Graduate Faculty
701-231-7879
Department Chair and Professor
J.K. Yates, Ph.D.
Texas A&M University, 1986
Research Interests:
Global Engineering & Construction, Sustainable Industrial Construction, Construction Contracts & Law, Decision Support Systems
Graduate Program Director
Charles McIntyre, Ph.D.
The Pennsylvania State University, 1996
Research Interests:
Engineering & Construction Education, Project Scheduling & Control, Land Development, Decision Support Systems
Eric Asa, Ph.D.
University of Alberta, 2002
Research Interests:
Infrastructure and Assets Management, Construction Materials, Engineering Education, Computational Modeling
Darshi De Saram, Ph.D.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2002
Research Interests:
Construction Coordination, Managing for Quality and Safety, Organizational Dynamics and Culture, Professional Education
Zhili Gao, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 2004
Research Interests:
Design and Construction Visualization, Concrete Materials and Construction, Bridge Engineering
Zhi Ge, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 2005
Research Interests:
Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Sustainable Concrete Materials, Properties and Testing of Concrete Structures, Concrete Microstructure
Mohamed Saafi, Ph.D.
University of Alabama, 2001
Research Interests:
Concrete, Nano-technology, Composites
Jongchul Song, Ph.D.
The University of Texas at Austin, 2005
Research Interests:
Information and Sensing Technology Applications in Construction and Transportation, Prefabrication, Preassembly and Modularization
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Program Description and Delivery
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Construction Management prepares students for managerial opportunities in the construction industry. Students will focus on key elements of estimating, scheduling, equipment, and project management. In addition to these core elements, students may choose from a variety of elective courses to develop an individual plan of study with the assistance of a faculty mentor. The M.S. degree is designed to advance the technical knowledge, competence, and interdisciplinary understanding of the students and to prepare them for entering or advancing within the construction profession.
The M.S. Construction Management degree has two distinct delivery methods: 1) on-campus and 2) on-line. The on-campus program offers classes that are located on the NDSU main campus. The on-line program is offered through Distance and Continuing Education (DCE) at NDSU and can be completed entirely on-line.
On-Line Program Description*
The online M.S. degree in Construction Management is offered as a comprehensive study (paper) option which emphasizes applied study and research within the construction industry. The student and an assigned advisor will develop a program of study consisting of at least 31 credit hours of graduate level courses to meet individual educational goals. A minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 is required for degree completion. It is possible to complete the entire program in nine (9) months.
Sample plan of study for a 9-month program (31 credits):
Fall Semester (15 credits):
CM&E 603 - Scheduling and Project Control 4 cr
CM&E 611 - Construction Cost Estimating 4 cr
CM&E 790 - Graduate Seminar 1 cr
CM&E 600 or 700 Level Elective 3 cr
CM&E 600 or 700 Level Elective 3 cr
Spring Semester (16 credits):
CM&E 701 - Construction Technology and Equipment 4 cr
CM&E 612 - Construction Management Capstone 3 cr
CM&E 797 - Master = s Paper 3 cr
CM&E 600 or 700 Level Elective 3 cr
CM&E 600 or 700 Level Elective 3 cr
* For additional information refer to the DCE website at:
http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/dce/html/distDegreePrograms.htm
On-Campus Program Description
The on-campus Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Construction Management is
offered with two options: 1) the thesis option and 2) the comprehensive study (paper) option.
The first option emphasizes original research culminating in the development of a scholarly thesis.
The second option emphasizes applied research applications in the construction industry.
The student and an assigned advisor select the appropriate option and develop
a program of study consisting of at least 31 credit hours of graduate level courses to meet individual
educational goals. A minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 is required for degree
completion. An oral defense is required for both the thesis and the comprehensive study (paper)
options.
Admissions Requirements
To be admitted for M.S. studies with full standing, the applicant must:
1.) Have earned a baccalaureate degree from an educational institution of recognized standing
with adequate preparation in the disciplines of construction, engineering, architecture, or other related disciplines.
2.) Have demonstrated a potential to undertake advanced study and research, through such evidence as prior academic performance and/or professional experience;
3.) Have earned, at the baccalaureate level, a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or equivalent to attain full standing (official transcript required);
4.) Achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 525 (paper test) and 193 (computer test) for international students. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required;
5.) Submit the application directly to the NDSU Graduate School. All applications will be evaluated on an ongoing basis;
6.) Submit a two-page resume and three letters of recommendation before action is taken on any application. Personal reference report forms are available from the Graduate School.
(For more detailed information, please refer to the Graduate Policy Handbook available online.)
Financial Assistance
Various types of financial assistance are available to on-campus program graduate students, such as (but not limited to) student loans, scholarships, graduate assistantships (teaching and research), graduate tuition waivers, and part-time employment opportunities both on and off campus. Applicants for graduate assistanships are considered on the basis of scholarship, potential to undertake advanced study and research, and financial need. For teaching assistantships, a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper test) or 247 (computer test) is required.
Full graduate assistantships are for half-time employment (20 hours per week). Tuition for all graduate credits, resident or nonresident, are waived for individuals officially appointed as research or teaching assistants. Student activity fees are not waived. Graduate assistantships may be structured for less than the 20 hour per week. Assistantships are considered as positions of employment associated with various job responsibilities. However, the job responsibilities are not necessarily related to the research area of the student. The Department expects the student to be committed to fulfill both the degree requirements and the responsibilities associated with position of assistantship.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science degree in Construction Management is offered in two options: 1.) the thesis option and 2.) the comprehensive study (paper) option.
The Thesis option is only available to on-campus program graduate students. A thesis is a scholarly presentation of original research, including: inception (abstract and problem statement; literature review; design, testing, and experimentation; analysis; documentation of the finding and results; recommendations; conclusions; and areas for future research. The thesis is accomplished under the close supervision of the thesis (major) advisor and the selected graduate committee. An oral defense of the thesis is required. The thesis must conform to the guidelines, standards, and requirements published by the NDSU Graduate School (http://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/dissertation/index.shtml).
The Comprehensive Study (Paper) option is also available to on-campus program graduate students. On-line program graduate students are required to complete the Comprehensive Study (Paper) option. The thesis option is only available to on-campus program graduate students. The paper is a scholarly presentation that represents original work, written under the close supervision of the paper (major) advisor. The paper is part of the comprehensive study option which is available for students who, 1.) would benefit from additional coursework and/or 2.) whose topic is focused on an applied area of study (or research) within a specific area of the construction industry. The paper must conform to the guidelines, standards, and requirements published by the NDSU Graduate School (http://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/dissertation/index.shtml).
Credit Requirements
A minimum of thirty-one (31) total credit hours beyond the baccalaureate level in approved courses.
A minimum of twelve (12) credit hours of graduate-level course work in CM&E graduate courses, as identified by the student, the major advisor, and the graduate student's committee.
A minimum of twelve (12) credit hours of additional course work, including at least three (3) credits of data analysis and/or statistics. A minimum of six (6) of these credit hours must be in courses offered within the College of Engineering and Architecture.
A minimum of six (6) credit hours of CM&E 798 - Master's Thesis credits
An additional one (1) credit hour of CM&E 790 - Graduate Seminar must be included in the plan of study. The seminar course serves as a platform for graduate students to present their research, develop quality research skills, and to improve their technical and professional writing.
A minimum of thirty-one (31) total credit hours beyond the baccalaureate level in approved courses.
A minimum of twelve (12) credit hours of graduate-level course work in CM&E graduate courses, as identified by the student, the major advisor, and the graduate student's committee.
A minimum of three (3) credit hours of CM&E 797 - Master's Paper credits.
An additional one (1) credit hour of CM&E 790 - Graduate Seminar must be included in the plan of study. The seminar course serves as a platform for graduate students to present their research, develop quality research skills, and to improve their technical and professional writing.
Courses Offered
603 Scheduling and Project Control 4
This course provides a discussion on the theories, principles,
and techniques of construction planning and scheduling with an emphasis on time
management, costs, and resources through the preparation and analysis of network
schedules.
609 Highway Construction 3
This course provides a discussion of mechanistic empirical
design framework to the design and construction of rigid and flexible highway pavements,
including: sub grade, base courses, surface courses, evaluation criteria (soil, climate,
traffic, material, & drainage), and construction/maintenance costs.
611 Construction Cost Estimating 4
This course provides an advanced discussion of quantity takeoffs;
labor, materials, equipment, and overhead costs; profit; and bidding strategies for
construction projects.
612 Construction Management 3
This course provides a discussion of the organization of project
information; contract administration, project delivery systems; construction management
methods; constructability review, value engineering; and construction productivity.
625 Decision Making and Risk Analysis 3
This course provides a discussion of decision-making and
decision theory; decision support systems, applied risk identification, and analysis
in construction activities.
630 Land Development 3
This course provides an discussion of the practical applications
of the planning, design, and construction phases of the land development process.
660 Infrastructure Management 3
This course provides a discussion of the methodologies, tools, and
techniques of infrastructure management. Course topics focus on performance measures;
deterioration modeling; life-cycle costs; optimization; budgeting; financial management;
and policy analysis.
665 Bridge Engineering and Management 3
This course provides a discussion of the planning, design,
construction, and management concepts of structural steel and reinforced concrete
bridges, including: application of AASHTO LRFD specifications and latest developments
in bridge management systems.
670 Information Technologies for Construction Managers 3
This course provides a discussion of the applications and techniques
of information technologies used in construction. Topics include: operational concepts and
computer software packages for estimating, scheduling, data management, CAD, and automation.
701 Construction Technology and Equipment 4
This course provides an advanced discussion of construction techniques;
analysis of equipment costs; production; methods of equipment selection; earthwork; dewatering
systems; and aggregate production.
705 Building Construction 3
This course provides an advanced discussion of the fundamentals of
building construction, including building materials and construction methods for both
residential and commercial structures.
710 Managing Quality for Construction Organizations 3
This course provides an advanced study of total quality management and
managing organizational dynamics for improvement, specifically related to construction companies.
715 Specifications and Contracts 3
This course provides a discussion of the procedures used to
prepare and administer construction specifications and contracts, including: Construction
Specification Institute format, AIA Documents, General Conditions, and liabilities and
incentives for various construction contracts.
720 Geotechnical Construction 3
This course provides an advanced discussion of soils and foundations
from a construction perspective, including: soil properties, stress analysis, explorations,
sampling, in situ measurements, soil stabilization, dewatering, and foundations.
725 Underground Construction 3
This course provides a discussion of the design and construction of
underground infrastructure systems, including: tunnels, microtunnels, shafts, trenchless
technologies, drilling, tunnel boring, and ground stabilization.
740 Financial Cost Concepts for Construction Managers 3
This course provides an advanced discussion of financial management and the
economic appraisal of construction projects, including: accounting systems, financial documents,
managing costs and cash flow, setting profit margins for bidding, time value of money, and economic
evaluation of projects.
753 Concrete Design and Construction 3
This course provides a discussion of the fundamentals of concrete construction,
including: the properties of Portland Cement Concrete, concrete quality control and application,
concrete additives and curing, concrete placement, reinforcement, and current technologies concrete
construction.
775 Facilities Management 3
This course provides an advanced discussion of the principles and practices
needed to successfully construct and manage commercial, industrial and institutional facilities,
buildings, and physical plants, from the perspective of a construction manager.
780 Construction Systems & Temporary Construction Facilities 3
This course provides an advanced discussion of the planning, selecting and
designing a variety of construction systems and temporary support and access structures, such as:
formwork, falsework, earth retaining structures, cofferdams, diaphragms, dewatering, shoring,
bracing, rigging, erosion & sedimentation, and blasting.
790 Graduate Seminar 1
Presentations and discussions of contemporary issues, trends, and recent
research and developments by graduate students, faculty, and visiting scholars.
792 Case Studies 1-3
Critical review, analysis, and evaluation of selected topics by individual
presentations and group discussions. Case study topics are indicated by title on the student's
transcript. Graded S or U.
793 Individual Study/Tutorial 1-3
Directed study allowing an individual student under faculty supervision to
undertake selected, independent work in topics of special interest or a limited experience in
research. Requires departmental approval.
696/796 Special Topics 1-5
Group study involving critical examination and discussion of subject matter
selected mutually by faculty and students and not covered in other courses. Special topics are
indicated by title on the student's transcript. Requires departmental approval.
797 Master's Paper 1-3
Literature review, research, and preparation for paper required for the
Comprehensive Study Option. Graded S or U.
798 Master's Thesis 1-10
Original investigation under the supervision of a major adviser
and a supervisory committee. Graded S or U.
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