Curriculum & Courses Prior to Spring 2020

For Full-Time Students Enrolled Prior to Spring 2020

  • 36 points for degree completion
  • On-campus instruction; some business courses available online as pre-approved electives
  • Fall and spring intake
  • 3–4 terms to complete 
  • Capstone Project

International students are responsible for ensuring they have read and understood the University’s student visa application eligibility and requirements. Please note that it is not permissible to enroll while in B-1/B-2 status. In addition, if studying on a student visa, you must enroll full-time (12 credits per term) and study on campus.

The curriculum focuses on the commercial and residential building sectors but covers processes of construction administration that are applicable to any kind of project – from stadiums and parks to railroad terminals and airports, to bridges and tunnels. The program's twelve courses focus on the fundamentals of construction administration: cost estimating and project financing, techniques, human and material resources, construction law, conflict resolution, project management, and environmental safety and conservation.

Program Structure

During the first term, students enroll in four courses: the foundational Elemental Topics in Construction Administration and the core Principles of Construction Techniques (fall only) or Managing the Engineering and Construction Process (spring only), as well as two core courses to be assigned by the program directors prior to or during orientation. Following the first term, students are required to complete five additional core courses, two core electives, an additional approved elective (core or non-core) of choice, and the Capstone Project. Non-core electives may be chosen from courses offered through this program or, with the permission of the program director, from those offered through other schools or departments of the University.

Following the first term, students are required to complete five additional core courses, two core electives,), two additional approved electives (core or non-core) of choice, and the Capstone Project. Non-core electives may be chosen from courses offered through this program or, with the permission of the program director, from those offered through other schools or departments of the University.

In order to receive the M.S. degree, full-time students must complete the degree requirements within two years (4 terms excluding summer) with an overall grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better. The recommended timeframe for completion is one year.

Time Commitment

The M.S. in Construction Administration is challenging and requires a significant commitment of time and energy. Most classes are scheduled in the evening and are two to three hours each. Students should plan on allocating a minimum of one to two hours of homework for each hour spent in class. Capstone Project classes may require students to spend time at actual construction sites during the day and/or weekend.

Suggested Course Schedule (Full-Time)

Recommended Path: Semester 1/ Fall

Recommended Path: Semester 2/ Spring

Recommended Path: Semester 3/ Fall

* A waiver of Elemental Topics in Construction Administration is available to those who take an opt-out exam and achieve a score of 80 or higher. Students who waive the course must meet with the Program Director for advisement on a replacement course.
** Summer study is optional. Students who prefer a lighter courseload during their final term may wish to consider elective coursework during the summer

Required Core Courses

All students complete these seven core courses.

Additional Core Courses 

Choose one course below as the eighth and final required core course.

Core Elective Courses and Internship Opportunities

Choose at least three elective courses. With the permission of the program director, you may also select approved electives such as an internship or courses through other schools or departments of the University. If you wish to receive academic credit for an internship, you must meet with the program director to review internship opportunities. Once the program director determines the internship opportunity is consistent with the goals and mission of the M.S. in Construction Administration, you will be approved to register for a required companion course linked to your internship experience.

Capstone Project

Spring 2020

View the details of the Spring 2020 curriculum here.