construction managers outside looking at a building

Construction Management Program

The Construction Management program at College of DuPage provides fundamental and advanced education and practice in a variety of architectural and business subjects that will prepare graduates for successful entry into the construction management field.

Students develop skills in construction-related courses including blueprint reading, building materials, construction methods, safety, and surveying, as well as business-related subjects such as codes and contracts, estimating, scheduling, financial accounting, and supervision.

Facilities for the Construction Management program are housed in the Technical Education Center (TEC). This $50 million facility is approximately 178,000 square feet and provides training across several disciplines. The TEC includes 31 classrooms, 16 state-of-the-art laboratories to accommodate 1,400 students, as well as space for raw material and vehicular storage. The LEED-certified center was designed with sustainability in mind and features two windmills and four solar panels on its roof.

Determine Your Path

Construction managers fill a variety of roles within the construction industry. They may be on the job site or in the office or they may be planning, directing or coordinating activities related to the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities and systems. Whatever their specific activity, construction managers are actively engaged in managing the increasingly complex and technical process of construction.

Whether you are preparing for a career in construction management, planning to transfer to a four-year college or university or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. COD offers:

  • Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience, certification, and licensing.
  • Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment.
  • Flexible schedules with day, evening, weekend and online learning.
  • Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies.
  • Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
  • Innovative 2+2 program in partnership with Purdue University Northwest, allowing for seamless transfer with junior status after completing the College of DuPage Construction Management Associate in Applied Science program.

Construction Management, Associate in Applied Science

The Construction Management Associate in Applied Science degree program prepares students for positions in construction management and related jobs with construction firms.

Students in this program are required to complete 66 credits of coursework, 50 to 52 credit hours of core requirements, 6 to 8 credit hours of approved electives, and required general education classes.

Additional elective courses are available for those students wishing to broaden their knowledge, skills, and experience for an occupational edge over competition.

Construction Management

The Construction Management certificate includes a range of technical architecture classes with basic business topics to give students a first level credential in the construction management field.

The certificate prepares students for entry-level positions with construction firms and can serve as the first step to completing the Associate in Applied Science degree in Construction Management. It is especially suited to students who have construction experience or already have a degree in another field. This certificate requires 32 credits.

COD Stories

Jorge Hernandez

"COD gave me the opportunity to grow and enhance my education despite my mistakes from high school. I was an honors society member and a scholarship recipient, thanks to COD.” - Jorge Hernandez

Jorge's COD Story

Get Started Today

The first step to getting started in construction management is to apply for admission.

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

Learn whether a degree or certificate would best suit your educational goals by contacting Jane Ostergaard, the Chair of the Architecture and Construction Management Program, at osterg@cod.edu.

Construction Management Program graduates will:

  • Be able to apply creative problem solving skills to Construction Management issues as demonstrated by the:
  • Be able to identify appropriate techniques and technology to use in the solution of Construction Management problems.
  • Be able to utilize technology as a tool in a wide range of documentation, presentation and analysis applications, using estimating, scheduling and management software and other appropriate technology.
  • Be able to identify, formulate, and effectively communicate the critical issues involved in the solution of Construction Management problems
  • Be able to gain admittance to baccalaureate Construction Management programs with junior placement or to obtain an entry-level position in Construction Management.

College of DuPage has several construction management transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.

Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.

 

 

Career Information

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Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the architecture and construction management frequently asked questions to find out if pre-architecture, construction management, or architecture technology is right for you.