- Career Stat: $55,000 median salary for grad
- Credits: 120 to graduate, including 30 for admission
- Options: Also available as a minor and certificate
What can I do with a construction management major?
A construction management major will increase your expertise in every stage of the construction process, from conception through creation. Whether you're a working professional or a full-time student, this degree will prepare you for a leadership role in construction.
You will improve your knowledge of current industry practices in:
- design and construction technologies
- estimating
- contracts and specifications
- project management
- results measurement
- quality assurance
In addition, you can choose one of five tracks:
- Commercial Construction
- Environmental Health and Safety
- Facility Management
- Highway Heavy and Civil Works
- Residential Construction
Don't want to commit to the entire degree? You can enroll for a single course as a nondegree student. Check out some of our popular facility and construction management courses.
Follow these registration steps.
Requirements and Courses
You'll work with your advisor to construct a plan with 120 semester credits, including 86−89 within the major. Students all take the same core courses plus select a track in one of the four areas below.
The curriculum has been designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to fill leadership roles in the construction or facility management industries. Read more about program outcomes and competencies.
For course descriptions, visit the University Catalog.
For course details (date, time, instructor, etc.), visit the Class Search.
Students can apply to the program after completing some college credits (at least 30 for premajor and 45 for major status). These count toward your 120 credit total. When taken at the University, these courses include:
- Mathematics of Design (MATH 1042) OR Calculus I (MATH 1142 or 1271) (Mathematical Thinking LE)
- Physics I and Lab (Physical Science LE) (PHYS 1101W or 1107 or 1301W)
- Construction Plan Reading (CMGT 3011)
- Microeconomics or Macroeconomics (ECON 1101 or 1102, or APEC 1101 or 1102)
- English Composition (WRIT 1301 or 1401)
- Technical Writing (ABUS 4023W, or Writ 3001 or 3152W or 3562W, or PHYS 1101W or 1301W)
- Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication (COMM 1101 or 1313W or 3402 or 3411, or WRIT 3257)
- Financial Accounting (ACCT 2050)
- Introduction to Construction (CMGT 3001W)
- Introduction to Management (ABUS 4022 or MGMT 3001)
- Engineering Graphics/AutoCAD (COMM, H/H, Res) (CMGT 2019)
- Facility Programming and Design (FM) (CMGT 3024W)
- Management and HR Practices (FM) (ABUS 4104)
All Construction Management majors take the same core courses:
| Course Name | Credits | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Documents and Contracts (CMGT 4011) | 3 | classroom |
| Legal, Ethical, and Risk Issues for Managers (ABUS 4013W) | 3 | blended |
| Construction Planning and Scheduling (CMGT 4021) | 3 | classroom |
| Construction Estimating (CMGT 4022) | 3 | classroom |
| Construction Safety and Loss Control (CMGT 4031) | 3 | classroom |
| Specifications and Technical Writing for Construction Professionals (CMGT 4041W) | 3 | classroom |
| Construction Management Internship (CMGT 4196) | 3 | classroom |
| Sustainability for Construction Managers (CMGT 4471) | 2 | online |
| Construction Management Capstone (CMGT 4861) | 3 | classroom |
| Accounting and Finance for Managers (ABUS 4101) | 3 | online |
| Introduction to Marketing (ABUS 4701) | 3 | online |
Commercial Track
Preparatory Course: AutoCAD for Construction Managers (CMGT 2019, fall and spring, 2 cr)
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Surveying and Mapping (CEGE 3202) | 2 | fall, summer |
| Materials and Structures I (CMGT 4544) | 4 | fall |
| Materials and Structures II (CMGT 4545) | 4 | spring |
| Construction Accounting (CMGT 4201) | 2 | fall |
| Building Energy Systems (CMGT 4542) | 3 | spring |
| Building Envelope Design and Construction (CMGT 4562) | 2 | fall |
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Management and Human Resource Practices (ABUS 4104) | 3 | fall, spring |
| Real Estate Development and Finance (ABUS 4217) | 2 | fall |
| Architecture and Ecology (ARCH 4561) | 3 | spring |
| Building Testing and Diagnostics (SSM 4416) | 2 | spring |
| Renewable Energy Technologies (BBE 4733) | 3 | spring |
| Environmental Engineering (CEGE 3501) | 3 | fall, spring |
| Steel and Reinforced Concrete Design (CEGE 4401) | 3 | fall, spring |
| Building Codes for Construction Managers (CMGT 4073) | 1 | fall, spring |
| Managing Erosion and Sediment Control (CMGT 4081) | 1 | summer |
| Directed Study (CMGT 4193) | 1−3 | every semester |
| Additional Internship (CMGT 4196) | 1−4 | every semester |
| Facility Quality Assessment and Commissioning (CMGT 4215) | 2 | spring |
| Advanced Construction Estimating (CMGT 4422) | 2 | spring |
| Topics in Construction Management (CMGT 4550) | varies | fall, spring |
| Landscape Construction: Site Systems and Engineering (LA 3571) | 3 | fall |
Environmental Health and Safety
Preparatory Courses: Construction Safety and Loss Control (CMGT 4031, 3 cr) and Building Energy Systems (CMGT 4542, 3 cr)
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Environmental Health & Safety (CMGT 4301) | 3 | fall, odd years, online |
| Environmental Health Principles (CMGT 4302) | 3 | spring, even years, online |
| Industrial Hygiene Principles (CMGT 4303) | 3 | spring, odd years, online |
| Fire and Life Safety Principles (CMGT 4304) | 3 | spring, odd years, online |
| Health and Safety Planning and Management (CMGT 4305) | 3 | spring, even years, online |
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Building Codes for Construction Managers (CMGT 4073) | 1 | fall, spring |
| Managing Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites (CMGT 4081) | 1 | spring |
| Directed Study (CMGT 4193) | 1−4 | fall, spring, summer |
| Facility Quality Assessment and Commissioning (CMGT 4215) | 2 | spring (odd years) |
| Topics in Construction Management (CMGT 4550) | 1−2 | TBD |
| Building Testing and Diagnostics (SSM 4416) | 2 | spring |
Electives available in 2020: Building Code Nonstructural Principles and Applications (CMGT 4306); Mechanical & Electrical Codes & Safety Principles (CMGT 4307); Fire Code & Protection Systems Principles & Applications (CMGT 4308)
Highway Heavy/Civil Works Track
Preparatory Course: AutoCAD for Construction Managers (CMGT 2019, fall and spring, 2 cr)
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Surveying and Mapping (CEGE 3202) | 2 | fall, summer |
| Materials and Structures II (CMGT 4545) | 4 | spring |
| Construction Accounting (CMGT 4201) | 2 | fall |
| Transportation Engineering (CEGE 3201) | 3 | fall, spring |
| Highway Design (CEGE 4201) | 3 | spring |
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Engineering (CEGE 3501) | 3 | fall, spring |
| Managing Erosion and Sediment Control (CMGT 4081) | 1 | summer |
| Directed Study (CMGT 4193) | 1−3 | every semester |
| Additional Internship (CMGT 4196) | 1−4 | every semester |
| Advanced Construction Cost Estimating (CMGT 4422) | 2 | spring |
| Topics in Construction Management (CMGT 4550) | varies | fall, spring |
| Landscape Construction: Site Systems and Engineering (LA 3571) | 3 | fall |
| Soil Mechanics I (CEGE 3301) | 3 | fall, spring |
| Fluid Mechanics (CEGE 3502) | 4 | fall, spring |
| Pavement Analysis, Design, and Rehab (CEGE 4251) | 4 | fall |
| Pavement Engineering and Management (CEGE 4253) | 3 | spring |
| Hydrologic Design (CEGE 4501) | 4 | fall, spring |
| Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations (HRIR 3021) | 3 | every semester |
Residential Track
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD for Construction Managers (CMGT 2019) | 2 | fall and spring |
|
Materials and Structures I (CMGT 4544) OR |
4 4 |
fall fall and spring |
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Materials and Structures II (CMGT 4545) | 4 | spring |
| Construction Accounting (CMGT 4201) | 2 | fall |
| Building Testing and Diagnostics (SSM 4416) | 2 | spring |
| Systems Approach to Residential Construction (SSM 4413) | 4 | spring |
| Advanced Residential Building Science with Lab (SSM 4414) | 4 | fall |
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Managing Erosion and Sediment Control (CMGT 4081) | 1 | summer |
| Directed Study (CMGT 4193) | 1−3 | every semester |
| Additional Internship (CMGT 4196) | 1−4 | every semester |
| Advanced Construction Cost Estimating (CMGT 4422) | 2 | spring |
| Topics in Construction Management (CMGT 4550) | varies | fall, spring |
| Landscape Construction: Site Systems and Engineering (LA 3571) | 3 | fall |
| Management and Human Resource Practices (ABUS 4104) | 3 | fall, spring |
| Real Estate Development and Finance (ABUS 4217) | 2 | fall |
| Architecture and Ecology (Arch 4561) | 3 | spring |
| Renewable Energy Technologies (BBE 4733) | 3 | spring |
| Building Codes for Construction Managers (CMGT 4073) | 1 | fall, spring |
| Introductory Statics and Structures for Construction Management (BBE 3101) | 3 | fall, spring |
Facility Management Track
Please note: The Facility Management track will be shifting to a cohort model with the next admission cycle beginning fall 2020. You are still free to meet with an advisor and start your degree coursework sooner, but please be aware that some FM coursework will only be available in certain semesters.
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Management and Human Resource Practices (ABUS 4104) | 3 | fall and spring |
| Facility Programming and Design (CMGT 3024W) | 2 | fall |
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Development and Finance (ABUS 4217 ) | 2 | fall |
| Building Energy Systems (CMGT 4542) | 3 | spring |
| Building Envelope Design and Construction (CMGT 4562) | 2 | fall |
| Facility Quality Assessment and Commissioning (CMGT 4215) | 2 | spring |
| Facility Asset Management, Finance, and Budgeting (ABUS 4211) | 2 | fall |
| Facility Management Fundamentals (ABUS 4213) | 3 | fall |
| Management and Human Resource Practices (ABUS 4104) | 3 | fall, spring |
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Building Testing and Diagnostics (SSM 4416) | 2 | spring |
| Managing Erosion and Sediment Control (CMGT 4081) | 1 | summer |
| Directed Study (CMGT 4193) | 1−3 | every semester |
| Additional Internship (CMGT 4196) | 1−4 | every semester |
| Topics in Construction Management (CMGT 4550 ) | varies | fall, spring |
| Landscape Construction: Site Systems and Engineering (LA 3571) | 3 | fall |
| Renewable Energy Technologies (BBE 4733) | 3 | spring |
| Building Codes for Construction Managers (CMGT 4073) | 1 | fall, spring |
| Structural Frames and Building Design/Construction (CMGT 4572) | 3 | fall |
Your plan also will include Liberal Education and Writing Intensive requirements, plus lower division course work in math, physics, plan reading, economics, management, accounting, and communication.
While you can transfer credits from other institutions, 30+ of your 120 credits (at a GPA of 2.0+) must be taken at the U of M, including 24 after admission; 18 must be construction science (contact an advisor for details).
For more information about these requirements, visit One Stop.
| Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Innovative Contracting (CMGT 4001) | 1 | fall, odd years |
| Lean Construction (CMGT 4550) | 1 | spring, odd years, online |
| Building Codes Observations: Walking Inspection (CMGT 4550) | 1 | spring, odd years |
| Managing with BIM (Building Information Modeling) (CMGT 4003) | 1 | fall, odd years |
| Construction Industry through Time and Tomorrow (CMGT 4000) | 2 | fall, even years, online |
Admission
The Construction Management degree accepts applications from students with some college credits. You may apply at either premajor (30+ transferable credits amassed) or major (45+ transferable credits amassed) status.
Current U of M Students: You can run a "what if" APAS report to see how your coursework might meet the construction management program requirements.
Transfer Students: Sometimes foundation courses can be taken at another school, including community colleges. Consult Transferology to see how credits might transfer to the University of Minnesota. To learn more about the CMGT major and transfer coursework, contact an advisor.
Nondegree Students: Not formally admitted to a U of M program? You can still take courses in this program.
Fall Semester Application Deadline | August 1
Spring Semester Application Deadline | December 1
Premajor Admission Criteria
- 30+ transferable premajor credits
- 2.5+ GPA
- Demonstrated interest in the field
Major Admission Criteria
- 45+ transferable premajor credits
- 2.5+ GPA
- Completion of (or in progress): Math of Design or equivalent; Physics I; Construction Plan Reading with grade of C- or better
Secondary Review Factors
- A pattern of steady improvement in academic performance
- Nonacademic experience in a related field
- Work experience, paid or unpaid
- Extenuating circumstances
In addition to meeting specific college admission requirements, transfer students must be eligible to return to their previous colleges or universities. The University also reserves the right to deny admission to an otherwise admissible applicant if the University determines that the applicant's enrollment would not be in the applicant's or the University's best interest.
Transcript Review
If you have a PDF of your transcript available or are a current or former U of M student, an advisor would be happy to review your transcript and send you a report of what transfers.
Career Outlook
"Those with a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, or civil engineering, coupled with construction experience, will have the best job prospects." (Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Construction Managers, visited July 3, 2019)
Graduate Snapshot
Year one; averages of the years 2013−18 (Source: U of M Career and Internship Services Surveys)
- 95% Paid employment
- 95% Job closely/
somewhat related to major - $57K Median income
Some positions of our graduates:
- Corporate Sustainability Coordinator
- Field Engineer
- Project Manager
- Estimator
- Vice President
- Senior Designer
- Superintendent
- Regional Accounts Manager
- Engineering Technician II
- Field Project Manager
- Property Claims Adjuster
- Field Construction Manager
- Test Shop Technician
- Contractor
Visit Career and Internship Services for more alumni data, job search and internship resources, and employment listings.
Connect with other U of M students and alumni to share job, internship, and volunteer information on GoldPASS.
Career Paths by Track
Office. Medical. Retail. Hospitality. Public service. Entertainment. Education. Industry. Tenant improvements.
Commercial projects generally serve public or private stakeholders and a broad constituency of user groups.
Your business card might read:
- Project Engineer
- Project Superintendent
- Estimator
- Scheduler
- Safety Coordinator
- Quality Control Coordinator or Tester
- Construction Accountant
- Project Manager
- Project Principal
- Owner’s Construction or Project Representative
- Preconstruction Services Consultant
- BIM (Building Information Modeling) Modeler or Coordinator
- Architectural Construction Coordinator
- Marketing and Development Principal
Types of companies you might work for:
- General Contractors
- Specialty Sector Contractors: Electrical, Mechanical, Energy, etc.
- Subcontractors
- Material Suppliers and Distributors
- Equipment Suppliers and Distributors
- Testing and Inspection Company
- Real Estate Developers
- Corporations with extensive real property holdings
Graduates of the residential track work on projects from single-family homes to multifamily, multilevel apartments and condominiums, and from new construction to full remodeling and restoration.
Your business card might read:
- Project Engineer
- Project Superintendent
- Estimator
- Scheduler
- Safety Coordinator
- Quality Control Coordinator or Tester
- Construction Accountant
- Project Manager
- Corporate Principal
- Owner’s Construction or Project Representative
- Residential Sales Associate
- Residential Design Advisor
- Marketing and Development Principal
Types of companies you might work for:
- Residential Contractors
- General Contractors (primarily large multistory residential)
- Specialty Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Material Suppliers and Distributors
- Equipment Suppliers and Distributors
- Home Service and Maintenance
- Real Estate Developers
- Corporations with extensive residential real property holdings
Roads. Bridges. Tunnels and dams. Water. Sewer. Stormwater. Energy. Power grid. Utilities. Transportation. Natural resources. Mining. Ports and harbors.
Typically commissioned by government, these types of construction projects involve a variety of resources, often are very complex, and serve the public at large.
Your business card might read:
- Project Engineer or Field Technician
- Project Superintendent
- Estimator
- Scheduler
- Safety Coordinator
- Quality Control Coordinator or Tester
- Construction Accountant
- Senior Project Manager or Principal
- Owner’s Construction or Project Representative
- Preconstruction Services Consultant
- BIM (Building Information Modeling) Modeler or Coordinator
- Marketing and Development Principal
Types of companies you might work for:
- Highway and Civil Works Contractors
- General, Utility, Specialty Contractors
- Testing and Quality Assurance
- Material Suppliers and Distributors
- Equipment Suppliers and Distributors
- Energy Generating and Distribution
- Preconstruction
- Government
- Public Development Authorities
- Transit System Authorities (airport, tunnel, bus, rail)
The facility manager is in charge not only of the physical structure, but also the user experience, how the building can be cost effectively fitted and refitted for a purpose, even as that purpose is constantly changing.
Your business card might read:
- Facility Manager
- Asset Manager
- Project Coordinator
- Design and Relocation Coordinator
- Space Planner
- Systems or Operations Manager
- Industrial Systems Coordinator
- Facility Engineer
- Owner’s Construction or Project Representative
- Energy Services Coordinator
- Maintenance Manager
- Property Manager
Types of companies you might work for:
- External Facility Services Contractors
- Corporate Facility Services
- Municipal, State, and Federal Agencies
- Public Utilities
- Facility Management and Real Property Consultancies
- Real Estate Developers
- Public Development Authorities
- Transit System Authorities (airport, tunnel, bus, rail)
Internships
An internship provides you with a hands-on opportunity to apply your classroom learning, and it's a great transition to employment. It is intended for students who have some advanced skills and knowledge and have completed many of the core courses in the major, particularly estimating, planning and scheduling, and documents and contracts.
If you already have a job, you don't have to find a new one—you can work with your present employer to explore new responsibilities in an area of the company you haven’t yet fully experienced.
Contact the internship coordinator (cceintrn@umn.edu) if you have any questions, or check with the Construction Management advisor (seltz011@umn.edu).
Information for Employers
Creating meaningful construction management internships can be a huge boost to your organization. Construction Management students ready to intern will bring AutoCAD and plan reading skills, and they usually also have contract, scheduling, estimating, and safety coursework under their belts. Internships can last for three to six months, and students may complete multiple internships. Compensation typically ranges from $15−20 per hour.
Review tips on creating a position, post your position at GoldPass, and send it to cceintrn@umn.edu. For more information, email Peter Hilger at aphilger@umn.edu.
Student Experience
Student Life
- Study Abroad: You may have the opportunity to study abroad as part of your degree. Talk to advisor Megan Seltz for more information.
- Construction and Facility Management Student Association: This group's core mission is to provide a base for student involvement in campus and community activities. Members can participate in industry-related activities, help current students by mentoring or tutoring, and be involved with other campus groups. Membership is open to any U of M student, regardless of college.
- Facebook: Please email the CFMSA at cfmsa@umn.edu to request membership.
- LinkedIn: A networking site for the Construction Management program and all interested stakeholders.
- Construct*ium
- Sigma Lamba Chi: Construction Management Honor Society
- Learning abroad opportunities: Talk to your advisor.
- Writing Enriched Curriculum: The Construction Management curriculum offers a comprehensive answer to the question “What does effective written communication look like in construction management?” Each course syllabus contains writing assignments specifically oriented to the WEC objectives. We have also developed a “Construction Management Student Writing Style Guide,” which is available on the Moodle site of each course, along with instructional videos. The entire WEC process is described by its developers in an article in the International Journal of Construction Education and Research.
- Quiz Bowl: A clip from the inaugural Quiz Bowl in March 2012 (the winning team was from the University of Wisconsin−Stout). The 2013, 2014, and 2015 Quiz Bowl champion teams were from the University of Minnesota!
- Final Four
- Construct*ium Pentathlon
Career Resources
Academic Resources
- Undergraduate Student Handbook
- Scholarships
- Construction Management Program Annual Report
- Directed Study Information
- Commencement
- College and University-wide Resources
Forms
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
- Resident undergraduate tuition is $512.30 per credit for 2019−20. Nonresident tuition varies.
- You may also be charged additional fees.
We want to ensure you have access to the education you want. Find out more about financial aid or talk to our scholarship advisor.
Contact Information
612-624-4000 or 800-234-6564 | ccapsinfo@umn.edu
20 Ruttan Hall, 1994 Buford Ave, Saint Paul, MN
In-Person Hours: Monday−Friday 8 a.m.−4:30 p.m.
Phone Hours: Monday−Friday 8 a.m.−4:30 p.m.