Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Construction Management (Thesis Option)

CSM 5199B. Thesis.

This course provides enrollment for students engaged in thesis research and writing in construction science and management under the supervision of a thesis advisor. Students conduct activities such as research design, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written thesis components. Enrollment may be maintained during periods of active research or writing. The course includes documentation of research findings in accordance with program requirements and is a required component of the master’s degree in construction management.

CSM 5299B. Thesis.

This course provides enrollment for students engaged in thesis research and writing in construction science and management under the supervision of a thesis advisor. Students conduct activities such as research design, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written thesis components. Enrollment may be maintained during periods of active research or writing. The course includes documentation of research findings in accordance with program requirements and is a required component of the master’s degree in construction management.

CSM 5302. Foundations of Construction Contracts and Liability Issues.

This course examines the legal foundations of construction contracts and the allocation of risk and liability within the construction industry. Emphasis is placed on contract formation, interpretation, and administration, including the roles and responsibilities of owners, designers, contractors, and subcontractors. Topics include contract types, bonding and insurance, claims and disputes, professional liability, and risk management strategies. The course includes analysis of case materials and standard contract documents to identify legal issues related to construction projects.

CSM 5303. Foundations of Heavy, Civil and Highway Construction.

This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of heavy, civil, and highway construction. Emphasis is placed on construction methods, materials, equipment, and project delivery systems used in earthwork, transportation, and infrastructure projects. Topics include site preparation, excavation, grading, pavement systems, drainage, structures, and safety considerations. The course examines how design requirements, specifications, and environmental constraints influence construction operations in large-scale infrastructure projects.

CSM 5304. Foundations of Construction Estimating.

This course introduces fundamental principles and techniques used in construction cost estimating. Emphasis is placed on quantity takeoff, labor and equipment productivity, material pricing, and the preparation of detailed and conceptual estimates. The course includes interpretation of construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents for cost estimation. Topics include estimating methods for different project types, contingencies, overhead, profit, and the role of estimating in project planning and decision-making.

CSM 5306. Foundations of Commercial Building Construction Systems.

This course introduces fundamental systems and methods used in commercial building construction. Emphasis is placed on structural systems, building envelopes, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, and construction materials. The course examines how design requirements, codes, and sustainability considerations influence construction processes. Topics include project delivery methods, sequencing, and coordination among trades in commercial building projects.

CSM 5314. Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) Management.

This course examines the supervisory role of construction professionals within the Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) process. It analyzes how VDC teams integrate construction documents, including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans, to support construction activities. The course evaluates methods for coordinating site work and managing digital workflows using current CAD software for 2D and 3D design. Students study the principles and applications of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and assess additional technologies influencing contemporary construction practice. Emphasis is placed on understanding processes, coordination strategies, and decision-making frameworks relevant to supervising VDC-related activities.

CSM 5360. Construction Company Financial Control.

This course introduces financial management principles and their application within the construction industry. Topics include accounting systems, financial transactions, depreciation, financial ratios, general and overhead cost management, profit margins, cost centers, cash flow management, and the time value of money. The course examines how financial concepts interact within construction project management and organizational decision-making.

CSM 5361. Construction Failures.

This course focuses on identifying the causes of structural or material failures in buildings and infrastructure. The work involves collecting field evidence, analyzing materials, assessing design and construction practices, and determining whether failures were due to workmanship errors, design defects, material degradation, environmental factors, or maintenance issues. The goal is to understand why a failure occurred, prevent future incidents, and provide recommendations for repairs, remediation, and improved construction practices.

CSM 5362. Pre-Construction Services.

This course examines designer–contractor interactions in contemporary construction projects from planning through project award. Topics include conceptual estimating and scheduling used in early project stages prior to detailed design. The course also addresses the Request for Qualification (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes, including document preparation, evaluation, and team selection. Additional topics include procurement methods and selection considerations that influence project delivery.

CSM 5363. Construction Project Delivery.

This course examines construction project delivery methods and contract strategies used to establish project execution frameworks. Topics include traditional, design-build, construction manager at-risk, and integrated project delivery approaches, with analysis of their characteristics and applicability to different project types. The course addresses key stages of each delivery method, including planning, design, procurement, and construction, and their influence on project schedule, cost, quality, and risk management. Case materials are used to examine the impact of delivery choices on project outcomes.

CSM 5364. Decision Making in Construction Management.

This course focuses on structured decision-making processes in construction management. It integrates management science techniques, data analysis, and construction-specific applications to address decision problems in construction and civil engineering projects. Topics include network and linear programming models, decision tree construction and evaluation under uncertainty, probability assessment, linear regression models for forecasting, and inventory management. The course includes the use of spreadsheet-based tools and modeling techniques for analysis in construction contexts.

CSM 5365. Construction Project Controls.

This course provides an overview of construction management cost and schedule concepts and their application throughout the project life cycle. Topics include cost and schedule management information systems, project scheduling using software tools such as Primavera P6, schedule updating and control, variance analysis, and forecasting of time and budget outcomes. The course also examines resource management and project recovery strategies, along with methods for identifying and addressing project performance issues.

CSM 5366. Soils in Construction.

This course provides an in-depth examination of geotechnical principles as they apply to soil construction activities. Topics include geological formations of natural soils, soil mineralogy, soil sampling, classification, and laboratory and field testing procedures used in design and construction. The course also addresses dewatering methods, excavation safety, and sustainability considerations in soil construction, including soil contamination and remediation strategies. Additional topics include recycled materials and technologies used in soil stabilization.

CSM 5367. Leadership in Construction.

This course examines principles and practices of leadership in the construction industry. Topics include team management, collaboration, workforce dynamics, decision-making, conflict resolution, communication, and ethical considerations. The course addresses leadership applications in project management and organizational behavior, including coordination among diverse project stakeholders. Additional focus is placed on leadership roles in safety management, productivity, and project execution. The course also examines how leadership approaches influence team performance and operational effectiveness within construction environments.

CSM 5368. Sustainable Construction.

This course explores sustainable construction techniques, including environmentally responsible design, material selection, and project delivery methods. Topics include energy and water efficiency, waste minimization, and life cycle cost analysis, with attention to the integration of sustainability throughout the construction process. The course also examines green building standards, including the LEED rating system, and technologies such as green roofs. Case materials are used to analyze sustainable construction practices and their impact on project and environmental performance.

CSM 5369. Construction Dispute Resolution.

This course examines dispute resolution processes in the construction industry, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation. These mechanisms are analyzed from the perspectives of owners, designers, and contractors, with emphasis on liability allocation and risk management. The course addresses strategic considerations, dispute prevention methods, and common challenges in alternative dispute resolution. Case materials and research are used to analyze dispute resolution practices in construction contexts.

CSM 5380. Construction Safety Management.

This course provides a study of the administration and application of 29 CFR 1926 OSHA regulations specific to the construction industry, along with relevant state and federal safety laws governing construction, alterations, and repair work. Emphasis is placed on the responsibilities of owners, contractors, supervisors, and workers in maintaining construction site safety. Topics include hazard identification, accident prevention, safety program implementation, and regulatory compliance. Case materials are used to analyze safety practices and risk management in construction environments.

CSM 5384A. Construction Failure.

This course covers a breadth of causes of construction failure, including how past failures can improve current construction practices and litigation is a likely response to failures in construction.

CSM 5390. Research in Construction.

This course examines research methods and practices specific to the construction industry. Topics include experimental design, application of scientific principles, problem-solving techniques, proposal development, research execution, data acquisition and management, statistical analysis, and reporting of results. The course also addresses current debates, challenges, and emerging issues in construction research, along with methods for evaluating scholarly work in construction science and management.

CSM 5399A. Thesis.

This course provides enrollment for students engaged in thesis research and writing in construction science and management under the supervision of a thesis advisor. Activities include research design, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written thesis components. Enrollment may be maintained during periods of active research or writing. The course includes documentation of research findings in accordance with program requirements and is a required component of the master’s degree in construction management.

CSM 5399B. Thesis.

This course provides enrollment for students engaged in thesis research and writing in construction science and management under the supervision of a thesis advisor. Activities include research design, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written thesis components. Enrollment may be maintained during periods of active research or writing. The course includes documentation of research findings in accordance with program requirements and is a required component of the master’s degree in construction management.

CSM 5599B. Thesis.

This course provides enrollment for students engaged in thesis research and writing in construction science and management under the supervision of a thesis advisor. Activities include research design, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written thesis components. Enrollment may be maintained during periods of active research or writing. The course includes documentation of research findings in accordance with program requirements and is a required component of the master’s degree in construction management.

CSM 5999B. Thesis.

This course provides enrollment for students engaged in thesis research and writing in construction science and management under the supervision of a thesis advisor. Activities include research design, data collection, analysis, and preparation of written thesis components. Enrollment may be maintained during periods of active research or writing. The course includes documentation of research findings in accordance with program requirements and is a required component of the master’s degree in construction management.

TECH 5195. Industrial Internship.

This course provides a supervised experiential learning opportunity in Technology Management, designed to integrate academic theory with practical industry experience. Students participate in structured internships within relevant organizations, applying classroom concepts to real-world technology and management challenges. Under faculty supervision, students develop professional skills, gain insights into organizational operations, and enhance problem-solving abilities. The course emphasizes reflective practice, enabling students to critically assess their performance and learning outcomes. By connecting theory and practice, students acquire hands-on experience, strengthen professional networks, and prepare for leadership roles in technology-driven environments. This course fosters professional growth and aligns experiential learning with graduate-level academic standards. Prerequisites: Instructor approval.

TECH 5199B. Thesis B.

This course supports the continued development and completion of a graduate thesis through sustained independent research under faculty supervision. Students analyze data, evaluate findings, and refine their research design and argumentation as the thesis progresses toward completion. Emphasis is placed on systematic inquiry, methodological rigor, and adherence to disciplinary research standards. Through iterative drafting and review, students assess the coherence and validity of their analysis and prepare a final scholarly document. The course culminates in submission of the completed thesis in accordance with institutional requirements.

TECH 5299B. Thesis B.

This course supports the continued development and completion of a graduate thesis through sustained independent research under faculty supervision. Students analyze data, evaluate findings, and refine their research design and argumentation as the thesis progresses toward completion. Emphasis is placed on systematic inquiry, methodological rigor, and adherence to disciplinary research standards. Through iterative drafting and review, students assess the coherence and validity of their analysis and prepare a final scholarly document. The course culminates in submission of the completed thesis in accordance with institutional requirements.

TECH 5300. Academic Instruction for Graduate Instructional Assistants.

This course examines the roles and responsibilities of graduate instructional assistants in academic settings. It analyzes instructional methods, technical competencies, ethical and legal considerations, safety protocols, and laboratory management practices. Through discussion, case analysis, and applied exercises, students evaluate effective teaching strategies and assess compliance with institutional and regulatory standards. The course emphasizes the application of established pedagogical frameworks and operational procedures to instructional environments. By the conclusion of the course, students will be able to assess instructional practices and apply appropriate professional and technical standards in laboratory and classroom contexts. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.

TECH 5310. Product Design and Development.

This course investigates the process of new product realization, focusing on the systematic steps involved in product design. Students explore problem identification, product planning, conceptual design, and embodiment design. Using standard CAD software, learners model, test, and refine design concepts. The course emphasizes analysis of design alternatives, assessment of functional and practical constraints, and evaluation of potential solutions. Through applied exercises and case studies, students develop methodological rigor, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how technical and design decisions influence product outcomes.

TECH 5311. Computer-Aided Engineering.

This course examines the foundational concepts and computational methods used in computer‑aided engineering (CAE). It analyzes how digital modeling supports product design, development, and engineering decision‑making. Students explore how CAE integrates with product design and development and the principles of finite element analysis (FEA), including procedures for stress, thermal, and modal simulations. The course uses software to build models, define parameters, and interpret numerical results. Through structured analytical exercises, students evaluate the assumptions, limitations, and outcomes of CAE workflows in representative engineering contexts.

TECH 5315. Engineering Economic Analysis.

This course examines economic analytical techniques commonly applied in engineering decision-making contexts. Students analyze methods for evaluating the time value of money and assess approaches for comparing alternative engineering projects. The course explores depreciation models, replacement analysis, and the role of income tax considerations in economic evaluation. Emphasis is placed on formulating and solving structured problems using quantitative techniques. Through worked examples and case-based analysis, students evaluate economic tradeoffs and interpret results to support systematic decision analysis. The course focuses on methodological rigor and analytical reasoning rather than normative judgments.

TECH 5325. Quality & Process Improvement.

This course examines principles and methods of quality management in manufacturing and service environments. Students analyze foundational quality concepts, theories, and standards, including total quality management and internationally recognized frameworks. The course evaluates core quality tools such as statistical process control, quality function deployment, Six Sigma, and ISO 9000. Instruction includes quantitative analysis through the application of basic statistical methods to quality measurement and process evaluation. Emphasis is placed on assessing how quality management techniques are applied within organizational and strategic contexts. Analytical outcomes focus on evaluating process performance and interpreting quality-related data.

TECH 5330. Data-Driven Decision Making.

This course examines data-driven decision-making methods applied to managerial and technical problems. Students analyze optimization techniques, including linear programming, transportation problems, network models, simulation, and decision analysis. The course emphasizes quantitative modeling, problem formulation, and evaluation of alternative solutions using structured methodologies. Through case studies and computational exercises, students apply these methods to assess real-world scenarios and interpret analytical results. By integrating multiple decision-making approaches, students develop the ability to evaluate trade-offs, quantify outcomes, and support systematic, evidence-based decisions in professional contexts.

TECH 5335. Operations & Supply Chain Management.

This course examines operations and supply chain management principles used to analyze and improve organizational systems in manufacturing, service, and retail contexts. The scope includes value chain analysis, capacity and demand planning, forecasting, product and service design, process and facility layouts, inventory management, logistics, and scheduling within domestic and global supply networks. Instruction emphasizes analytical frameworks, quantitative methods, and performance metrics applied to operational decision making. Students will be able to analyze operational systems, evaluate tradeoffs among cost, quality, and responsiveness, and support data-driven decisions in engineering and management contexts.

TECH 5340. Systems Analysis and Design.

This course analyzes the processes and methodologies used in systems analysis and design. Students examine system concepts, requirements analysis, and planning techniques that support system development. System architecture, integration methods, testing procedures, and deployment practices across the system lifecycle are presented. Emphasis is placed on the application of analytical tools to assess design decisions related to performance, reliability, and maintainability. Students develop the ability to evaluate system design solutions using established industry standard technical frameworks.

TECH 5365. Industrial Project Management and Scheduling.

This course examines industrial management system concepts and their applications in organizational operations, system design, and implementation. Students analyze management frameworks, evaluate operational practices, and apply theoretical models to structured case studies. The course emphasizes problem-solving through data-driven and systematic approaches, enabling students to assess efficiency, workflow, and process design. Through practical exercises and case analyses, students develop skills to critically evaluate management decisions, interpret system performance, and propose evidence-based solutions in professional contexts.

TECH 5380. Principles of Information and Communication Technology Management.

This course provides an overview of the principles and applications of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), covering analog and digital communications, wireless technologies (1G–5G), IoT-related systems, and emerging ICT applications in industries, electric mobility, and intelligent buildings. Through case-based learning, students explore strategic management, network effects, social media technologies, data assets, and information security. The course emphasizes understanding technological evolution, organizational impact, and future ICT trends, equipping students with analytical and managerial skills for effective technology-driven decision-making.

TECH 5382. Industrial Ecology and Sustainability Engineering.

This course examines the principles and methodologies of life cycle analysis (LCA) as applied to engineered products and processes. Students analyze material and energy flows across stages of production, distribution, use, and end-of-life management. Topics include industrial ecology, resource use modeling, product and process design, material selection, and performance assessment. The course evaluates quantitative tools used to compare environmental impacts and interpret trade-offs among design alternatives. Through case studies and analytical exercises, students develop the ability to assess life cycle data and apply LCA frameworks to engineering decision-making contexts.

TECH 5384. Problems in Technology.

This course enables graduate students to investigate a specific technical topic by formulating a research problem, conducting a structured review of relevant literature, and presenting their findings. Students work individually under faculty guidance to plan, execute, and document their research. The course emphasizes analytical reasoning, systematic inquiry, and effective communication of results. Projects may be repeated for credit with departmental approval. Through these activities, students develop the ability to critically analyze technical issues, apply research methodologies, and synthesize information for professional and academic contexts. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

TECH 5385. Readings in Technology.

This course examines ethical and moral perspectives relevant to technology and engineering within the context of American society. Students analyze historical, contemporary, and emerging issues associated with technological development and implementation, using case studies and selected readings drawn from industrial and engineering contexts. The course emphasizes analytical approaches to ethical reasoning, including the evaluation of competing viewpoints and the application of established ethical frameworks. Through structured inquiry, students assess how ethical considerations have shaped, and continue to shape, decisions in engineering practice and technological innovation. The course develops skills in critical analysis, argument evaluation, and evidence-based reasoning about ethical questions related to technology.

TECH 5387. Advanced Facilities Planning.

This course explores the planning and design of industrial and technical training facilities. Students evaluate facility requirements, including equipment selection, space utilization, and workflow organization. The course emphasizes analytical approaches to identify and address technical challenges, incorporating methods such as functional analysis, layout optimization, and specification development. Through hands-on projects and case study analyses, students develop the ability to assess design alternatives, propose solutions, and critically examine operational considerations, fostering a systematic and evidence-based understanding of effective facility planning.

TECH 5390. Research in Technology.

This course examines the scientific method with emphasis on theory formulation, deductive and inductive reasoning, hypothesis development, observation, and theory revision. Students analyze major categories of research and evaluate methodological differences across experimental and non-experimental approaches. The course examines experimental research related to industrial and engineering problems, including design considerations, internal and external validity, and appropriate analytical techniques. Instruction includes systematic analysis of data and evaluation of results using established methodological standards. By engaging with applied research examples, students develop the ability to assess research design choices and interpret empirical findings within engineering and industrial contexts.

TECH 5391. Advanced Manufacturing Systems.

This course examines technological, engineering, and business developments influencing manufacturing processes in the U.S. Topics include advanced manufacturing techniques, factory automation, computer-integrated manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and intelligent manufacturing systems. The course also analyzes how information technology is applied to optimize production processes. Through case studies and practical examples, students evaluate how industries adopt new technologies to improve operational efficiency, enhance product quality, and adapt to changing market requirements. The course emphasizes analytical understanding of technological integration, workflow optimization, and production system design.

TECH 5392. Fundamentals of Microelectronics Manufacturing.

This course introduces the principles, materials, and process flow underlying modern semiconductor manufacturing. Students analyze the technological history and foundations of the semiconductor industry and investigate the functions and applications of key materials used in device fabrication. The course also explores major fabrication steps, including crystal growth, oxidation, diffusion, ion implantation, thin‑film deposition, lithography, etching, and chemical mechanical polishing, to develop an understanding of how microelectronic devices are produced. Emphasis is placed on understanding the scientific and engineering foundations governing each stage of fabrication and on developing analytical skills to interpret how process choices influence device architecture and performance.

TECH 5394. Design of Experiments.

This course introduces foundational concepts in experimental design and statistical analysis as applied to empirical research. It explores data description, probability-based inference, hypothesis testing, regression modeling, and analysis of variance. Through applied examples and analytical exercises, students examine how research questions are translated into testable designs and how statistical evidence is evaluated. The course develops skills in selecting appropriate analytical methods, interpreting outputs, and assessing assumptions underlying statistical models. Students conclude the course prepared to evaluate experimental results and articulate conclusions supported by systematic quantitative reasoning.

TECH 5395A. Structure and Properties of Alloys.

This course examines the structure, properties, and strengthening mechanisms of engineering alloys, with emphasis on both ferrous and nonferrous materials. Students analyze relationships between processing methods, microstructure, and mechanical properties, and evaluate how these factors influence performance in engineering applications. The course includes investigation of emerging alloy systems and contemporary processing techniques. Laboratory exercises, case studies, and analytical assignments enable students to assess material behavior, interpret experimental results, and apply fundamental principles to practical engineering problems. Through systematic inquiry, students develop skills in evaluating alloy selection, performance optimization, and the integration of material properties with engineering design considerations.

TECH 5398. Directed Project.

This course examines a business or industry problem through a directed applied research project. Students analyze relevant data, evaluate potential solutions, and investigate challenges using established research methodologies. The course emphasizes the development of analytical skills, critical thinking, and professional problem-solving. Work culminates in a written project report and an oral presentation, in which students interpret findings, justify conclusions, and communicate results effectively. Through systematic inquiry, students gain practical experience in applying research methods to real-world organizational challenges, bridging theoretical concepts with industry applications while demonstrating competence in professional research communication. Prerequisite: TECH 5394 with a grade of "C" or better and instructor approval.

TECH 5399A. Thesis.

This course initiates the thesis process by guiding students through the early stages of independent scholarly research. Students examine potential research questions, analyze relevant literature, and develop a structured thesis proposal under faculty supervision. Emphasis is placed on research design, methodological planning, and alignment with disciplinary standards. Through systematic inquiry, students evaluate the feasibility and scope of their proposed research and establish a foundation for subsequent thesis work. Completion of this course prepares students for continued thesis development and formal submission in a subsequent enrollment, in accordance with program requirements.

TECH 5399B. Thesis.

This course supports the continued development and completion of a graduate thesis through sustained independent research under faculty supervision. Students analyze data, evaluate findings, and refine their research design and argumentation as the thesis progresses toward completion. Emphasis is placed on systematic inquiry, methodological rigor, and adherence to disciplinary research standards. Through iterative drafting and review, students assess the coherence and validity of their analysis and prepare a final scholarly document. The course culminates in submission of the completed thesis in accordance with institutional requirements.

TECH 5599B. Thesis.

This course supports the continued development and completion of a graduate thesis through sustained independent research under faculty supervision. Students analyze data, evaluate findings, and refine their research design and argumentation as the thesis progresses toward completion. Emphasis is placed on systematic inquiry, methodological rigor, and adherence to disciplinary research standards. Through iterative drafting and review, students assess the coherence and validity of their analysis and prepare a final scholarly document. The course culminates in submission of the completed thesis in accordance with institutional requirements.

TECH 5999B. Thesis.

This course supports the continued development and completion of a graduate thesis through sustained independent research under faculty supervision. Students analyze data, evaluate findings, and refine their research design and argumentation as the thesis progresses toward completion. Emphasis is placed on systematic inquiry, methodological rigor, and adherence to disciplinary research standards. Through iterative drafting and review, students assess the coherence and validity of their analysis and prepare a final scholarly document. The course culminates in submission of the completed thesis in accordance with institutional requirements.