the final management plan and manual for a real-world construction project.

Program Objectives

The program covers commercial and residential building construction from design through build, focusing on three main areas of the process: project financing and budgeting; legal and regulatory issues, including zoning rules and union and safety guidelines; and construction technology and construction project management. Although the program concentrates on building construction, the topics are applicable to virtually any kind of construction project – from stadiums and parks, to railroad terminals and airports, to bridges and tunnels.