Building Construction Management

Building Construction Management at Purdue University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the construction industry. The program combines technical knowledge with management skills, emphasizing sustainable construction practices, safety, project planning, and cost control. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, internships, and industry projects, enabling them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. The coursework covers core areas such as construction methods, contract administration, estimation, scheduling, and building codes. Graduates are equipped to oversee construction projects from inception to completion, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and environmental standards. The program also emphasizes the development of communication and leadership skills essential for managing diverse teams and collaborating with clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. Purdue’s strong industry connections provide students with internship opportunities and exposure to the latest construction technologies and practices. Through a combination of classroom instruction, field work, and experiential learning, students build a solid foundation in construction management principles. The program prepares graduates for certification exams such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and Associate Constructor (AC), enhancing their professional credentials. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Building Construction Management at Purdue aims to produce capable professionals ready to meet the evolving challenges of the construction industry and contribute meaningfully to the development of safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible built environments.

• BCM 51000  Topics in Environmentally Sustainable Construction, Design and Development - This course explores environmental sustainability in all its forms, starting with the historical and theoretical basis and continuing through an understanding of sustainable building construction, design, development, and renewable energy strategies/management tools and how these can be applied in practice. Typically offered Fall Spring Summer. 3 Credit hours, CRN 15553
• BCM 52500  Managing Construction Quality - Advanced techniques for assessing the success of construction project management including schedule cost, safety and quality measurements. Impacts of pre planning, human factors, and communication systems on quality and productivity. Statistical methods for analysis of construction operations. Typically offered Fall. 3 Credit hours, CRN 15075
• BCM 53500  Construction Accounting and Financial Management - Accounting techniques, financial methods, and financial management for construction firm management. Analysis techniques for contemporary construction company accounting and finance practice with an emphasis on cash flow analysis and cash management. Typically offered Fall. 3 Credit hours, 15090
• BCM 56000  Academic Writing Seminar I
• BCM 56500  Academic Writing Seminar II
• BCM 58100 Workshop in BCM
• Simulation and Model Construction Operations
• Research Seminar

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.  The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for this program.

Students admitted to this program must demonstrate a thorough understanding of construction project management.  This understanding can be demonstrated by one of the following means:

• A bachelor's degree in construction management or a closely related field from an accredited university.
• A bachelor's degree in any field plus five years of verifiable, responsible construction management experience.
• Transcripts
• GRE Test
• English Proficiency
• Recommendation letters
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume

International Applicant Requirements: 

• Undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average:
      3.0 or equivalent required for unconditional admission
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE):
      Required -- no minimum score set 
• TOEFL for Non-Native English Speakers:  
     Minimum Paper-Based Test (PBT) Score Required: 550 
     Minimum Internet-Based Test (IBT) Overall Score Required: 77 
     With the following minimum section requirements: 
      Reading: 19 
      Listening: 14 
      Speaking: 18 
      Writing: 18                      
• IELTS (Academic Module): 
      An alternative to the TOEFL, scores of 6.5 or higher will be accepted
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) (Academic Module): 
      An alternative to the TOEFL, scores of 58 or higher will be accepted
• TWE for Non-Native English Speakers: 
      Not required, but recommended

Scholarships

There are a limited number of teaching assistantships and graduate fellowships available each year to qualified candidates.

The School of Construction Management Technology (SCMT) has a limited number of graduate teaching assistantships each year.  The graduate teaching assistantships provide a unique opportunity for graduate students to gain teaching experience and to work with faculty members in classrooms and laboratories related to their area of specialization. 

• To apply for the BCM graduate teaching assistantships, contact Dr. Bryan Hubbard, the head of Construction Management Technology at bhubbard@purdue.edu .  After receiving notification of acceptance as a BCM graduate student, attach a resume to your e-mail describing your construction and teaching experience.  Also, indicate which BCM undergraduate courses you are most qualified to assist.  
• Note that decisions about graduate assistantships are not made until late May or June.

The Purdue Polytechnic Institute has fellowships available on a competitive basis to highly qualified masters and doctoral students. Depending on the specific award, these fellowships may or may not require a specific work assignment.  

Building Construction Management at Purdue University in West Lafayette is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in the construction industry, focusing on the management and technical aspects of building construction projects. The curriculum combines coursework in construction methods, project management, safety, cost estimating, and sustainability with hands-on experience through laboratories and industry projects. Students learn about the entire construction process, from design and planning to execution and maintenance, with an emphasis on leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for managing complex building projects.

The program is accredited by ABET, ensuring it meets high standards of quality and relevance to industry needs. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs and construction sites, providing practical experience that complements theoretical learning. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to advancing construction management education and industry innovation.

Internships and cooperative education opportunities are strongly encouraged, allowing students to gain real-world experience and build professional networks before graduating. The program also emphasizes sustainable construction practices and the integration of emerging technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and green building materials. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers as project managers, construction supervisors, estimators, or entrepreneurs in the building construction field.

Additionally, Purdue’s strong industry connections facilitate job placement and networking opportunities for students. The program recognizes the importance of leadership skills and ethical practices in construction management, instilling these values throughout the education process. Overall, Building Construction Management at Purdue provides a rigorous, industry-aligned education that prepares students to meet the demands of modern construction projects worldwide, blending technical expertise with essential business and leadership skills.