M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.S. in Construction Management
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Construction Management through its College of Computing, Engineering and Construction. This program is thoughtfully designed to provide graduate-level education in various construction-related areas, including estimating, scheduling, techniques, and document control. It aims to prepare students for leadership roles in diverse sectors of the construction industry, such as residential, commercial, heavy civil, and industrial construction, by equipping them with advanced management skills, technical proficiency, ethical leadership, and the ability to manage large-scale infrastructure projects. The 30-credit hour program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) and offers flexible options including a coursework-only track, a thesis option, and an executive thesis option, catering to both recent graduates and experienced professionals.
STEM-designated: Yes, the M.S. in Construction Management at UNF is a STEM-designated program. This designation is highly advantageous, especially for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after graduation, providing more time for invaluable work experience in the construction industry.
Curriculum: The 30-credit hour curriculum for the M.S. in Construction Management at UNF is comprehensive, covering a broad spectrum of construction management topics. Students delve into advanced concepts in construction estimating, scheduling, techniques, and document control. Key areas of study include construction accounting, cost control, risk management, quality control, and the legal implications of contract, common, and regulatory law as they pertain to construction projects. The program also integrates principles of sustainable construction and analyzes structural behavior and material response. Students can choose a coursework-only track, or engage in a thesis or a project-based executive option, providing flexibility in their learning approach. All coursework must be completed with a grade of "B" or better, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Construction Management at UNF incorporates a strong research-informed approach, particularly through its thesis and executive thesis options. These tracks allow students to delve into in-depth research on specific construction management topics under faculty guidance. The program aims to deepen students' understanding of construction management issues and encourages the application of research methodologies to solve complex industry problems. While not a pure academic research degree, the curriculum emphasizes the critical analysis of construction practices and the development of innovative solutions, preparing graduates to contribute to evidence-based decision-making and advancements within the construction field.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Construction Management at UNF boasts significant and active industry engagement, which is a cornerstone of the program. The curriculum is developed with direct input from industry professionals, ensuring that the skills and knowledge imparted are highly relevant to current demands in the construction sector. The program actively fosters relationships with local and regional construction companies, facilitating internships, networking events, and collaborative projects. Students often benefit from UNF's strong partnerships with the Jacksonville construction industry, providing opportunities for practical experience and direct exposure to real-world construction management challenges. This strong connection to industry helps graduates secure employment and smoothly transition into leadership roles.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Construction Management at UNF inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing construction and infrastructure standards that have global relevance. The program's mission to "educate and develop construction professionals with a global perspective" indicates a commitment to preparing graduates for an interconnected industry. Topics such as sustainable construction, risk management, and large-scale infrastructure projects often involve international best practices and global supply chains. While specific courses on international construction may vary, the comprehensive curriculum equips students with transferable management and technical skills that are applicable in diverse global construction environments. Graduates are prepared to navigate the complexities of an increasingly globalized construction industry.
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.
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.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Construction Management from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a STEM-designated and ACCE-accredited program housed within the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction. This 30-credit hour program is designed to provide comprehensive, graduate-level education in areas such as estimating, scheduling, construction techniques, and document control. It prepares students for advanced leadership roles across the residential, commercial, heavy civil, and industrial sectors of the construction industry.
Construction Project Manager: This is a core role, involving the complete oversight of construction projects from initiation to closeout. Responsibilities include planning, scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, risk management, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Construction Estimator/Cost Engineer: Responsible for analyzing project plans and specifications to calculate the total cost of construction projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and overhead. They play a critical role in bidding and financial planning.
Construction Scheduler: Develops and manages detailed project timelines, identifying critical paths, allocating resources, and monitoring progress to ensure projects stay on schedule and meet deadlines.
Field Engineer/Site Manager: Oversees day-to-day operations on a construction site, managing crews, enforcing safety protocols, ensuring quality control, and resolving on-site issues to keep the project aligned with plans and regulations.
Construction Superintendent: Manages the on-site construction process, directly supervising trade contractors and field personnel, ensuring compliance with blueprints, specifications, and safety standards.
Sustainability Consultant (Construction): Advises construction companies on implementing green building practices, selecting sustainable materials, and achieving environmental certifications (e.g., LEED), helping to reduce environmental impact and meet regulatory requirements.
Construction Risk Manager: Identifies, assesses, and mitigates potential risks associated with construction projects, including financial, legal, safety, and environmental risks, developing strategies to minimize their impact.
Construction Quality Control/Assurance Manager: Develops and implements quality management systems to ensure that construction projects meet specified standards and comply with regulations and client expectations.
Real Estate Developer (Construction Focus): Combines knowledge of construction management with real estate principles to plan, finance, and execute property development projects from concept to completion, often overseeing construction aspects.
Construction Consultant: Provides specialized expertise and advisory services to clients in the construction industry, ranging from feasibility studies and project planning to dispute resolution and operational efficiency improvements.
