construction-mgmt

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Construction Management

Have a hand in building the future with a construction management degree from Bowling Green State University. 

Construction management is a fast-growing, versatile career track that draws ambitious, outside-the-box thinkers excited by the promise of something new every day. Construction managers are responsible for planning, organizing and executing construction projects in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

We see their work everywhere: An instantly-recognizable city skyline. A flourishing wetland next to brand new condos. The infrastructure that efficiently delivers a community’s heat and power. It’s a broad discipline, and you can tailor your own trajectory.

BGSU will equip you with the high-level skills you need to get ahead in an industry with ever-evolving demands and technologies. We offer real-world co-op experiences and lessons that go beyond construction fundamentals. Learn to lead, collaborate and push the possibilities to new heights.

Why study construction management at BGSU in Ohio?

  • Learn from the best. The BGSU construction management degree is nationally accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
  • Multidisciplinary approach. Study and work with your peers in architecture and environmental design, just as construction managers do in the real world. BGSU is the only higher ed institution in Ohio that prioritizes this approach. BSCM students are taught key elements of architecture, business, technology and engineering. 
  • Nationally recognized co-op program. Get the hands-on experience that employers value. The BGSU co-op program is 1 of just 3 in the country recognized for meeting the gold standard of excellence by the Accreditation and Council for Co-Op & Internship (ACCI). 
  • Proactive student engagement. The Student Construction Management Association connects members to industry leaders, prized co-op spots, high-profile competitions and other key resources. 

100% of BGSU construction management students are employed or in graduate school within six months of earning their degree.

Career – what can you do with a construction management degree?

Construction managers may not lay bricks or pour concrete. But from conception to completion, they are at the helm of our built environment. 

Some construction managers are in charge of overseeing all the moving parts at every stage. Others focus on becoming highly specialized in a single phase, aspect or type of project. 

BGSU construction management degree graduates can generally expect job stability and competitive wages. Our alumni have gone on to assume prominent leadership positions at industry vanguards, including companies like:

  • Rudolph Libbe Group
  • Kokosing Construction Co.
  • E.S. Wagner Company
  • Lathrop | Turner Construction Co. 
  • Kiewit Corp. 

Jobs in construction management require wide-ranging technical, managerial and leadership skills. Examples of daily duties include: 

  • Supervising progress, safety and compliance on construction projects of all types and sizes
  • Preparing budgets and cost estimates
  • Collaborating with architects, engineers and trade workers
  • Negotiating with subcontractors and vendors
  • Formulating strategies for eco-friendly development

Career paths

  • Construction manager (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, residential)
  • Field engineer
  • General contractor
  • Sustainability consultant
  • Construction cost estimator
  • Scheduler
  • Construction inspection/overseer
  • Facility management

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View Average Salaries

Curriculum

The Department of Construction Management teaches the technicalities of the trade along with the skills you’ll need to collaborate and lead teams.

First-year students complete general requirements (BG Perspective courses) in written communication, mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, humanities and arts, natural science and cultural diversity. 

Second year, we lay the foundation in core studies, with introductory courses in architectural design, construction document reading and topics in construction. 

Advancing to the third and fourth years, students delve into the more complex core curricula, such as:

  • Surveying
  • Structural design
  • Estimating and cost control
  • Construction methods and practices
  • Contracting
  • Mechanical and electrical systems
  • Scheduling

Take your degree a step further with either a dual major or a Master of Technology Management (MTM) degree in construction management. 

Required courses

Construction management co-op program

BGSU construction management students must successfully complete three co-ops with construction companies as part of our curriculum. Co-ops are graded and carry credits. These are onsite, paid positions directly related to your major.

Co-ops fuse classroom academics with practical job experience. You gain relevant skills, bulk up your resume and develop a professional network. Many students receive full-time job offers after graduation from their co-op employers.

Yasimin Kelly Dec 2017 Commencement

Sample courses

  • Construction Document Reading
  • Structural Design
  • Construction Surveying
  • Building Information and Modeling for Construction
  • Estimating and Cost Control
  • LEED and Lean Fundamentals
  • Computer-Aided Design for Architecture 
  • Construction Safety and Health Management

Updated: 11/29/2023 02:29PM