- What is construction management?
- What is civil engineering?
- What is architecture?
- What is architectural engineering?
- Why choose a degree in construction Management (CM)?
- Can I become a Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina with my CM degree?
- Can I become an architect in North Carolina with my CM degree?
- Can I become a Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) with my CM degree?
- Are you a home-building program?
- What are my opportunities for internships or co-ops with the construction industry?
- What are the job opportunities upon graduation in the construction industry?
- What part of the construction industry will the CM degree prepare me to enter?
- Can I get my General Contractors License in North Carolina?
- If I transfer in most all my courses that meet the CM curriculum, what is the minimum number of courses I need to complete for the CM degree?
- What is the state of the construction industry 2002-2012?
If you have other questions that you feel should be listed, please send your question to Dr. Sims via email at bsims@wcu.edu.
1. What is construction management?
U.S. Department of Labor - http://www.bls.gov
Construction managers plan and direct construction projects. They may have job titles such as constructor, construction superintendent, general superintendent, project engineer, project manager, general construction manager, or executive construction manager.
Construction managers may be owners or salaried employees of a construction management or contracting firm, or may work under contract or as a salaried employee of the owner, developer, contractor, or management firm overseeing the construction project. The handbook uses the term "construction manager" to describe salaried or self-employed managers who oversee construction supervisors and workers.
In contrast with the handbook definition, "construction manager" is defined more narrowly within the construction industry to denote a management firm or an individual employed by such a firm, involved in managerial oversight of a construction project. Under this definition, construction managers usually represent the owner or developer with other participants throughout the project. Although they usually play no direct role in the actual construction of a structure, they typically schedule and coordinate all design and construction processes, including the selection, hiring, and oversight of specialty trade contractors.
Managers who work in the construction industry, such as general managers, project engineers, and others, increasingly are called constructors. Through education and past work experience, this broad group of managers manages, coordinates, and supervises the construction process from the conceptual development stage through final construction on a timely and economical basis. Given designs for buildings, roads, bridges, or other projects, constructors oversee the organization, scheduling, and implementation of the project to execute those designs. They are responsible for coordinating and managing people, materials, and equipment; budgets, schedules, and contracts; and safety of employees and the general public.
On large projects, construction managers may work for a general contractor—the firm with overall responsibility for all activities. There, they oversee the completion of all construction in accordance with the engineer's and architect's drawings and specifications and prevailing building codes. They arrange for trade contractors to perform specialized craftwork or other specified construction work. On small projects, such as remodeling a home, a self-employed construction manager or skilled trades worker who directs and oversees employees often is referred to as the construction "contractor."
Large construction projects, such as an office building or industrial complex, are too complicated for one person to manage. These projects are divided into many segments: Site preparation, including land clearing and earth moving; sewage systems; landscaping and road construction; building construction, including excavation and laying foundations, erection of structural framework, floors, walls, and roofs; and building systems, including fire-protection, electrical, plumbing, air-conditioning, and heating. Construction managers may be in charge of one or more of these activities. Construction managers often team with workers in other occupations, such as engineers and architects.
Construction managers evaluate various construction methods and determine the most cost-effective plan and schedule. They determine the appropriate construction methods and schedule all required construction site activities into logical, specific steps, budgeting the time required to meet established deadlines. This may require sophisticated estimating and scheduling techniques and use of computers with specialized software. (See the statement on cost estimators elsewhere in the handbook.) This also involves the selection and coordination of trade contractors hired to complete specific pieces of the project-which could include everything from structural metalworking and plumbing to painting and carpet installation. Construction managers determine the labor requirements and, in some cases, supervise or monitor the hiring and dismissal of workers. They oversee the performance of all trade contractors and are responsible for ensuring that all work is completed on schedule.
Construction managers direct and monitor the progress of construction activities, at times through other construction supervisors. They oversee the delivery and use of materials, tools, and equipment; and the quality of construction, worker productivity, and safety. They are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and licenses and, depending upon the contractual arrangements, direct or monitor compliance with building and safety codes and other regulations. They may have several subordinates, such as assistant managers or superintendents, field engineers, or crew supervisors, reporting to them.
Construction managers regularly review engineering and architectural drawings and specifications to monitor progress and ensure compliance with plans and schedules. They track and control construction costs against the project budget to avoid cost overruns. Based upon direct observation and reports by subordinate supervisors, managers may prepare daily reports of progress and requirements for labor, material, machinery, and equipment at the construction site. They meet regularly with owners, trade contractors, architects, and others to monitor and coordinate all phases of the construction project.
2. What is civil engineering?
U.S. Department of Labor - http://www.bls.gov
Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and water supply and sewage systems. Civil engineering, considered one of the oldest engineering disciplines, encompasses many specialties. The major specialties within civil engineering are structural, water resources, environmental, construction, transportation, and geotechnical engineering. Engineers use computers to produce and analyze designs; to simulate and test how a machine, structure, or system operates; and to generate specifications for parts.
New communications technologies using computers are changing the way engineers work on designs. Engineers can collaborate on designs with other engineers around the country or even abroad, using the Internet or related communications systems. Many engineers also use computers to monitor product quality and control process efficiency. They spend a great deal of time writing reports and consulting with other engineers, as complex projects often require an interdisciplinary team of engineers. Supervisory engineers are responsible for major components or entire projects.
Many civil engineers hold supervisory or administrative positions, from supervisor of a construction site to city engineer. Others may work in design, construction, research, and teaching.
Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers plan and build highways, buildings, bridges, dams, wastewater treatment systems, and other structures, and perform related surveys and studies. Some estimate construction costs and specify materials to be used, and some may even prepare drawings or perform land-surveying duties. Others may set up and monitor instruments used to study traffic conditions.
3. What is architecture?
U.S. Department of Labor - http://www.bls.gov
People need places in which to live, work, play, learn, worship, meet, govern, shop, eat, etc. These places may be private or public; in- or outdoors; rooms, buildings, or complexes; and together comprise neighborhoods, towns, suburbs, and cities. Architects, licensed professionals trained in the art and science of building design, transform these needs into concepts and then develop the concepts into building images and plans that can be constructed by others.
Architects design the overall aesthetic and functional look of buildings and other structures. The design of a building involves far more than its appearance. Buildings also must be functional, safe, and economical, and must suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects take all these things into consideration when they design buildings and other structures.
Architects provide professional services to individuals and organizations planning a construction project. They may be involved in all phases of development, from the initial discussion with the client through the entire construction process. Their duties require specific skills: designing, engineering, managing, supervising, and communicating with clients and builders.
The architect and client discuss the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project. In some cases, architects provide various predesign services—conducting feasibility and environmental impact studies, selecting a site, or specifying the requirements the design must meet. For example, they may determine space requirements by researching the number and type of potential users of a building. The architect then prepares drawings and a report presenting ideas for the client to review.
After the initial proposals are discussed and accepted, architects develop final construction plans. These plans show the building's appearance and details for its construction. Accompanying these are drawings of the structural system; air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems; electrical systems; plumbing; and possibly site and landscape plans. They also specify the building materials and, in some cases, the interior furnishings. In developing designs, architects follow building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other ordinances, such as those requiring easy access by disabled persons. Throughout the planning stage, they make necessary changes. Although they have traditionally used pencil and paper to produce design and construction drawings, architects are increasingly turning to computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) technology for these important tasks.
Architects may also assist the client in obtaining construction bids, selecting a contractor, and negotiating the construction contract. As construction proceeds, they may visit the building site to ensure the contractor is following the design, adhering to the schedule, using the specified materials, and meeting quality work standards. The job is not complete until all construction is finished, required tests are made, and construction costs are paid. Sometimes, architects also provide post-construction services, such as facilities management. They advise on energy efficiency measures, evaluate how well the building design adapts to the needs of occupants, and make necessary improvements.
Architects design a wide variety of buildings, such as office and apartment buildings, schools, churches, factories, hospitals, houses, and airport terminals. They also design complexes such as urban centers, college campuses, industrial parks, and entire communities. They also may advise on the selection of building sites, prepare cost analysis and land-use studies, and do long-range planning for land development.
Architects sometimes specialize in one phase of work. Some specialize in the design of one type of building—hospitals, schools, or housing, for example. Others focus on planning and predesign services or construction management and do minimal design work. They often work with engineers, urban planners, interior designers, landscape architects, and other professionals. In fact, architects spend a great deal of their time in coordinating information from, and the work of, others engaged in the same project. Consequently, architects—particularly at larger firms—are now using the Internet to update designs and communicate changes for the sake of speed and cost savings.
During the required training period leading up to licensing as architects, entry-level workers are called interns. This training period, which generally lasts three years, gives them practical work experience which aids interns in preparing for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Typical duties may include preparing construction drawings on CADD, building models, or assisting in the design of one part of a project.
4. What is architectural engineering?
As described by the Milwaukee School of Engineering Website: http://www.msoe.edu/ae/bsae/
The four-year bachelor of science degree program prepares engineers and managers for careers in the design and construction of buildings and building systems. Lecture and laboratory courses integrate theory and the practical application of design principles, practice, methods and materials. The architectural engineering program provides graduates with a core of mathematics, science, construction materials, and business, plus a design specialty.
Architectural engineering graduates pursue careers in the construction industry or related areas.
Building Structural Systems
Structural Engineer
Analyzes, calculates and selects systems and components for various structures. Graduates are employed within the building industry, but also in other structural areas. Areas are: consulting engineering firms, construction equipment industry (cranes, mining equipment, etc.), pre-engineered building industry, and steel fabrication and precast concrete systems.
Building Electrical Systems
Electrical Systems Engineer
Designs and specifies electrical power, lighting and communication systems for building. Employed in an electrical consulting design office or in electrical design-construction offices. Other responsibilities may be preparing specifications and cost estimates.
Electrical Utility Engineer
Coordinates new building construction with building owners, design engineers and contractors, and updates customers on conservation and cost saving opportunities.
Electrical Building Inspector
Employed by a public agency. Responsible for the public interest to inspect the buildings under construction for electrical code compliance.
Building Environmental Systems
Fire Safety/Protection Engineer
Designs various types of fire protection systems within the building. Systems include sprinkler, chemical suppression, and detection devices.
Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Engineer
Designs the HVAC systems and prepares the specifications.
Plumbing Engineer
Designs the water, processing fluids, and waste systems for the building use and for the site.
Building Energy Contractor
Estimates and assembles the HVAC system from the design documents.
Building Energy Construction Management
Supervises the mechanical trades in the installation of equipment and systems for a building.
Some Common Positions for All Design Specialties
Plant Facilities Engineer
The owner's management liaison person interacting with architects, contractors, and engineers in the design and construction of remodeling, additions and new facilities. Manages and develops such programs within the plant as energy conservation and preventative maintenance.
Sales/Applications Engineer
Provides technical advice and application of their representative products to the building industry's architects, engineers, and constructors.
Building - Insurance Appraiser/Engineer
Architectural/Construction Appraiser
Provides valuation of real, tangible and intangible personal property, feasibility studies, and prepares maintenance of property records for industrial and commercial owners.
Investment Tax Credit Cost Analyst
Involves a detailed in-depth analysis of construction drawings and specifications of large multi-million dollar structures that would qualify for investment tax credit and segregates costs into components for depreciation purposes.
Construction Engineer
Manages the construction of a building project. Responsibilities include the scheduling of labor trades, material, and equipment for the most economical and expeditious mode of constructing the building.
Construction Engineer/Estimator
The estimator is responsible for the takeoff material, type of labor and equipment, and calculating the cost for the construction project plus preparing the necessary documents for the estimate.
Architect
Designs the building for the user providing special and aesthetic requirements. Designs in concert with the structural and environmental engineers and the constructor to develop the most functional, economical, and aesthetic buildings coordinated to the site for the owner.
5. Why choose a degree in construction management (CM)?
The construction industry is the second largest employer in the United States and counts for 10% of the world economy and thus continues to generate new jobs every year that pay well. The construction industry has positions for all types of employees. You can choose to be outdoors on a construction jobsite or inside the corporate office or a little of both. It has positions for those who enjoy working in front of a computer all day and positions for those who hardly ever want to use a computer. Some positions will allow employees to mover around the United States and the world and some positions will keep you in the same regional area during a career. The construction industry is a dynamic people person industry that demands a multitasking ability. For those who are self-motivated problem solvers who take initiative, the construction industry can provide upward mobility with many financial rewards. It is also a great industry for those who eventually wish to create their own companies.
6. Can I become a Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina with my CM degree?
Yes, you can eventually become a Professional Engineer in North Carolina after completion of your B.S. in Construction Management from WCU. You must work for an engineering firm or the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for four years and then you can take the Level 1 test. After successful completion of Level I and four more years of work experience, you may take the Level II test to become a fully certified Professional Engineer. The Level II test includes a specialty test. You may choose the construction management specialty.
7. Can I become an Architect in North Carolina with my CM degree?
Yes, you can eventually become an architect in North Carolina after completion of your B.S. in Construction Management from WCU. You must choose a master's in architecture degree for students from non-architect backgrounds. This is usually a three-year degree (check the UNC-Charlotte, College of Architecture for details) and then complete all training requirements in preparing for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
8. Can I become a Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) with my CM degree?
Yes, you may take the Associate Constructor (AC) certification exam as early as nine months before your graduate with your B.S. in Construction Management. Then after a few years of experience you may take the CPC exam. Constructor certification immediately identifies you as a practitioner possessing high standards of practice and proven skills and knowledge to manage the construction process. As a member of this professional group, you will become a part of the construction industry, committed to the continued development of your skills and education to meet increasing industry challenges and changes.
The certification process was developed to include any individual who is qualified to achieve certification. Since Constructor Certification is aimed at those in the management and administration of the construction process, many diverse avenues of education and experience are open. Certification is equally available for experienced practitioners and new candidates entering the profession. Visit their website at: http://www.constructorcertification.org/.
9. Are you a home-building program?
No, the CM program is not a residential construction program, but we do cover the principals necessary for the large home production builders across the US that typically build thousands of homes each year. Since building a single home just doesn't cover enough detail of managing a large diverse project to focus on as our only type of construction, we basically teach management principals of the construction industries' management process using a lot of commercial construction examples and fewer examples for residential, highway, industrial, mechanical, and electrical. These skills a student learns from a construction management program can be used in any segment in the construction industry. Some students will go commercial, residential, industrial, heavy highway, mechanical, electrical, etc.. We teach the management aspect with some technical courses and engineering design courses. With that said, I can tell you that the large home builders come to WCU to hire students both for summers and full time and their is a huge demand from these companies coming here. Centex Homes even has scholarships available for students going into residential. They visit WCU every semester and bring a stack of the scholarship applications with them. The manager of Centex Homes for NC is on the WCU Construction Management advisory board and they plan to double their home construction in the next five years generating a need of 5000 more CM students.
10. What are my opportunities for internships or co-ops with the construction industry?
Tremendous! Many construction companies from all segments of the construction industry are looking for both one-semester internships and multi-semester cooperative education work experiences locally, regionally, and nationally. It is not unusual for a CM student to receive an average $12-$13 per hour plus some living expense support from their intern/co-op company. Each company will provide the student their actual compensation package.
11. What are the job opportunities upon graduation in the construction industry?
Nearly 100% of all construction management graduates who complete their degrees and have a record of working in the construction industry will have a job before graduation. The construction industry in the United States is the second largest employer only when you count the government employees with the armed services. There has been a shortfall of employees needed in the construction industry for years and this is predicted to continue for many more years.
12. What part of the construction industry will the CM degree prepare me to enter?
All segments of construction. Commercial construction, residential construction, mechanical construction, electrical construction, highway construction, industrial construction, marine construction, etc. The project management skills can be applied to all segments of the construction industry.
13. Can I get my General Contractors License in North Carolina?
Yes if you meet The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors' requirements, you may take the test. See their website at http://www.nclbgc.net/ for the latest information on requirements.
Thirteen CM program courses at the 300-400 level are required under the WCU university requirements (also known as the "50% rule") and need to be completed from Western Carolina University at a minimum to receive your Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management.
15. What is the State of the Construction Industry 2002-2012?
According to U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Construction is the only goods-producing sector in which employment is projected to grow.
- Construction employs approximately 6.9 million individuals annually.
- 80% of construction firms have fewer than 10 employees, only 1% employ 100 or more and 0.1% of construction firms employ over 500 individuals.
- The value of construction put in place in 2003 totaled $916 billion, representing 8% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP).
- From June 2003 to June 2004, construction added 193,000 employees—nearly one out of seven new non-farming jobs.
- All projected job openings for construction occupations through 2012 is 2,548,000 or 15%; for construction managers it is 197,000 or 14.1%.