In-Person Master of Science in Construction Management
Use this STEM-coded, ACCE accredited masters degree program to advance your career or as a path into the construction industry.
About the Program
The In-Person Masters of Science in Construction Management program at Texas A&M University innovates on traditional construction methods, management processes, and technologies. You’ll learn how to leverage technology and processes to excel in the construction industry. Through this multidisciplinary program, you can advance your career or use this degree as a path into the construction industry.
Our STEM-coded program is one of five ACCE accredited masters-level construction science degrees in the nation. This program provides an advanced course of study to individuals with extensive experience in construction. The program can also be a path to the construction industry for those with little experience. Students with a background in architecture, engineering, and business find success in this program.
Sectors of the Industry
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- Residential
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- Commercial
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- Heavy Civil
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- Industrial
Download the following handbook to learn more about this program.
Important Dates for Fall Admissions
Applicants
- Priority deadline (scholarship/fellowship/assistantship consideration): Jan. 5
- Final deadline: Feb. 1
How to Apply
We review all applications holistically, weighing your academic background and professional construction experience alongside your career aspirations to ensure a strong alignment with our graduate program.
FAQ About the Construction Management Program
I have an engineering or architecture background. Am I eligible to apply for the Master of Science in Construction Management?
Yes, our graduate students come from various professional backgrounds. Your application will be reviewed thoroughly by our Graduate Admission Committee to determine whether you are a good fit to our program.
Does the Master of Science in Construction Management qualify as a STEM program?
Yes, as of September 1, 2019, the Master of Science in Construction Management is a STEM program. The CIP Code is 15.1001.00.
What is the estimated cost of attendance for the Master of Science in Construction Management? How does it compare to other construction management programs in the country?
For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance, please visit the Texas A&M University cost and tuition rates webpage. This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated cost of attendance information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.
Our program costs are very competitive with other construction management programs in the country. We encourage you to do this comparison on your own.
Is the Master of Science in Construction Management accredited?
Our MS in Construction Management is one of only six graduate programs accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) — the global leader in promoting and recognizing excellence in construction education. ACCE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for its commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
Our stem-coded program meets the highest standards for construction education within the academic community. The standards for accreditation are set by a peer-review board whose members include faculty from various accredited colleges and universities, as well as leaders from the construction industry.
A summary report highlighting our student learning outcomes and degree program achievements can be viewed [here].
Curriculum
Students, in consultation with their advisory committee, propose their own degree plan.
Our master’s degree takes one and a half years to complete. Students can select from a thesis-based and non-thesis degree plan.
Thesis Option
The 32-credit-hour thesis option is based on research in the construction field. You will work with a faculty research advisory committee to identify and investigate a construction-related topic of your choosing. Your work will culminate with the preparation, presentation, and final defense of a thesis.
Thesis Option Degree Plan
32 credit hoursDegree Plan Requirements for Thesis Option
| Course No. | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COSC 601 | Construction Practices* | 3 |
| COSC 602 | Construction Cost Estimating* | 3 |
| COSC 603 | Construction Scheduling* | 3 |
| COSC 621 | Advanced Project Management* | 3 |
| COSC 681 | Seminar** | 2 |
| COSC 690 | Research Methods | 3 |
| COSC 691 | Research | 6 |
| Elective Courses*** | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
* May be waived if a similar course has been completed at an undergraduate or graduate construction management program accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) or ABET.
** May not be taken during the same semester. One credit hour is required during the first semester and one credit hour is required during the last semester.
*** No more than six credit hours may be taken outside of Construction Science.
Non-Thesis Option
The 36-credit-hour non-thesis option is a course-based degree program that focuses on adding depth to your existing educational background. Instead of a thesis, you will complete a summative final project to complete the program.
Non-Thesis Option Degree Plan
36 credit hoursDegree Plan Requirements for Non-Thesis Option
| Course No. | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COSC 601 | Construction Practices* | 3 |
| COSC 602 | Construction Cost Estimating* | 3 |
| COSC 603 | Construction Scheduling* | 3 |
| COSC 621 | Advanced Project Management* | 3 |
| COSC 693 | Professional Study** | 3 |
| Elective Courses*** | 21 | |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
* May be waived if a similar course has been completed at an undergraduate or graduate construction management program accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) or ABET.
** Required during the last semester.
*** No more than nine credit hours may be taken outside of construction science.
Featured Courses
Sustainable Construction
COSC 663
Advanced Project Management
COSC 621
Careers
Our program’s graduates are prepared for leadership roles within the construction industry, including commercial, heavy civil, industrial and residential sectors. Our students can also pursue a Ph.D. program in the construction field.
Our graduates work with some of the top construction firms around the world. They have also been employed at major tech companies.
FAQ About the Admissions Process
How does the admissions process work?
Submit your application at Texas A&M GradCas along with a non-refundable application fee. The fee may be waived only in exceptional cases for low-income applicants and McNair Scholars.
We will review all applications and inform applicants of our admission decision by the end of March.
Read more about the Master of Science in Construction Management application requirements
What are the admissions deadlines?
The application deadline for fall admission is Feb 1 (with the priority deadline of Jan 5. for scholarship/fellowship/assistantship consideration). All applications received by the priority deadline will be reviewed for admission and considered for scholarships offered by the College of Architecture and departmental funding. Applications received after this date will be reviewed for admission and considered for funding as space and funds allow, including Aggie Priority applications.
What kinds of financial aid does the program offer?
The Department of Construction Science typically awards 30 graduate students financial aid. The Department of Construction Science has a limited number of graduate program scholarships that qualifies the student for in-state tuition. Additional opportunities exist for appointments as Graduate Assistant-Research (GAR), Graduate Assistant-Teaching (GAT), and Graduate Assistant-Non-Teaching (GANT). These assistantship positions are very competitive and each qualifies the student for in-state tuition.
Occasionally, the Department of Construction Science is offered scholarship and fellowship funds from other sources, such as the College of Architecture or Texas A&M University. Applicants must have submitted their complete application package by the first week of January to be considered for these opportunities.
Who can I go to for questions?
Contact
Please contact [email protected] with questions about the program for the most prompt replies.
Elizabeth (Liz) Smith
Program Director