A major in construction management will prepare you for professional career opportunities in the growing construction industry. You will learn the skills needed to become a proficient manager who can guide multimillion dollar projects from concept to completion on time and within budget.
Our courses are taught by highly skilled faculty members with real-world experience, and class work is focused on the knowledge you need. We also use the latest technology in the construction industry, putting you on the cutting edge.
Two internships are required, allowing you to gain valuable field experience and hone the skills you've learned in the classroom. You will also complete a required minor in business administration.
About the Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Construction Management program accredited?
Yes, the Construction Management baccalaureate degrees (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science) are accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). Additional information about ACCE may be found at this link: ACCE
Where do I find information about the institution mission and strategic plan?
Ball State University's vision and mission may be found at this link: Vision and Mission Statement. Information about Ball State University's strategic plan can be found here: Strategic Plan
What is the Construction Management program mission?
The Construction Management program at Ball State University provides a quality education for students through an application-based classroom, laboratory, and immersive learning experiences that will enable students to become problem solvers and critical thinkers.
What are the Construction Management program goals?
The goals of the Construction Management Program are to prepare professionals who:
- Utilize critical thinking and decision making to solve problems
- Possess entry level technical knowledge and skills of construction science and management
- Apply effective leadership, team building and communication skills to the overall construction process
- Successfully manage the construction project from start to finish
-
Integrate and apply knowledge to produce safe, efficient, economic, and sustainable solutions
- Exhibit honesty, integrity and high ethical standards
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with diverse populations
-
Analyze needs and provide necessary training and/or feedback to improve desired outcomes
- Commit to continued professional growth and have the initiative to grow in their positions and assume leadership roles within their chosen profession
What tools does the Construction Management program use for assessment?
The construction management program's assessment plan combines multiple input sources, including course evaluations, exit surveys, capstone reviews, employer feedback, faculty views, and advisory board guidance. All data are examined with the intent of continuously improving the program and student learning. Strengths are identified and capitalized upon, and weaknesses are targeted. Specific tools include an exit survey that is completed by all students prior to graduation, employer surveys during internships, and student evaluations, among others.
What are the latest assessment results and implementations for the Construction Management program?
The latest assessment results indicated that the construction management program is substantially meeting its goals. Exit surveys for students graduating in Spring 2012 indicated passing (3.0+/5.0 scale) mean scores in all program goals and curriculum areas. Additionally, based on exit survey data and student interest, technical elective courses on sustainable construction and construction specifications will again be offered in the Fall of 2012. Additionally, based on faculty, industry, and student input, a technical elective course on Building Information Modeling (BIM) that was initially offered in the Spring of 2012 semester will be offered again in Fall of 2012.
What are the latest construction management student employment numbers and salary information?
The latest Student exit surveys were completed by students graduating in May of 2012. At the time that the students completed and submitted their surveys (prior to graduation), 7/14 (50%) had accepted job offers. The average starting salary was approximately $51,250. Employers hiring our graduates this term include Barton Malow, Gaylor Electric, Kiewit, Turner Construction, and others, representing commercial, heavy/civil, healthcare, suppliers, and subcontractors.
In 2011, 32 sudents graduated from the program, with 16 (50%) reporting at the time of completing the exit survey that they had accepted job offers at an average starting salary of $44,800 and 4 (12.5%) planning on pursuing graduate degrees.
What awards are open to construction management students?
Ball State University recognizes academic excellence through the Dean's List each term. Students who maintain academic excellence may graduate cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude.
On a program level, seniors with above a 3.0 in both their major and cumulative GPAs are recognized as "Exceptional Graduates" at the Department of Technology Awards Ceremony in April of each year. One student from this group is also awarded as the "Outstanding Graduate" on the basis of their scholarship and involvement.
What scholarships are available to students?
There are several scholarships specifically available to construction management students, including the Construction Management Scholarship, the Top Notch Construction Management Scholarship, and the John Warner Memorial Scholarship.
Additionally, students are eligible to compete for several Department of Technology Scholarships, including the Henry A. Loats Scholarship, the Kenneth E. Poucher Scholarship, the William T. Sargent Scholarship, and the Fred J. Schmidt, Jr. Scholarship.
Application procedures, forms, and deadlines may be found here: Scholarships
What are the admission requirements for the construction management program?
There are no separate or additional application procedures for students to be admitted to the construction program. Freshman, external transfers, and internal transfers that are admitted to the university are welcome to declare construction management as a major. Undergraduate admission requirements for Ball State University may be found here: Admissions
Career Opportunities in Construction Management
Graduates will be prepared for the following construction positions with commercial and residential firms:
- Project Manager
- Site Superintendent
- Technical Trainer
- Estimator
- Safety Officer
- Scheduler