Undergraduate Course Descriptions

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) designated by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) are measured throughout the curriculum.

Upon graduation from an accredited ACCE bachelor’s degree program, graduates shall be able to:

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 methods, materials, and equipment used to construct projects.
8. Apply electronic-based technology to manage the construction process.
9. Apply basic surveying techniques for construction layout and control.
10. Understand different methods of project delivery and the roles and responsibilities of all constituencies involved in the design and construction process.
11. Understand construction accounting and cost control.
12. Understand construction quality assurance and control.
13. Understand construction project control processes.
14. Understand the legal implications of contract, common, and regulatory law to manage a construction project.
15. Understand the basic principles of sustainable construction.
16. Understand the basic principles of structural behavior.
17. Understand the basic principles of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.

View our program’s public disclosures on our ACCE profile page,  including details of our Annual Summary Report of Achievement of Student Learning Outcomes.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture (3-0-0)

DESCRIPTION: Introduction to the construction industry; including methods, practices, trends, careers, and constituencies involved in the design and construction process.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Describe the various segments of the construction industry and the roles and responsibilities of all constituencies involved in the design and construction process.
• Describe the different methods of project delivery and project selection.
• Explain the project management functions of estimating, scheduling, quality management, and safety management.
• Describe current trends in construction technology.
• Explain concepts of sustainable construction practice.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lab (0-2-0)

DESCRIPTION: Essential skills required for interpreting construction plans, creating 2D drawings, performing document markups, and conducting quantity takeoffs. Learn to read and analyze architectural and engineering drawings, understand construction documents, and accurately determine material quantities.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Develop skills to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings for construction.
• Identify and understand various symbols, notations, and conventions used in construction drawings.
• Create accurate 2D drawings using manual drawing instruments.
• Accurately interpret and analyze construction drawings, including architectural, structural, civil, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical drawings.
• Develop a foundational understanding of document markup and collaboration tools used in the construction and design industry.
• Perform a basic quantity takeoff for concrete using simple construction drawings using foundational steps of identifying materials and quantities from drawings.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture (3-0-0)

DESCRIPTION: Materials and methods utilized in the construction of the built environment.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Review and describe the history of materials.
• Identify and describe materials, methods, and systems used in design and construction.
• Identify and describe the physical properties and specifications of construction materials.
• Review and analyze common material failures.

COURSE FORMAT:  Recitation (0-0-1)

DESCRIPTION: Introduction to the construction management major, career paths, industry sectors, campus resources, and tools for academic success. Information and skills necessary to succeed in the construction management major.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Describe the construction management major and its curriculum.
• Summarize college and department-level student resources and support services.
• Utilize construction technologies and demonstrate entry-level skill in spreadsheet management.
• Identify and describe the common sectors and career opportunities of the construction industry.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lab (0-4-0)

DESCRIPTION: Industry-standard software tools used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. Gain hands-on experience with various virtual design and construction (VDC) applications, focusing on creating detailed construction documents. Designed to equip students with the skills to produce high-quality construction drawings and models.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Utilize the basic interface and functionalities of industry-standard modeling software.
• Create accurate 2D drawings and 3D models using industry-standard modeling software.
• Recognize the principles of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and its importance in the industry.
• Generate a set of construction documents and component schedules.
• Analyze construction documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with standards.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture and Lab (1-2-0)

DESCRIPTION: Testing of construction materials for standards and quality. Conduct material tests, document, and interpret results.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Explore and describe mechanical properties, physical properties, and methods of
  processing selected materials.
• Conduct specific test standards on selected materials and interpret data.
• Analyze and select appropriate material for given applications.

COURSE FORMAT:  Recitation and Lab (0-2-1)

DESCRIPTION: Surveying fundamentals related to construction: building layout, measurement procedures, vertical controls, line and grade, surveying instrument operation.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Use various surveying instruments and equipment.
• Perform differential leveling procedures to record and interpret vertical elevation data.
• Execute angle and distance measurements to establish accurate horizontal positions.
• Utilize survey technology for advanced construction measurement and layout tasks.
• Apply elements of surveying practice, layout, and control to construction project examples.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture and Lab (2-2-0)

DESCRIPTION: Practice in construction document reading, interpretation, and analysis for quantity surveying and material quantity organizing using industry-recognized methods including, but not limited to, a project manual-based work breakdown structure.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to interpret construction documents for planning and management of construction processes.
• Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of construction documents through quantity survey techniques.

COURSE FORMAT:  Recitation (0-0-1)

DESCRIPTION: Skills and concepts related to successful internships within the construction management industry.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Identify career opportunities in the construction industry.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing regarding the job search process.
• Apply field project administration processes to perform the responsibilities of intern and entry level positions.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture (2-0-0)

DESCRIPTION: Construction safety management, accident prevention, and hazard control. Federal, state, and local regulation compliance.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Recognize and interpret Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
• Identify and document safety hazards and unsafe work practices.
• Apply Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards to job-specific Activity Hazard Analyses (AHA).
• Perform Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) to create a construction project-specific safety plan.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture, Lab, and Recitation (2-1-1)

DESCRIPTION: Fundamentals of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in construction projects. Principles and practices involved in ensuring the successful construction, coordination, and commissioning of these systems within the construction management framework.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts and components of Mechanical, Electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.
• Develop the ability to read and perform material quantity takeoffs from MEP drawings.
• Relate equipment and components depicted in construction drawings to their real-world counterparts in a building.
• Coordinate and manage the installation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), electrical, and plumbing systems by developing detailed estimations, creating work sequences, and conducting in-field job assessments.
• Evaluate MEP systems’ safety, sustainability, and energy efficiency during construction.
• Integrate modern technologies and innovations into the management of MEP systems.
• Implement commissioning processes to ensure MEP systems meet operational requirements

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture, Lab, and Recitation (1-2-1)

DESCRIPTION: Applications of materials and methods in construction; administrative and organizational planning for construction field practice.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Understand and analyze construction sequences.
• Apply surveying techniques to construction project layout and control.
• Apply knowledge of plan reading concepts to construct details from a plan set.
• Understand and analyze means and methods for construction.
• Recognize and describe permitting and inspection processes.
• Interpret and analyze models, drawings, and blueprints to visualize construction components and elements.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture and Lab, and Recitation (2-2-0)

DESCRIPTION: Industry-recognized methods for work item analysis, quantity surveying, resource estimating, and bid development using a work breakdown structure.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Describe various estimate types and demonstrate the ability to apply estimating concepts to construction projects.
• Quantify, document, price, and adjust pricing for construction components using manual techniques.
• Implement technology to quantify, document, price, and calculate the cost of construction components.
• Create cost estimates for construction assemblies and projects using a work breakdown structure.
• Explain the integration of construction estimating within planning, organizing, directing, and controlling of construction projects.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture and Lab (2-2-0)

DESCRIPTION: Equipment and methods used in heavy-highway, heavy-civil, and utility construction. Equipment and crew productivity. Equipment ownership and operating costs. Estimating, planning, and directing heavy construction operations.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Recognize the processes involved in roadway paving including materials and manufacturing operations.
• Recognize the interrelated components of infrastructure and site construction.
• Recognize and evaluate heavy equipment capabilities and productivity for overall cost and time estimates.
• Analyze the various aspects of earth-moving operations, including soil type, volume quantification, and haul distances.
• Evaluate construction equipment ownership and operating costs and their relationship to the time value of money.
• Explain safety measures related to construction equipment utilization and operations.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture (3-0-0)

DESCRIPTION: Construction contracts and clauses, stakeholder responsibilities, disputes, resolution methods, and risk. Utilization of construction administration documents, systems, and procedures to meet project requirements.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Differentiate between construction project delivery systems, procurement methods, and contracting formats.
• Analyze the risks in construction projects.
• Analyze project issues and generate appropriate documentation required for construction project administration.
• Interpret construction contracts to determine roles and responsibilities of parties and recognize the contract law and regulatory environment for construction.
• Apply procedures to minimize project related conflicts and disputes; evaluate and select an appropriate alternative dispute resolution procedure.
• Utilize computer applications for effective and efficient contract and project administration.
• Recognize the importance of business ethics in the construction industry and utilize various codes of ethics to resolve ethical dilemmas.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture (3-0-0)

DESCRIPTION: Project-level financial setup and financial management. Company-level financial management covering budget components, tracking and profitability, and cash flow.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Examine and apply the content and uses of financial statements within the construction industry
• Explain the components of a budget and compare actual versus budgeted costs
• Analyze project cost controls and cash flow
• Demonstrate management strategies for forecasting and maximizing project profitability
• Recognize company-level financial structure and considerations

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture (4-0-0)

DESCRIPTION: Structural components and systems, focusing on the behavior of concrete, steel, and wood structural elements. Exploration of the forces and stresses acting on these components, relevant specifications and standards essential for structural design and construction, evaluation of structural shop drawings, and analysis of the design of wood formwork for cast-in-place concrete..

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of structural components, systems, codes, and specifications.
• Calculate forces and stresses in structural components and systems
• Demonstrate knowledge of the behavior of various concrete, steel, and wood structural components and systems
• Evaluate specifications, shop drawings, and details for structural components and systems
• Analyze formwork design for cast-in-place concrete

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture and Lab (2-2-0)

DESCRIPTION: Strategies and techniques for efficient project control, scheduling of project activities, and projects with an emphasis on Critical Path Method.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Generate project activities based on the work breakdown structure.
• Generate a project network with precedence relationships.
• Determine schedule parameters based on Critical Path Methodology (CPM).
• Assess and critique project schedule constraints.
• Evaluate the impact of production deviations and delays on the project schedule.
• Assess the benefits and limitations of existing scheduling methodologies and software.
• Analyze and communicate the effect of schedule changes on original project plan and goals.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture and Recitation (1-0-2)

DESCRIPTION: Professional practice using an understanding of the contractual and working relationships among all participants in the design/construction process.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Apply the roles and responsibilities of a professional constructor.
• Collaborate in a construction team environment.
• Evaluate project issues and generate appropriate documentation required for construction project administration. (ACCE SLO 2)
• Apply appropriate construction management and contractual documents.
• Analyze the legal relationships and apply methods of communication among the responsible parties in a construction project. (ACCE SLO 2)
• Examine and assess dispute resolution methods.
• Create and deliver a presentation as part of a multidisciplinary construction team.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture and Recitation (2-0-1)

DESCRIPTION: Analysis of the physical characteristics and properties of soil for construction project decision making. Interpretation of soils reports, conducting of testing procedures, and evaluation of soils for use as a construction material. Assessment of the impact of soil characteristics on construction activities and project risk.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Analyze the physical characteristics and properties of soil.
• Classify soil types and analyze soil behavior for use as a construction material.
• Compute analysis for soils and recognize how soil properties relate to construction projects.
• Interpret and use the information presented in a soils report for construction project decision making and risk management.
• Practice construction industry quality assurance tests and evaluate soil samples based on control standards.

DESCRIPTION: Integrate and apply construction management competencies through practical on-the-job training and exposure with an organization performing construction-related services. Interns demonstrate competency through professional practice of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the construction process.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Apply classroom knowledge to authentic construction management experiences.
• Enhance interpersonal skills, including written and verbal communication, active listening, and critical thinking skills.
• Engage in complex inter-relationships of working with project stakeholders, managing construction project dynamics, and prioritizing tasks.
• Engage in myriad management functions performed within a construction organization.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture (3-0-0)

DESCRIPTION: Steps necessary to construct a paved roadway from conception, land acquisition, finance through paving operations, and trafficking.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Understand the process for planning a new roadway pavement.
• Recognize the complexities associated with financing new roadways.
• Appreciate the interdisciplinary skills needed to construct a roadway.
• Identify the differences between un-surfaced, Portland cement concrete
  and asphalt concrete roadways.
• Understand the processes needed to maintain a paved roadway.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture and Lab (2-2-0)

DESCRIPTION: Constituents of asphalt pavements; manufacture of asphalt cement, emulsions, and cutbacks; material properties and behavior.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Relate the complex processes involved in the manufacture of asphalt binders used for paving construction.
• Optimize performance of asphalt paving mixtures.
• Optimize economy of asphalt paving mixtures.
• Analyze the construction processes for asphalt pavements.
• Analyze the maintenance processes for asphalt pavements.
• Describe the failure mechanisms of asphalt pavements.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture and Lab (2-2-0)

DESCRIPTION: Concrete material properties and behavior, analysis of concrete mixtures, advanced concrete applications for construction, forensic analysis of concrete reports, concrete construction quality assurance and quality control.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Perform concrete tests and analyze the results for each component of concrete mixtures.
• Interpret field inspection reports and analyze concrete placement and protection strategies.
• Compute the proportion of concrete mixture components based on current standards and project requirements.
• Apply concrete inspection reports and test results to construction project decision making.
• Apply concrete test results to construction quality assurance and quality control processes.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture and Recitation (1-0-2)

DESCRIPTION: Manage and contribute to construction-based community service learning project.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Apply contract administration and project administration techniques throughout the lifecycle of a volunteer construction project
• Develop a leadership style, principles, and habits that will be used during a lifelong career.
• Apply computer applications learned in prior CM classes for efficient contract administration, project administration, scheduling, and communication
• Evaluate volunteer project issues and generate appropriate documentation required for construction project administration. 
• Identify responsibilities and tasks necessary to lead volunteer-based projects that a project team will encounter.
• Apply administrative procedures to minimize project-related conflicts and communication issues.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture (3-0-0)

DESCRIPTION: Fundamental principles of mechanical systems. Presentation and practice of management principles relevant to mechanical projects.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Identify the specific needs of specialty contractors in order to avoid common pitfalls within the project management phases.
• Avoid unnecessary cost expenses due to scheduling conflicts.
• Streamline the process of coordinating all stakeholders, material, and time-essential tasks within the overall scope of the project.

COURSE FORMAT:  Lecture (3-0-0)

DESCRIPTION: Major components of sustainable design/construction: energy, healthy buildings, cultural, natural resources, use, other environment/economic issues.

OBJECTIVES: 

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Examine the breadth of sustainable design and construction as the field evolves.
• Recognize the scope and complexity of sustainable principles (systems thinking, life-cycle assessment, waste = food, etc.) as applied in professional practice.
• Demonstrate the use of sustainable principles and practices in:
  • Land-use planning, site, and landscape development
  • Building design and construction
  • Healthy building systems
• Explain the decision-making processes when incorporating sustainable principles.
• Explore real-world sustainable practice through project examples and professional guest speakers.
• Identify current sustainable technologies, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of emerging practices.
• Practice the collaboration skills that are essential to sustainable design and construction projects.

COURSE FORMAT:  Recitation (0-0-1)

TOPIC: Varies by offering

DESCRIPTION: Emerging technologies in construction management practice. Applications of current and cutting-edge software, hardware, processes, tools, and equipment in the industry.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Describe emerging construction technologies.
• Evaluate new technologies and explain their application to construction management practice.
• Apply technologies to complete construction management tasks and present best practices and/or lessons learned.

COURSE FORMAT:  Recitation (0-0-1)

TOPIC: Varies by offering

DESCRIPTION: Issues and trends impacting construction project management and field operations. The impact of current trends on project management practice, risk mitigation, and project controls.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Describe current issues and trends impacting the construction industry.
• Explain the impact of current issues and trends on various construction project stakeholders.
• Explain the impact of current issues and trends on construction management practice.

COURSE FORMAT:  Recitation (0-0-1)

TOPIC: Varies by offering

DESCRIPTION: Applications of project management practice for heavy civil construction projects. Exploration of heavy civil construction project management principles and concepts through industry-specific case studies, processes, and tutorials.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Explain project management principles in heavy civil construction.
• Apply construction project management practices to heavy civil construction project examples.
• Explain the impact of heavy civil construction industry lessons learned and best practices on project outcomes.

COURSE FORMAT:  Recitation (0-0-1)

TOPIC: Varies by offering

DESCRIPTION: Applications of project management practice for commercial construction projects. Exploration of commercial construction project management principles and concepts through industry-specific case studies, processes, and tutorials.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Explain project management principles in commercial construction.
• Apply construction project management practices to commercial construction project examples.
• Explain the impact of commercial construction industry lessons learned and best practices on project outcomes.

COURSE FORMAT:  Recitation (0-0-1)

TOPIC: Varies by offering

DESCRIPTION: Applications of project management practice for residential construction projects. Exploration of residential construction project management principles and concepts through industry-specific case studies, processes, and tutorials.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Explain project management principles in residential construction.
• Apply construction project management practices to residential construction project examples.
• Explain the impact of residential construction industry lessons learned and best practices on project outcomes.

LEARN MORE: CM Sponsored Study Abroad Courses

DESCRIPTION:  A study of the physical resources and the human behaviors, which inform design and construction. Exploration of infrastructure and its relationship to resources, materials, and the culture in which it exists. Review of international perspectives of the built environment of Europe, past and present trends, and what the future holds. Survey of construction over time and trends in the preservation of existing infrastructure.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between the built environment and the needs of the society that produced it
• Identify contemporary advances regarding built environment conservation and sustainability
• Discuss ethical issues related to the built environment
• Identify practices that encourage individual, professional, and civic responsibility regarding resource consumption in the built environment
• Recognize and contrast an appreciation for cultural differences expressed through the medium of the built environment

LEARN MORE: CM Sponsored Study Abroad Courses

DESCRIPTION:  Major components of sustainable design and construction, energy, healthy buildings, natural resources and other environmental issues.