This informational video gives background about the U of M's Construction and Facility Management program. Whether you're a working professional seeking a part-time program or a full-time student with a strong interest in a construction career, this degree will prepare you for a leadership role.
Video Transcript
Peter Hilger, Faculty Director: Hi, I'm Peter Hilger, Faculty Director of the Construction and Facility Management program here at the College of Continuing and Professional Studies.
Megan Seltz, Academic Adviser: And I'm Megan Seltz, academic adviser for the program.
Peter Hilger: Together, we are your team that will help you get to graduation and beyond.
One of the most valuable pieces of our curriculum is the skills you will learn around communication and problem-solving and critical thinking.
Jenna Stein, student: I'd say the classes were perfectly designed to really give you the feel of what construction is like. There's the technical classes which you absolutely need, and I use those every day, but I would say the more important ones are the real problem-solving classes. Essentially, they taught you how to fight fires, and I think that was a very valuable thing because that's what I do every day.
Peter Hilger: We're training students to become leaders and managers. Managers of projects, managers of buildings, and leaders of businesses.
Megan Seltz: In our program we work with a variety of students. We have traditional students with little construction experience and others who have been in the industry for many years returning to get their degree. We can work together to map out your courses and plan for graduation.
Peter Hilger: We have multiple tracks available within our program. Building construction, which deals with commercial, educational, and institutional types of buildings; highway heavy, which deals with roads, bridges, and other types of public works facilities; residential construction, both single-family and multi-family construction; and finally, facility management, which is the management of the built asset, from the time it's turned over until the time it is finally disposed of.
One of the greatest attributes of our program, as evidenced by our feedback from our students, is the adjunct faculty and the stories they bring every day to the classroom.
Ann Jacklitch, alumna: Having adjunct professors that really understand what's going on in the current field was extremely helpful.
Peter Hilger: It's what fascinates students, it's how they learn about the real ways to make projects come together.
Megan Seltz: We have many opportunities for engagement in the program. We have an active student group, an alumni group, and a two-week study abroad option in Costa Rica. These are just a few of the examples of ways that you can network and get involved in the program.
Peter Hilger: Thank you for spending a few moments with us learning more about our program. You're welcome to contact me at any time, or—Megan?
Megan Seltz: You're also welcome to come in and meet with me for a one-on-one advising appointment. Just call the main office to schedule.
Peter Hilger: I'll see you in the classroom. Thank you.
Learn more about the Construction Management program.
