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Construction Management

Want to own a construction company or manage construction projects? The construction management emphasis will help you develop the skills you need. Navigating the construction industry isn’t easy. But if you want to build a firm foundation—professionally and spiritually—this is the program for you.

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Program Overview

In the construction management program, you’ll learn what it’s like to take charge of a project and see it through to the end. You’ll also have opportunities to apply your skills through practical internships. The blueprints for your future success in the construction business are right here, waiting for you at Dordt.

What You'll Learn

You’ll prepare for a successful career in construction through courses in business, construction management, math, statistics, and physics. You’ll also learn how to apply your Christian faith to every project you take on.

What You Can Do With A Construction Management Emphasis

Construction management is a broad field. Earning your business degree will help you find clarity for your future in the industry. With a construction management emphasis from Dordt, you’ll be ready for jobs such as:

Field Engineer

A Field Engineer inspects and installs different equipment and technologies and makes sure everything works correctly and designs are being followed.

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager oversees and coordinates a variety of different construction projects.

Site Engineer

A Site Engineer takes part in the planning, leveling, and preparation of a construction site before work takes place on it.

Students who choose the construction management emphasis will complete courses in chemistry, communication, construction management, mathematics, physics, and statistics, in addition to completing the general requirements for the business administration degree. Students will also pick three electives from the either the business administration or the construction management programs. These courses will help students learn more about the construction process and allow them to better understand architects and engineers. This emphasis requires at least two credit hours of lab work.

  • General Chemistry for Engineering: This course will cover the foundations of chemistry with an emphasis on topics and problems relevant to engineering. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. An introduction to laboratory safety and chemical hygiene is included in the laboratory. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week.
  • General Chemistry: A first course in the fundamental principles of chemistry for students in all science disciplines. Topics include measurement, the mole and reaction stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure and bonding, intermolecular forces, gases, types of reactions, and energy in chemical reactions. An introduction to laboratory safety and chemical hygiene is included in the laboratory. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week.
  • Small Group Communication: A study of the theory and practice of group problem-solving in cooperative face-to-face discussion; the development of awareness and understanding of group dynamics, and the presentation of panel, symposium, and dialogue.
  • Interpersonal Communication: The study of concepts, problems, and responsibilities in communication between two or more persons, focusing on conversation with consideration of many variables and contexts.
  • Principles of Construction Management: An introductory survey course in construction management that begins by building a Christian perspective on the task and calling of a construction manager or construction engineer. The course introduces methods of construction project planning, scheduling, delivery, quality, and control. It also introduces construction contract types, construction cost estimating and accounting, along with an overview of construction method, practice, and safety.
  • Construction Communication and Architectural Graphics: This lab studio course introduces architectural and construction communication by practicing methods of construction documentation and preparation. The course will introduce students to basic plan reading. Construction planning computer applications and architectural computer-aided drafting will be explored and practiced.
  • Construction Materials and Methods: A comprehensive study of the properties, sources, processing, methods, sequences, and equipment used in residential and commercial construction projects. Planning and managing of the construction process, including an introduction to structural and finish systems that make up building structures, are investigated. Appropriate application and responsible use of materials for design and functional intent is investigated. The environmental impact of construction is discussed.
  • Construction Safety and Quality: A study of safety and quality control as it relates to construction management. An emphasis on the legal and financial impacts of safety and quality management is included, as well as a discussion of the ethical and regulatory issues involved. Causes and effects of safety and quality deficiencies in construction and the related methods to minimize these deficiencies.
  • Mechanical and Electrical Systems: A study of the construction of mechanical and electrical systems, emphasizing principles of heating, cooling, ventilation, water supply, waste disposal, and electrical distribution. An introduction to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes and design software included. Energy conservation issues, sustainable design principles, and use of renewable energy are addressed.
  • Project Management: This course is an introduction to the field of project management. The primary objective is to acquaint students with a broad basic overview of project management and the role of a project manager throughout the five primary processes of managing projects. The course will also cover common agile methodologies and principles because of how they relate to project management. The agile project management process encourages frequent inspection and adaptation, teamwork, accountability, self-organization, best practices that allows for rapid delivery and high quality, and a business approach that aligns development with customer needs and company goals.
  • Construction Estimating: An introduction to construction estimating and bid preparation with an emphasis on quantity takeoff. Includes a detailed study and application of pricing, subcontract evaluation, and bidding techniques using blueprints and specifications. Project types studied include residential, light commercial, and commercial building projects.
  • Risk Management for Construction: A study of the systematic process used to minimize the degree of uncertainty and control risks in construction projects. An emphasis on identifying, analyzing, assessing, mitigating, transferring, and monitoring risk is included, as well as processes to implement risk management strategies at all stages in a construction project.
  • Calculus I: A study of the basic concepts and techniques of calculus for students in all disciplines. Topics include limits, differentiation, integration, and applications. This course is intended for students without any previous calculus credit.
  • General Physics I: An introduction to the study of the physical aspect of reality. Topics covered include mechanics, kinetic theory, heat, and thermodynamics. Three lectures and one laboratory per week.
  • Introductory Physics I: An introduction to the study of the physical aspect of reality for students intending to continue in the physical sciences and engineering.
    Linear and rotational kinematics and dynamics, statics, and gravitation will be covered. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week.
  • Introductory Statistics: An introductory course in statistical techniques and methods and their application to a variety of fields. Topics include data analysis, design of experiments, and statistical inference including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Exposure to statistical software and a substantive student project are also part of this course.
  • Accelerated Introductory Statistics: This course covers the same content and learning objectives as Statistics 131 but in half the time. This course, along with Statistics 202 and Statistics 203, also serves as preparation for Actuarial Exam SRM. Additionally this course, along with Statistics 202, Statistics 203, Statistics 220 and Statistics 352, serves as preparation for Actuarial Exam MAS I. Offered first half of spring semester.
  • Three additional credits from business administration or construction management

See the course catalog for more information.

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