Skip to content

CM Bachelor’s FAQ

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions related to the Bachelor of Science Degree from the Department of Construction Management.

If you have additional questions after reading through those listed below, please contact the CM Adviser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Construction Management refers to the study and practice of the managerial and technological aspects of the construction industry (including construction, construction science, construction management, and construction technology).  Click HERE for a description of Construction Management from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

No.  Construction Management is not a technical degree.  Construction Management is a professional, 4-year, Bachelor of Science degree program. There are technical elements in the curriculum, but you will not be learning a trade nor gaining technical expertise.

No.  At this time, we do not have an online option for the undergraduate program.  However, there is an online Master’s degree program and an online certificate program.

Yes.  CM 250 and CM 260 are available to non-majors. Work with your major advisor to declare a minor in Construction Management to access additional upper division classes or otherwise seek permission of the instructor .

The CM department adheres to the policy of the UW and does not award general credit for work or life experience.  See the UW Transfer Credit Policies for information about bringing in credit earned outside UW.

Although construction experience of any nature is helpful, it is not required for admission to the construction management department.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job prospects for construction managers are expected to be excellent because the number of job openings will exceed the number of qualified individuals. Read more in the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s latest Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Students applying for the BS in Construction Management (not the dual degree with Architectural Design) should complete the program prerequisites and the UW general education credits before beginning upper division CM coursework. Students may have prerequisites in progress when applying for the major.

Besides providing students with the fundamental knowledge needed to excel in their field, the CM degree provides multiple opportunities for networking and connecting to the industry.  Those students with a specific interest, such as green building, residential construction, or infrastructure, for example, may choose electives, a capstone project, and an internship that further their study in this area.  In addition, all students are required to complete a Summer Internship Program with an industry employer during the summer between their junior and senior years.  These internships frequently lead to jobs.

The CM Program has enjoyed nearly 100 percent placement of graduates during the past decade. The program remains current and responsive to industry needs through curricular feedback that is obtained regularly from graduates and employers of graduates to improve program quality. In addition, an active Industry Advisory Council helps identify program curricular improvements.

Yes, you may reapply.  However, it is strongly recommended that you meet with an adviser to discuss your plans for the year while you wait to reapply.

Every year is a little different, but generally speaking, competitive applicants have cumulative GPAs of about 3.0; grades above 3.0 in physics, calculus, financial accounting, economics, and statistics; and strong recommendations from professional references.

  Yes, it is possible to spend the autumn quarter of your fourth year of study in Rome, but students must schedule their required classes very carefully to make sure they can complete the Dual Degree in five years.