M.S. in Construction Engineering and Management

Program Overview

The M.S. in Construction Engineering and Management is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. The curriculum provides maximum flexibility, allowing students to choose from three distinct tracks of study: Construction Engineering, Construction Management, and a Dual M.S.-MBA option. Students are required to complete three core courses (9 credits) and an additional three approved technical elective courses (9 credits). For the remaining credits, students can opt for a thesis track (6 credits for thesis plus 6 credits of electives) or a non-thesis track (12 credits from approved CM and/or CE graduate-level courses). The program is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students, with some classes offered online. Stevens boasts impressive career outcomes for its graduates, with 99% of its Construction Engineering and Management graduates employed within six months and reporting a mean compensation of $67,075 for the Class of 2023.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Stevens Institute of Technology M.S. in Construction Engineering and Management program is unequivocally STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students. The STEM designation makes them eligible for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, allowing for a total of up to three years of valuable post-graduation work experience. This designation reflects the program's rigorous quantitative, scientific, and technological focus, which is highly valued by employers in the construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure development sectors.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum provides a robust foundation in both the engineering and management aspects of construction. Core courses typically cover essential topics such as Project Management for Construction, Construction Industry Fundamentals, and Construction Project Scheduling. Elective courses offer a wide range of specialized subjects, including Construction Safety Management, Earth Supporting Structures, Temporary Structures in Heavy Construction, Construction Materials, Construction Site Management, and Construction Law. The program also offers electives in business economics and financial/managerial accounting, providing a well-rounded managerial perspective. The curriculum emphasizes the use of integrative thinking, advanced cost, time, quality, and safety controls, and the analysis of potential project risks, preparing students for executive-track careers.

Research Focus: The M.S. in Construction Engineering and Management program at Stevens has a strong applied research focus, particularly on the challenges associated with mega-projects, infrastructure renewal, and urban resiliency. Research within the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering broadly centers on sustainability, coastal resilience, and smart infrastructure. Faculty expertise includes areas such as advanced construction methods, project delivery and management, construction technology (including digital-proficiency beyond estimating and scheduling software), and sustainable and resilient construction practices. Students are encouraged to engage in inquiry into the industry's evolving demands, with opportunities to work with faculty experts who have contributed to iconic projects like the World Trade Center, Hudson Yards, and Olympic facilities. While a formal thesis is optional, students are trained in quantitative and qualitative research methods, including data gathering and analysis techniques, directly applicable to industry innovation.

Industry Engagement: Stevens Institute of Technology places a very high priority on industry engagement for its Construction Engineering and Management program. Its strategic location just 15 minutes from downtown Manhattan provides unparalleled access to a vast network of leading construction firms, developers, consulting agencies, and public sector organizations. The program's faculty often comprise active industry professionals, bringing real-world case studies and invaluable practical insights into the classroom. Stevens facilitates extensive networking opportunities, co-op placements, and internships with top companies. Graduates are highly sought after by prominent firms like Skanska, Gilbane, STV, and ExxonMobil, underscoring the program's strong industry relevance and the exceptional career prospects for its alumni. Opportunities also include site visits to significant construction projects and engagement with industry leaders.

Global Perspective: Stevens Institute of Technology fosters a strong global perspective within its M.S. in Construction Engineering and Management program. This is cultivated through its diverse international student body, which enriches classroom discussions with varied insights into international construction practices, global project challenges, and cross-cultural management approaches. The program specifically prepares students to lead "global construction projects" and aims to equip them with "competitive leadership skills to help you pursue an executive-track career in the global construction industry." The curriculum incorporates case studies and concepts relevant to international projects, with opportunities for unique experiences such as virtual visits to international mega-projects like the Shanghai Tower. This global outlook, combined with Stevens' rigorous technical and managerial education, ensures graduates are well-equipped to contribute to and lead complex construction endeavors on an international scale.