MSCM - Campus

This path is offered only to on-campus MSCM students.  This path is designed to serve construction professionals interested in learning more about construction research. This path consists of 36 credit hours, with 33 credit hours of coursework and a 3-credit hour research project. It blends engineering, business, and construction management concepts together to produce a professional graduate who understands basic research methods and can manage higher level construction processes effectively and efficiently. Research focus areas within the construction management department include:

Advanced Materials & Sustainability
Building Science for Resilient Communities
Built Environment Informatics 
Facilities Management

The program requires 36 credit hours of graduate studies. The final program of study is developed with approval from the student’s supervisory committee.

Hours are divided into three required categories:

Core Courses – 15 credit hours (5 required courses)

• CM 7010 Research Methods in Construction Management (3) 
• CM 7030 Project Delivery (3)
• CM 7222 Human Factors & Leadership (3)
• EXST 7004, EXST 7005, EXST 7006, CM 7150, or equivalent
• 1 Construction Management (CM) elective course – 3 credit hours 

Electives – 18 credit hours selected with approval by the student’s supervisory committee designed to support the student’s professional and research goals.

Project Course –CM 7207 - 3 credit hours 

This path is offered only to on-campus MSCM students.  This path is designed to serve a construction professional that would like to pursue research, culminating in a master’s thesis.  This path consists of 30 credit hours with 24 credit hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of thesis research. The program of study focuses on higher levels of research but also blends engineering, business, and construction management concepts together to produce a research graduate planning a career in academia. Focus research areas within the construction management department include:

• Advanced Materials & Sustainability
• Building Science for Resilient Communities
• Built Environment Informatics 
• Facilities Management

The program requires 30 credit hours of graduate studies. The final program of study is developed with approval from the student’s supervisory committee. Hours are divided into three required categories:

Core Courses – 12 credit hours (4 required courses)

• CM 7010 Research Methods in Construction Management (3)
• CM 7030 Project Delivery (3)
• CM 7222 Human Factors & Leadership (3)
• EXST 7004, EXST 7005, EXST 7006, CM 7150, or equivalent

Electives – 12 credit hours selected with input from the student’s supervisory committee designed to support the student’s professional and research goals. 

Thesis Research – CM 8000 - 6 credit hours

Graduate School

Bachelor’s degree from accredited U.S. or equivalent from a foreign institution
GPA – 3.0 on all undergraduate work (or last half-degree) and a 3.0 on any graduate work already complete

Master Program Requirement

Construction Management academic or field experience in construction estimating, scheduling and project management. If missing, leveling coursework will be required prior to graduation.

The mission of the Master of Science in Construction Management program is to provide a quality course of study for individuals needing a career change, for the construction professionals that seek to preparation for administrative construction positions or for those interested in pursuing research related activities.

• Increase the number of graduate students entering into the workforce.
• Enhance research initiatives through graduate experiences and participation.
• Optimized course content, pedagogy, and student learning.

Upon completing the program, students should be proficient in the following areas:

1. Create effective and professional written communications
2. Apply critical thinking
3. Apply problem solving techniques
4. Apply decision making techniques
5. Apply research methods
6. Apply advanced communication technology
7. Apply professional ethics
8. Apply advanced construction management practices
9. Understand risk management
10. Understand the principles of leadership in business

The Distinguished Student Leaders in Construction Management designation was created to showcase students who have demonstrated exemplary academic and leadership abilities.

The average starting salary for LSU CM master's graduates is $110,500 (based on the LSU Career Services data 2019). Find out more information about salary earning potentials and employers on our About page.

Graduates from our program go on to do amazing things with amazing companies, locally and beyond. You can find more information below on the types of jobs, employers, and employers who recruit our graduates below.