Construction project management is the art of directing and coordinating human and material resources throughout the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time, quality and participation satisfaction.

Today's construction engineers and managers are faced with unprecedented challenges in planning, designing and managing the construction process and maintaining the public and private facilities required to meet society's needs. The graduate degree program at Vanderbilt University leads to advanced degrees in Civil Engineering (M.S. and M.Eng) with concentration in Construction Management. Built on the fundamentals of civil engineering, this program combines a balance of the latest developments in construction technologies, advanced engineering design, and management principles with other disciplines that are required in order to understand and solve the broad range of challenges confronting the construction industry.

Graduates of the Program find a wide range of employment opportunities in design, consulting, and construction firms as well as in the public sector. Throughout the program, the interrelationship of planning, design, and construction is continually stressed. Interaction with the construction industry is enhanced through Internship opportunities, project case study analysis, and invited guest lecturers of national and international prominence.

Areas of Emphasis

• Healthcare Construction
• Project Delivery Systems
• Project Life-cycle Analysis
• Project Schedule Reduction Techniques
• Construction Contracts
• Underground/Trenchless Construction

Two degree program options are offered.

Combined BS/ME Degree in 5-years

According to American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Policy Statement 465, “ The ASCE supports the concept of the Master's degree or Equivalent as a prerequisite for licensure and the practice of civil engineering at a professional level .” Future regulations for licensure in the civil engineering profession could very well require academic work beyond the standard 4-year college degree. Why not fast track your professional career? Gain both degrees in a 5-years. By enrolling in the combined program you will take the quickest route to success in your professional career.

What do Industry Leaders Have to Say?

“The construction management program at Vanderbilt, with its blend of advanced engineering design principles combined with the latest developments in construction technologies, and management principles, is ideally suited to allow graduates to understand and solve the broad range of challenges faced in the design and delivery of projects.”

Russ Burns, President, Turner Universal Construction  

“Vanderbilt's new Construction Management Program offers an attractive combination of traditional project and construction management skills with the new financial analysis, project finance and development skills that are in increasing demand in the engineering and construction market today.”

James A. Johnson, PE, PhD, Commercial Vice President, Kellogg Brown & Root, Inc.

“Tennessee is a home to some of the nation's top healthcare provider organizations. A construction management program, as the one at Vanderbilt University, that will allow students to focus on the unique aspects of healthcare, pharmaceutical, and bio-technology construction will position Vanderbilt as one of the elite programs in the nation.”

Doug Jones, CEO & President, Centex Rodgers, Inc.  

“Bright people with common sense solve problems. At Vanderbilt you will become exposed to the environment that will challenge you to excel in the engineering and construction world.”

Dean Chase, President, D.F. Chase, Inc.