Skip navigation Jump to main navigation

Applications for 2024 Columbia Summer Session programs are now open!

Close alert

Curriculum & Courses Prior to Spring 2020

For Part-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
  • 6–10 terms to complete 
  • Capstone Project

International students are responsible for ensuring they have read and understand 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 two 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). Students who enter the program with significant industry experience may request a waiver of the Elemental Topics in Construction Administration requirement, which will be granted or denied based on the results of a pre-term examination. Students granted a waiver must replace this course with an elective course carrying three points prior to graduation.

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, part-time students must complete the degree requirements within five years (10 terms, excluding summer) with an overall grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better. The recommended timeframe for completion is three years.

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.

Part-Time Pathway

First Term: Fall

Second Term: Spring

Summer

Third Term: Fall

Fourth Term: Spring

Summer

Fifth Term: Fall

Sixth Term: Spring

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.