Bachelor of Science in Construction

Hands-on Learning

The College of Engineering & Computing and the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction emphasize hands-on learning to make sure that students are ready to start a dynamic career when they graduate.  Activities like labs, participation in competitions through student groups, and co-ops and internships are an important part of the college career in Construction.  The department also emphasizes community service learning for meaningful practical experience.  Employers from around the region and the country appreciate the practical experience our graduates have from putting their classroom lessons into real-world practice.

Specializations in Construction at Georgia Southern:

• Construction estimating and scheduling
• Building information modeling (BIM)
• Project Cost Analysis
• Green and sustainable construction
• Project Management
• Construction Safety
• Construction Equipment

Construction managers are expected to be in high demand due to an anticipated increase in construction activity over the next decade. The U.S Bureau for Labor Statistics predicts an 11% growth in the profession.  The median annual wage for construction managers was $91,370 in 2017.

Student Admission Requirements

The requirements for admission to the Construction program are the same as the minimum requirements for admission to the university. These requirements include:

1. Graduation from an approved secondary school;
2. Satisfactory completion of college preparatory subjects in high school which should include the following: 4 units of English, 3 units of Social Studies, 4 units of Mathematics (courses should include Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and Trigonometry or other higher math), 2 units of a Foreign Languages (must be the same language), and 3 units of Science (2 with labs);
3. Submission of satisfactory scores on the college entrance examination board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – minimum 1030 SAT total – or American College Test (ACT) – 20 composite;
4. U.S. Citizen or Resident Aliens for whom English is not the native language may be required to take Michigan test upon arrival. Resident aliens must submit a copy of their green card; Submission of an official high school transcript and record of good conduct;
5. Major or continued difficulty with the school or civil authorities may make an applicant ineligible regardless of academic qualifications;
6. Submission of a Medical History form (provided with acceptance for admission).

Degree Requirements and Transfer credit information

Use the Construction Degree Curriculum Sheet to plan your course selections each year and graduate on time.

Graduation Requirements

• The requirements of the core curriculum must be satisfied
• The requirements of the CM program must be satisfied
• A minimum of 129 hours is required for graduation
• At least 30 semester hours of approved construction management courses must be taken at Georgia Southern University
• A minimum of 30 hours of upper-division credits must be earned at Georgia Southern University
• The total institution cumulative GPA of all courses applying to the degree must be 2.0
• A grade of at least a “C” must be earned in all construction management courses
• An approved work experience of 320 hours in the construction management industry prior to graduation
• 100 hours of approved, construction-related community service hours prior to graduation

Transfer Credits

• Credits for core courses are transferable across all schools within the University System of Georgia
• Any major-specific requirements will be evaluated by the Admissions Office and /or the major department, and appropriate credit will be assigned
• Students who transfer from outside of the University System of Georgia will be evaluated by the Admissions Office and/or the major department, and the appropriate transfer credit will be assigned

Program Objectives

1. Effective Communication and Teamwork: Upon graduation, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to effectively explain and justify their construction solutions to a range of audiences, as well as work in multi-disciplinary teams with an appreciation of diverse perspectives
2. Project Management Skills: Upon graduation, students shall be able to demonstrate an understanding of effective management practices for personnel, materials, equipment, costs, and time
3. Fundamental Construction Knowledge: Upon graduation, students will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of construction processes by demonstrating the ability to define problems, evaluate critical technical information, recognize potential solutions, and creatively implement those solutions
4. Professional Ethics: Upon graduation, students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of ethics in professional decision-making

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Create written communications appropriate to the construction discipline
2. Create oral presentations appropriate to the construction discipline
3. Create a construction project safety plan
4. Create construction project cost estimates
5. Create construction project schedules
6. Analyze professional decisions based on ethical principles
7. Analyze construction documents for planning and management of construction processes
8. Analyze methods, materials, and equipment used to construct projects
9. Apply construction management skills as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
10. Apply electronic-based technology to manage the construction process
11. Apply basic surveying techniques for construction layout and control
12. Understand different methods of project delivery and the roles and responsibilities of all constituencies involved in the design and construction process
13. Understand construction risk management
14. Understand construction accounting and cost control
15. Understand construction quality assurance and control
16. Understand construction project control processes
17. Understand the legal implications of contract, common, and regulatory law to manage a construction project
18. Understand the basic principles of sustainable construction
19. Understand the basic principles of structural behavior
20. Understand the basic principles of mechanical, electrical, and piping systems

• Information on Continuous Improvement Plan
• Construction Program Strategic Plan [draft]

Related Programs

The College of Engineering and Computing’s department of Civil Engineering and Construction offers an accredited degree program in Construction taught by highly qualified faculty.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Construction degree program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), 300 Decker Drive, Suite 330, Irving, Texas 75062, Tel: (972) 600-8800, (www.acce-hg.org). As a Council for Higher Education, ACCE is recognized by US Department of Higher Education and internationally accepted by colleges, universities, and industry.

Curriculum

The Construction program is designed to produce leaders with the analytical, organizational, technical and communication abilities to direct the most complicated construction operations. The four-year Bachelor of Science in Construction degree curriculum provides a blend of construction and engineering-related courses with management, business, communications, science, math, liberal studies, and architectural courses to prepare the student for the multitude of careers in construction. A required internship and field experience give our students practical, real-world training.

Careers

The Bachelor of Science in Construction degree program prepares individuals to be leaders in the construction industry. Construction managers facilitate the design and construction of projects by:

• managing resources (e.g. people, equipment, materials, money, and time)
• understanding construction contract law and the various forms of dispute resolution
• being knowledgeable of safety standards
• estimating construction costs and scheduling of construction project activities
• coordinating the project team to ensure project quality and timeliness while staying within the client’s budget

Facilities

The Construction Program resides in the Engineering Building and includes extensive lecture and laboratory facilities. All classrooms are equipped with smart classroom technology to facilitate teaching and learning. Computer laboratories are fully equipped with advanced software, BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools, and active internet connections for online project management, bid preparation and submission.

• Construction Materials Laboratory
• Soil Mechanics Laboratory
• Concrete, Steel, Wood Laboratory
• Drafting/Graphics Laboratory
• Three computer laboratories (includes Virtual Design and Construction software, full suite of Autodesk, other BIM tools)

Mission

To engage in the best practices of teaching, scholarship, and service to ensure that past, present, and future Georgia Southern students serve as ethical and highly qualified leaders of construction around the globe.

Last updated: 5/23/2023