M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
Master of Business Administration - Construction Management
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Construction Management, provided through its AACSB-accredited Coggin College of Business in collaboration with the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction. This specialized MBA program is designed to equip professionals with both a comprehensive understanding of business management principles and advanced knowledge specific to the construction industry. It caters to individuals seeking leadership and executive roles in various construction sectors, combining rigorous academic study with practical applications. The program is flexible, designed for both full-time and part-time students.
AACSB-accredited: The Coggin College of Business at the University of North Florida proudly holds AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation. This is a hallmark of excellence for business education globally, ensuring that the MBA program, including its Construction Management concentration, meets the highest standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student learning outcomes. AACSB accreditation signifies a commitment to quality and continuous improvement, making a UNF MBA a highly valued credential in the professional world.
Curriculum: The MBA with a Construction Management concentration at UNF typically requires 30-36 credit hours, blending core MBA courses with specialized construction-focused electives. The core MBA curriculum provides a strong foundation in essential business functions such as financial accounting, managerial economics, marketing management, organizational leadership, and strategic management. For the Construction Management concentration, students delve into advanced topics within the field, which may include construction estimating, scheduling, construction techniques, project safety plans, document control, construction accounting, cost control, risk management, quality control, and the legal implications of construction contracts. The program aims to integrate business principles with the unique challenges of construction project execution, preparing graduates for managerial and executive roles.
Research Focus: While primarily a professional degree, the MBA with a Construction Management concentration at UNF encourages an evidence-based approach to decision-making. The curriculum integrates problem-solving methodologies and critical thinking, applying analytical tools to real-world construction business challenges. Faculty members, who often have extensive industry experience, guide students in understanding current industry trends, best practices, and the strategic implications of research in construction management. Although a traditional thesis might be an option in the MS in Construction Management, the MBA program emphasizes applied learning, often through case studies, projects, and simulations that require students to analyze complex scenarios and propose data-driven solutions. The curriculum also considers green energy and sustainable construction practices, reflecting current industry research trends.
Industry Engagement: UNF's location in Jacksonville, a growing urban center with significant construction activity, provides substantial opportunities for industry engagement. The Construction Management program maintains strong ties with the local and regional construction industry, including advisory boards with industry professionals. Students benefit from guest speakers, networking events, and potentially internship opportunities with leading construction firms and related organizations. The program's emphasis on practical, management-oriented skills means that the curriculum is often informed by current industry needs and challenges, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the construction sector. Collaborations, like those with firms such as Haskell, also provide students with real-world project exposure.
Global Perspective: The MBA with a Construction Management concentration at UNF incorporates a global perspective by addressing the increasingly international nature of the construction industry. Large-scale construction projects often involve global supply chains, international financing, and diverse workforces. The curriculum may touch upon international best practices in project management, contract law, and sustainability within a global context. The overall MBA program at UNF also offers a GlobalMBA, reflecting a university-wide commitment to developing leaders with a broad social consciousness and an understanding of international business complexities. This prepares graduates to effectively manage construction projects in diverse geographical and cultural environments.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Minimum score of 550 required.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 304 required.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
An MBA with a Construction Management concentration from the University of North Florida (UNF) provides graduates with a powerful combination of advanced business acumen and specialized industry knowledge. This unique blend makes them highly desirable for leadership and strategic roles within the dynamic construction sector. The program's AACSB accreditation ensures a rigorous and highly respected education, preparing alumni for executive-level positions where business strategy and construction expertise converge.
Construction Project Manager/Director: This is a core career path. Graduates lead and oversee construction projects from inception to completion, managing budgets, schedules, resources, quality, and risk. They ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required specifications.
Operations Manager (Construction Firm): These professionals manage the overall operational efficiency of a construction company. They optimize processes, manage equipment and labor resources, oversee multiple projects, and implement strategies to improve productivity and profitability across the firm's portfolio.
Construction Consultant: Graduates can work for consulting firms or independently, providing expert advice to clients on various aspects of construction projects. This can include feasibility studies, risk assessment, cost management, project scheduling, contract administration, and dispute resolution.
Real Estate Developer: Leveraging their understanding of both construction and business, graduates can pursue careers in real estate development. This involves identifying potential development sites, securing financing, managing design and construction, and overseeing the marketing and sale/leasing of properties.
Senior Estimator/Cost Manager: These roles are critical for the financial success of construction projects. Graduates analyze project plans and specifications to prepare accurate cost estimates, manage project budgets, track expenditures, and provide financial reports to stakeholders.
Contract Administrator/Manager: Specializing in the legal and contractual aspects of construction, these professionals manage and review contracts between construction companies, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers. They ensure compliance with contractual obligations, mitigate risks, and resolve disputes.
Infrastructure Project Manager: With an increasing focus on public infrastructure (roads, bridges, utilities), graduates can manage large-scale infrastructure projects for government agencies, public-private partnerships, or specialized engineering firms, focusing on long-term sustainability and public benefit.
Supply Chain Manager (Construction): This role focuses on optimizing the procurement and flow of materials, equipment, and services for construction projects. Graduates manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and implement efficient logistics strategies to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of resources.
Business Development Manager (Construction): These professionals identify and pursue new business opportunities for construction firms. They build client relationships, prepare proposals, negotiate contracts, and contribute to the strategic growth of the company by securing new projects.
Facilities Manager: While often associated with ongoing operations, an MBA in Construction Management provides excellent preparation for managing large facilities or portfolios of buildings. This involves overseeing maintenance, operations, space planning, and potential renovation or expansion projects, ensuring buildings are safe, functional, and efficient.
