Jul 04, 2024  
Fitchburg State University 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
Fitchburg State University 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Construction Management, M.S.


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The online M.S.C.M. program is comprised of advanced courses in construction management with two plan options: plan 1 (Thesis Option) and plan 2 (Special Project Option); for a total of 30 credits. Students must be admitted and confirm their intent to enroll in order to register for these 15-week courses. If students are able to pass courses as per suggested plan of study, they will be able to graduate within three semesters. 

General Admissions Requirements


  • To be considered for admission to M.S. in Construction Management program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 in construction management, civil engineering, civil engineering technology, industrial technology, architecture, or related programs. Applicants holding other bachelor degrees with appropriate, related work experience will be considered for admission on an individual basis.
  • Have coursework or equivalent documented professional experience in cost estimating, planning, & scheduling and project management.
  • Suggested: Have at least one-year relevant construction management experience.  
  • Submit a completed, official graduate application, accompanied by official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work;
  • International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 550 on the written exam, or 79 on the internet version of the exam is required. 

Advanced Curriculum Requirements for M.S. in Construction Management


Plan 1: Thesis Option (30 credits)

Plan 2: Special Project Option (30 credits)

Elective course will be suggested by program chair as per students’ interests. 


Courses

Prior Learning Assessment


The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) through portfolio option allows students the opportunity to have those life-long industry
experiences evaluated as educational experiences. If a student meets PLA credit criteria requirement or has an active Certified
Construction Manager license, they can substitute 3 credits for a graduate elective course in the M.S. Construction
Management program. Note - Students in the 4+1 Construction management program are not eligible to complete a PLA
through portfolio for credit. PLA is not available for graduate programs outside of Construction Management.


The criteria for 3 credits PLA are:
1. Industry experience: Minimum of six years of construction professional experiences (as a Responsible-In-Charge (RIC)
role of a minimum 4 years). (evidence: need resume and letter of references)
2. Teaching experience (Optional): Minimum of two years experience in high school (evidence: need a letter of
appointment from administration)
3. Skills acquired from documented professional enhancement or development workshops (at least 100 hours), seminars
and other training programs (evidence: need certificates or award letters) Optional
4. Evidence of leadership, services, and examinations (minimum of one year)

  • Community service (evidence: documents with minimum of one-year service)
  • Activity within professional organizations
  • Relevant experience gained via outside activity
  • Proficiency or competency examination other than those required and/or applied elsewhere with a candidate’s degree
  • program (evidence: need a record of the exams) (optional)
  • Military service courses, tests, professional specialties (evidence: need a record of the military discharge and test documents) (optional)

Students will be required to complete an essay describing how their professional experience relates to their academic experience at the graduate level. Students must complete the PLA process within two semesters after receiving approval to complete a PLA. If a submitted portfolio is not approved, students have one opportunity to resubmit for credit.

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