Construction Management

Construction Management

In your engineering studies, as you delve into the arena of construction management, you learn that it is more than just bricks, steel, and concrete. You're taught to juggle schedules, manage budgets, and coordinate between diverse teams, all while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality. You navigate software like Primavera and AutoCAD, tools that help you manage resources, timelines, and design specifications. On-site visits allow you to witness the orchestrated chaos of a construction site, reinforcing your understanding of logistics, risk management, and regulations. You learn to grapple with unexpected issues, be it weather disruptions, design alterations, or supply chain hiccups, all integral parts of managing a real-world project. Construction management, you realize, isn't just about erecting structures; it's about leadership, planning, and coordination, molding you into an engineer who can transform blueprints into tangible reality.

Welcome to the Construction Management Program at Central Washington University. CWU offers a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management. The Construction Management program is one of several in the Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction (ETSC) Department, which is in turn part of the College of Education and Professional Studies.

The program has averaged between 140 and 150 majors and pre-majors, with approximately 36 students graduating each year. Smaller class size, with a focus on "hands-on” labs, allows individual attention and a unique exposure to all aspects of construction. There are two options within the program depending on the student’s interests; general construction or heavy/civil construction.  General construction focuses primarily on commercial building while heavy/civil focuses primarily on bridge, road and utility construction.

Prospective students MUST be admitted into the Construction Management professional program before they can take 300 or 400 level CMGT classes. Students must complete the following classes, with sufficient grades, prior to applying for the major: ENG 101 & 102 (C), MATH 153 & 154 (pre-calculus) (C). Applications for admission into the Construction Management major will be reviewed in the Spring quarter of each year according to the guidelines found in the Student Advising Handbook. 

Courses Required for Entrance

Placement Opportunities

Recent CWU Construction Management graduates have found employment with local, national and international construction firms; with design firms; and material equipment suppliers. Others are currently working for public agencies, performing inspection, supervision and contract administration duties. Position titles for recent graduates include: Estimators, project engineers, assistant project managers, project coordinators and project administrators. Many graduates are working for commercial, civil and heavy/highway, industrial and specialty contractors in various locations. The opportunities are almost limitless, as evidenced by a placement rate for graduates of nearly 100 percent. Starting salaries range from $65,000 to over $70,000. Opportunities for advancement are also excellent, as Central's graduates are well prepared to meet the challenges of today's construction industry.

The program is fully accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) and a member of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), Region 7.