Construction Management Degree Curriculum

Our Construction Management Degree curriculum combines core education courses with specialized classes in essential construction skills, such as cost estimating, project scheduling, and safety planning. Each course is developed with the input of construction professionals, ensuring career relevance. Graduates have real-world, employer-demanded knowledge and skills they can immediately use on the job.

Semester 1

OR110 - Achieving Academic Excellence

Achieve your true potential! This course will help you sharpen existing skills, build on your strengths, and discover the best ways to learn. You'll identify your learning styles, learn new behaviors to ensure college success, and maximize your learning as you complete your program of study.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Identify personal strengths and traits used to succeed in motivating and setting goals to complete higher education.
Describe the requirements for successful online learning.
Discuss the value of goal setting and time management.
Explain methods to achieve effective reading comprehension and note-taking.
Recognize effective academic writing and types of plagiarism.
Describe strategies for online testing.
Explain the role of critical thinking in problem solving.
Identify the necessary skills for successful online research.

Credit Hours: 3

C10 - Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers provides you with foundational skills and knowledge needed for today's technology-based careers. You'll learn the components of systems—from the CPU and memory to input devices and peripherals—and how these components interact with an operating system to perform critical tasks. Keeping current with fast-changing computer technologies, this course will discuss the computer technologies today that are allowing the creation of a virtualized mobile workforce. It will explore how computers connect to the internet, what services can be found online, and what dangers exist in the form of viruses, Trojans, and other malware. The course will also familiarize you with the basics of today's office productivity applications and help to establish a foundation for working with these different types of applications, including spreadsheets and presentation-creation tools.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Identify all of the major types of computing devices and their internal and external components.
Compile a list of the various computer operating systems that are utilized today and identify characteristics about each one.
Relate the various cloud-based technologies to the virtual and remote abilities that are utilized in a professional environment.
Describe modern office productivity suite applications.
Illustrate basic office software tasks using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
Characterize the role computer networking plays in society and identify current networking technologies.
List the hardware components, software applications, and IT protocols that make the internet possible today.
Apply basic maintenance tasks on your computer to combat viruses, malware, and computing inefficiencies.

Credit Hours: 3

EN120 - English Composition I

This course offers an introduction to basic writing skills that are especially relevant to academic assignments. The course focuses on APA paragraph development and organization in conjunction with a review of basic grammar and mechanics. The course also covers basic techniques for critically editing and revising one's work.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Use appropriate style, grammar, and mechanics in writing assignments.
Compose a strong paragraph with attention to the following: topic sentences; and effective use of transitions.
Identify and use a variety of essay structures, including expository, descriptive, narrative, comparison and contrast, and persuasion/argumentative.
Organize, develop, and produce a fully developed five-paragraph essay.
Differentiate and apply correct techniques for prewriting, writing, and proofreading using a variety of styles.
Correctly apply the rules of APA for use in direct or indirect quotations and reference citations.

Credit Hours: 3

SO245 - Social Impact of Technology

This course provides an overview of technological advances over the span of human history. Topics include the interrelationship of technology and culture; ethics and morals as they relate to technological progress; energy; ecology; demography; war and politics; and the unintended consequences of globalization, including social inequality, climate change, and global warming.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Explain how technology and culture are interrelated, and outline technological advances from ancient times to the present.
Discuss different perspectives on ethics and morals as they relate to technological applications.
Explain basic concepts related to energy, including the pros and cons of nonrenewable and renewable sources of energy.
Discuss basic concepts of ecology, including the environmental challenges of global warming and climate change.
Explain basic concepts of demography, especially as they apply to population growth.
Describe how war and politics have affected nations as they adapted to advances in technologies.
Explain the origins of global inequality, including colonialism and capitalism.
Discuss different approaches to measuring the evolution of technologies, the unintended consequences of globalization, and the prospects of a paradigm shift.

Credit Hours: 3

B01 - Introduction to Construction

This course provides an introduction to the primary concepts of contemporary building construction principles, materials, and practices. You'll obtain an overview of common construction phases and regulations and the team interactions required to successfully complete a construction project. The course also provides essential concepts of the basic principles of building loads and load resistance and the physical properties of common building materials.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Discuss the basic steps and participants in the building construction process as well as the primary regulations and design considerations used to devise safe and compliant building plans.
Identify the key concepts, milestones, and regulatory efforts used to promote and sustain adherence to the principles of sustainable building practices.
Outline the primary types of building loads and the structural elements of building design and materials that are used to offset and support the loads that modern buildings are subjected to.
Describe the properties of building materials that are used to control thermal, vapor, safety, and sound influences encountered in residential and commercial building design and the basic components of sustainable building practice.
List common classifications of soil types and the testing procedure used to determine the suitability of soil samples to bear structural loads.
Distinguish between shallow and deep foundation configurations and the components that define standard deep foundation types.

Credit Hours: 3

Semester 2

EN130 - English Composition II

The ability to communicate well is essential to success in any professional environment. English Composition II is organized to provide you with a broad understanding of multiple types of written communication. Far from being just academic exercises, formal writing skills allow you to relate to the world in ever-increasing ways. Simply put, good writing is good thinking. As you master various techniques of effective writing, you'll note a change in the way you process information, and those around you (including your employer) will also note the transformation.

English Composition II begins with the assumption that you've attained basic writing skills through completion of English Composition I. So, in fact, English Composition II is a continuation of English Composition I. In that light, you'll be expected to access and review basic concepts covered in English Composition I and, in particular, the sections on grammar and mechanics.

English Composition II begins by offering you tips on college writing, active reading, and study strategies at the college level. Next, you'll explore the framework for drafting a college essay, including elaborate explorations for finding a topic, assessing your audience, and determining the purpose of your essay as you identify its thesis and craft a thesis statement.

Next, because college essays often require research, you'll be introduced to strategies for finding and using sources. Based on this preparatory foundation, you'll be challenged to analyze essays in all of the various rhetorical modes, which, in turn, will prepare you to write college-level essays for these different patterns of development.

The balance of this online text is devoted to the specifics of reading, analyzing, and writing college-level essays, including description, narration, illustration, process analysis, comparison and Contrast, classification and Division, definition, cause and Effect, argument, and business applications.

By the end of EN130, you'll be able to do the following:

Describe the nature of academic writing at the college level.
Understand and apply the principles of active reading.
Comprehend and apply the structure of a college essay.
Develop an essay thesis that's supported by facts, authorities, and examples.
Apply the principles of revision and editing.
Write an academic essay supported by relevant and credible sources.
Critically evaluate essays in all of these patterns of development:
- Narrative, Descriptive, Illustration, Process, Comparison and contrast, Definition, Classification and division, Cause and effect, Argument.
Create effective, engaging, and informative essays in all of these patterns of discourse through the following:
- A deep understanding of the writing process; Organizing an essay in terms of space order, time order, or order of importance; Creating attention-getting introductions and memorable conclusions; Using facts, logical reasoning, examples, and authorities to support your thesis; Identifying and avoiding logical fallacies; Effectively applying the techniques of persuasion; Blending two or more patterns of development in a single essay.

Credit Hours: 3

General Education Elective (Science 100-200 Level)

View General Education Elective (Science 100-200 Level) offerings.

B02 - Construction Materials and Methods

This is an introduction to the materials and methods used in constructing commercial buildings. Topics covered include using wood in construction, exterior and interior finishes, brick masonry, stone and concrete masonry, masonry load bearing wall construction, steel frame construction, site-cast and precast concrete framing systems, roofing, glass, windows and doors, cladding systems, interior walls and partitions, ceilings, and floors.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Describe the application of both natural and manufactured wood products and fasteners used for common wood-frame construction.
Describe the application of steel, steel components, structural steel assemblies, and cold-formed steel members as applied to common steel frame construction.
Identify the important properties of cement and concrete configurations as applied to concrete framing, and wall and floor construction.
Outline common applications of brick, concrete masonry units, and stone masonry materials used for masonry and concrete bearing wall assembly.
Identify the materials used for exterior wall cladding applications and describe the advantages and disadvantages of various exterior building components based on established design requirements.
List applications of glass and light-transmitting plastics for a range of construction solutions for windows, doors, and glass-based cladding solutions.
Compare the applications of common roofing structural configurations and cladding materials including specialized integrations of structural insulated panels.
List the common materials and applications required for various interior building systems such as floors, ceilings, and stairs.

Credit Hours: 3

B03 - Drawings and Specifications

This course provides an introduction to drawings and specifications used in construction. It includes lines of construction, scales, types of surveys, off-site and site improvements, foundations and below-grade construction, the structure above grade, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, commercial blueprints, construction offices, manufacturing facilities, and warehouses. This course touches on multifamily dwellings as well as heavy commercial construction to help provide a well-rounded look at these drawings.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Identify the tools, components, and industry conventions used to produce construction drawings including surveys and site plans.
Explain elements of above-grade construction as illustrated in blueprints and potential issues regarding foundation design and construction.
Describe the major elements of framing construction and the different framing systems on construction drawings.
Interpret specific floor plan information for vertical and horizontal framing, house layout, and openings.
Identify key information on truss engineering using plans, elevations, and sections, including waterproofing devices and roof ventilation systems.
Identify installation procedures for various structures, systems, and finishes—fireplace/chimney, decking, cabinets, and landscaping.
Understand the relationships and detailed information between complex construction drawings on a large project.
Discuss elements of interior and exterior construction in heavy commercial construction including major parts of HVAC equipment to be used in a building.

Credit Hours: 3

B04 - Safety Planning and Administration

This course is an introduction to the role of safety in the construction industry. It covers the cost of accidents, causes of accidents, ethics and safety, workers' compensation, OSHA compliance, detailed coverage of subparts A through Z of OSHA's Construction Standard, safety and health programs and policies, job safety and hazard analysis, accident reporting and record keeping, emergency response plans, total safety management, workplace violence, workplace stress, environmental safety, ISO 14000, and promoting safety.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Explain why safety is important, the role of construction personnel in health and safety, OSHA compliance, and safety culture in construction.
Describe the role organized labor has played in the safety movement and being able to list major milestones, including workers compensation.
Describe the development of accident prevention programs, plans, and policies.
Describe the role of workplace violence prevention programs and emergency response plans.
Describe the accident investigation, record keeping, and reporting processes.
Explain how companies promote safety and safety training.
Explain detailed hazard analysis in relation to job safety.
Describe OSHA's Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926) and related practices.

Credit Hours: 3

Semester 3

General Education Elective (Behavioral/Social Science 100-200 Level)

View General Education Elective (Behavioral/Social Science 100-200 Level) offerings.

General Education Elective (Humanities/Fine Arts 100-200 Level)

View General Education Elective (Humanities/Fine Art 100-200 Level) offerings.

B05 - Construction Surveying Fundamentals

This is an introduction to the use of surveys in commercial, residential, and general construction. It includes the fundamentals of surveying, mathematical concepts, horizontal and vertical distance measurement, leveling, measuring angles and directions, horizontal control surveys, property surveys, topographic surveys and maps, highway curve and earth works, and construction surveys—establishing line and grade, building and pipeline stakeout, and additional layout procedures.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Identify the basic fundamentals, terms, common units and methods of measurements, and field instruments associated with construction surveying.
Apply mathematical methods, basic geometry, and triangle geometry (trigonometry) to calculate angles when provided with distances as raw field data, and distances when provided with angles as raw field data.
Employ means and methods of measuring distance and elevation on a construction project site to conduct a level survey.
Apply the concepts of angle geometry (bearings, azimuths, and meridians) along with the functions of angle measuring field instruments (theodolite and total station) to measure and lay out angles as they relate to construction surveying.
Discuss traverse survey specifics and applications, latitudes and departures, geometric shapes, and GPS uses as they relate specifically to construction surveying.
Apply construction surveying techniques necessary when conducting surveys for properties, subdivisions, topographic surveys, and mapping.
Explain the basic layout and geometry of highway horizontal curves, vertical curves, and resulting earthwork computations as they relate to construction surveying required to build highways.
Describe construction surveying techniques necessary when conducting layouts for general construction projects, pipeline construction, and building construction.

Credit Hours: 3

B06 - Cost Estimating

This is an introduction to the process of estimating the full cost of construction projects. Topics include contracts, bonds, insurance, specifications, overhead and contingencies, labor, equipment, excavation, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, finishes, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, profit and other estimating methods.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Explain what cost estimating is, including its terminology, technology, and role in project initiation.
Discuss the bid process, responsibilities, and the basics about preparing an estimate.
Describe how to prepare the contract documents, including the components and parties involved.
Summarize a detailed bid, including take off, preparatory steps, forms, and processes to facilitate the estimate.
Explain how to select and apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of the discipline to prepare detailed estimates for excavation, concrete, masonry, and steel.
Generate and apply labor rates in your costs.
Explain how to include subcontractors in the project from documentation to responsibilities.
Recognize alternate methods and their applications, as well as how to apply profit into the estimate.

Credit Hours: 3

B07 - Project Scheduling

Project Scheduling introduces planning and scheduling a construction project. The course introduces Gantt charts, basic networks, the critical path method, precedence networks, resource allocation and leveling, schedule updating project control, schedule compression, reports and presentations, and construction delay claims.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Explain the differences and relationships among planning, scheduling, and controlling a project.
Outline the differences among the bar chart, arrow network, and node network methods of project scheduling; and explain when to use each.
Outline the steps for scheduling a project using the CPM and describe how it can be adjusted or implemented to maintain progress.
Describe the basic differences among the critical path, node networks, and precedence networks.
Explain how to plan and control the schedule and budgets for labor, materials, and equipment through resource allocation and resource leveling.
Determine unit costs, budgets, person-hours, and percent completions for individual activities in the project schedule and modify a project schedule for accelerating a project completion.
Describe the program evaluation and review technique (PERT) method, the graphical evaluation and review technique (GERT) method and the linear scheduling method (LSM) of construction scheduling.
Explain how typical construction delay claims occur and how to prevent them.

Credit Hours: 3

Semester 4

C17 - College Mathematics or MA240 - College Algebra*

College Mathematics focuses on the fundamental math concepts through the use of real-world scenarios and step-by-step instruction. You'll perform operations and problem-solving with whole numbers, fractions, percentages, and decimals. Units of time, weight, capacity, length, and mass are applied to mathematical calculations, and basic geometric shapes are categorized. Statistical values for mean, median, mode, and standard deviation are determined, and basic statistical graphs are created. Other topics include ratios, proportions, US standard and metric units of measure, algebraic expressions, and equations.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Solve problems with whole numbers.
Solve fractions.
Solve problems using decimals.
Solve problems using ratios, proportions, and percent.
Solve problems using measurement and geometry.
Solve problems using statistics and probability.
Solve problems with integers.
Solve linear equations.

Credit Hours: 3

College Algebra This course is a graphical and numerical approach to algebra that incorporates the use of technology. Emphasis is placed on solving algebraic application problems, and results are solutions-oriented. The concept of a function as a tool to model real-world data will play a central role. Emphasis will also be placed on the study of equations and inequalities, graphs, matrices and determinants, quadratics, sequences, inductive reasoning, and probability.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Solve equations using the addition principle.
Solve equations using the multiplication principle.
Solve problems using applications of percentages.
Solve inequalities.
Identify functions.
Graph linear functions.
Find the domain & range of a graph or equation.
Find equations of lines.
Use and simplify integers as exponents.
Evaluate exponents and scientific notation.
Add and subtract polynomials.
Multiply polynomials.
Factor and expand differences of squares.
Evaluate and simplify exponential functions.
Recognize, create, and simplify composite functions.
Create and simplify inverse functions.
Evaluate and simplify logarithmic functions.
Apply properties of logarithms to expand or simplify logarithmic expressions.
Recognize mathematical modeling.
Complete matrix arithmetic operations.
Solve systems of equations with Cramer's Rule.
Solve systems of equations with Inverses.
Identify and apply sequence notation.
Identify and apply formulas to arithmetic sequences and series.
Identify and apply formulas to geometric sequences and series.
Use the counting principle to determine the number of possible outcomes.
Calculate and interpret probability.
Solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula or factoring.
Graph quadratics.
Solve mathematic modeling problems using quadratics.

Credit Hours: 3

SP180 - Principles of Public Speaking

This course is designed to provide you with basic theories and skills that are essential to effective public speaking. Topics include audience analysis, organization, persuasion, credibility, and delivery. Ideally, you should be able to apply these skills in a variety of public speaking situations, whether in future college courses or in nonacademic settings. As a member of the class, you'll also become an active listener and learn to analyze, critique, and evaluate the speaking of others.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Demonstrate and apply knowledge of public speaking principles and concepts.
Relate knowledge and skills needed for effective listening and doing speech criticism.
Recognize the process of selecting and narrowing a speech topic and audience analysis.
Identify and state purposes and central ideas for a speech.
Specify sources and uses of supporting materials and presentation aids in speech preparation.
Construct speech outlines applying organizational methods.
Prepare a formal speech demonstrating skills in speech composition.
Demonstrate knowledge of speech delivery techniques.

Credit Hours: 3

B08 - Construction Management

Construction Management is a course in managing new construction projects that provides in-depth coverage of project delivery systems. This course will outline the roles and responsibilities of owners/engineers and general contractors, as well as subcontractors, in the construction management process. You'll learn about risk allocation and liability sharing alongside pre-construction operations. Pre-construction and early phases of construction work involve a bevy of documentation, including scheduling, submittals, ordering of materials, and mobilization. You'll learn ways to manage and track the project as work is completed, and what documentation should be kept in order to ensure timely payment and quality of workmanship. This course covers communications and processes for an entire project cycle through project close-out, from as-built documentation to final payment and release of lien paperwork.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

Describe the project manager's role and responsibilities for construction projects, including bidding and contracting.
Identify the aspects of successfully preparing and updating construction project plans and schedules.
Recognize the information required to evaluate and select subcontractor and vendor services and material and equipment purchases.
Explain the process, functions, and importance of communication and document management in construction project management.
Identify proactive measures to manage costs and increase productivity on job sites.
Describe how an unsafe jobsite impacts a company's bottom line and jeopardizes future projects.
Explain the construction, monitoring, and closeout phases of a construction project as it relates to responsibilities of the project manager.
Explain how to build and manage a construction project team and make it a peak performing entity.

Credit Hours: 3

Electives (100-200 Level)

View General Education Electives (100-200 Level) offerings.

Electives (100-200 Level)

View General Education Electives (100-200 Level) offerings.

*If students expect to complete a bachelor's degree, MA240 is required.

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Program Description

The Associate of Science in Construction Management program is designed to provide you with a well-rounded education by combining a core set of general education courses with specialized courses in construction management. The program lays the foundation for a broad base of knowledge with general education courses in a variety of subject areas. In addition, courses within the program discipline, such as Cost Estimating, Project Scheduling, and Drawings and Specifications focus on preparing you for careers within the construction field.

Program Objectives

After completing the Construction Management program, you'll be able to:

Discuss the history of construction, the construction team project sequencing, communication and documentation, and the use of surveys in commercial, residential, and road construction.
Apply knowledge of how to manage a construction project with responsibility and authority.
Discuss the role of safety in the construction industry, including the cost and causes of accidents, workers’ compensation, emergency response plans, environmental safety, and OSHA compliance.
Display the skills of time management, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, written comprehension, and communication.
Identify and apply the fundamental principles of public speaking, speech criticism, audience analysis, and effective delivery techniques.
Demonstrate a foundation of computer and information systems knowledge, technical skills, and a basic understanding of computer applications.
Demonstrate an understanding of the broad implications of technological innovation on social organization in terms of personal, political, economic, and environmental issues.
Demonstrate proficiency with English composition, including the ability to develop essays, and revise and edit one's work.
Demonstrate basic mathematical skill by describing mathematical reasoning and logic as the basis for data analysis, and by applying the major concepts of college-level algebra.
Be prepared to enter Ashworth College’s bachelor’s degree programs without any additional academic preparation.

Build a foundation for career growth

Ashworth College's Associate Degree in Construction program helps you develop the knowledge and confidence you need to reach for your career goals. By integrating job search prep into your studies, Ashworth College gives you a hand along the way. Take a closer look at how we help you get there by visiting the Career Services page.