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School of Architecture

Construction Management

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management [STEM Program]

Construction Managers are the liaisons between the client and the engineers and contractors that turn a design into a reality.As a Construction Management student, you’ll learn to oversee the building process from the initial design to the final structure.If you enjoy project organization but also want time away from a desk engaging with the construction process on the jobsite, this is the major for you.

In our program, you’ll learn how to:

  • Test environmental conditions
  • Hire contractors and subcontractors
  • Manage jobsite workand safety
  • Oversee the project scope and timeline
  • Test and inspect materials
  • Design a structure and interpret architectural drawings
  • Make informed choices about sustainable practices and materials
  • Be proficient in the industry-standard management software platforms
Construction Management is a STEM program. Learn more about STEM at Woodbury.

Interested in a Construction Management B.S. degree?

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Construction Management Course Details

Students learn alongside architecture students, gaining a design-informed perspective on project delivery.

Degree type:
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Construction Management

Duration:
4 years, full-time

Location:
Burbank, California
(Los Angeles County)


Course Requirements

 

SUPR 100: Intro. to Environmental Problems and Design Units: 3

The course introduces students to the many dimensions of problem-solving in environmentally-based design. Students use fieldwork and case studies informed by interdisciplinary inquiry to examine actual sites around Los Angeles, which becomes a living laboratory. This allows students to re-envision the problems and solutions to current and future design challenges posed by climate change in the built environment. Course material emphasizes visualizing and communication of data, applying interdisciplinary, analytic tools across multiple information platforms, and collaborative problem-solving via a design studio format. Key course objectives include understanding the changing relation between humans and the environment, effectively communicating findings in a rapidly-shifting environmental design discourse, and the ability to identify and articulate design opportunities for addressing the impacts of climate change.

 

SUPR 110: Intro. to Environmental Policy and Management

This course explores how complex decision-making processes lead to the design and enactment of effective environmental policy. Students explore multiple stakeholder entities and pathways that lead to adopting environmental policy through historical, recent, international and local environmental crises. They engage case study methodology, real-world scenarios and contexts, and current policy proposals, when using environmental management tools. Students also employ current environmental policy mechanisms to debate and resolve environmental policy proposals by adopting multiple stakeholders’ perspectives, leading to writing and presenting their own policy interventions.

 

ENVT 230: Ecology, Earth Science, Infrastructure

This course invites students to consider and acknowledge the symbiotic relationship between the natural and built environments, and how our personal ecological footprint at the micro-level and infrastructure at the macro-level impact those environments. Course readings, movies, and field trips help students understand the delicate balance between our ecosystems and urban contexts, and the need for development to occur in more sustainable ways. Students explore responsible decision-making tactics and processes such as the use of ‘negative emissions’ as a means of ecosystem restoration, and how to leverage our own agency and advocate for change.

 

DCMG 101: Design Studio 1 – Drawing, Elements, Tools (CAD)

The course focuses on how we can reign in technology-driven elements and tools to reimagine the construction industry through a sustainability-specific lens. This studio introduces students to ‘designing with data’ where information and data are harnessed in the design and fabrication of sustainable physical spaces. Through an understanding of multiple forms and types of information that include geographical, environmental, and material logics, as well as social and economic costs, the course explores the types of tools necessary to design, represent and communicate a discrete physical space that takes on climate and social justice imperatives. The Studio comprises research, lectures, guest speakers and vendor/fabrication field visits, an introduction to industry-standard platforms (Revit, Autocad, Rhino, Bluebeam, Solidworks, adobe, etc.) as well as discussion groups as a form of evaluation and critique.

 

DCMG 105: Theory of Structures

With the built environment contributing to more than 13% of global carbon emissions during construction and a further 27% during their lifespan, what and how we build has never been more important. Through research, analysis, and proposition, the course questions both historical and contemporary building practices and asks whether a more nuanced, critical understanding of structural design and systems integration can foster the design and construction of healthier, more sustainable, and socially conscious buildings.

DCMG 202: Materials & Methods of Construction 1 – Sitework, Concrete, Masonry, Steel

The course examines the statics and strength of various materials and assemblies in the construction process specific to concrete, masonry and steel. Students are introduced to site work, concrete masonry and steel, and to the behavior and design of fundamental structural elements and strength of properties in the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure projects. Current trends and innovations in concrete and steel and how these innovations inform sustainability are key elements in the coursework. Learning occurs through research, analysis, discussion and presentation, and site visits to local construction sites.

 

DCMG 203: Construction Surveying and Estimating

Students explore the important role of surveying and cost estimating in the construction industry. They learn the value of geotechnical surveys in the pre-development phase and as-builts in post-construction and use optical and electronic instruments in a lab setting. Students use cost estimating software and study the concepts, procedures, and terminology in construction cost estimating, quantity take-offs of building materials, and labor and resource calculations to understand the impact cost estimation has on real-world projects.

 

DCMG 204: Construction Management and Contract Administration

How to navigate management software, contract documents, construction budgets, and cost data, construction schedules, and stakeholder management is central to the course. Students learn the precepts of sound contract negotiations and administration and employ systems thinking through the study of systems engineering. The need to manage projects holistically to avoid cost and time overruns is emphasized.

 

DCMG 201: Design Studio 2 – Computer Applications for Construction (BIM, GIS)

Students use 3-dimensional Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to produce
3-D building models and extracted 2-D drawings to advance their skills in Revit, Autocad, Grasshopper/Rhino, Bluebeam, Solidworks and GIS software platforms. Students understand how to manage a design and construction ecosystem, workflow design and management, and GIS mapping for whole systems design. The Studio comprises research, lectures, guest speakers and discussion groups as a form of evaluation and critique.

 

DCMG 208: Sustainable Construction

Sustainable technologies in the construction industry are explored with an emphasis on regenerative design. Students gain a deeper understanding of sustainable production processes and methodologies such as prefab/modular construction and 3D technology and the possibilities for greater efficiencies and waste reduction. Other innovations for carbon recapture, ZNE, and negative emissions as well as building codes, and industry sustainability standards such as LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL and other sustainability standards are introduced for students to embark on their desired certification process.

DCMG 302: Materials & Methods of Construction 2 – Light Frame, Steel, Finishes

The course examines the construction processes specific to light-frame construction, steel, and finishes. Students gain an understanding of the properties of wood (bending, compression, elasticity, shear) and structural light framing, and light-gauge steel framing in construction projects are studied through texts, discussions, and site visits. Building finishes (textures, materials, colors, coatings) in both fixed and temporary conditions and their sustainability components such as VOCs are investigated and alternative methodologies are studied for enhanced indoor air quality.

 

DCMG 304: Energy: Mechanical Systems HVAC + Electrical Systems

This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable building strategies and green building technologies for HVAC and electrical systems. Students are grounded in the concepts of renewable energy and carbon emissions and the wider benefits of renewable energy in an integrated building system. Mechanical and electrical systems, code requirements, life cycle analysis and data driven decision making are incorporated into the coursework. Learning occurs through texts, case studies, software platforms and site visits.

 

DCMG 301: Design Studio 3 – Automation and Mechanization

The course is structured to explore architectonical and construction solutions to achieve greater efficiencies in the construction process. Students have access to the Making Complex to ideate and experiment with 3D printing technology and fabrication. They use software platforms for management processes and experiment with automating and mechanizing these processes to produce cost effective and timely project delivery. Students look to the future and consider drone technology and robotics to see how these technologies can impact the future of construction.

 

DCMG 303: Materials & Methods of Construction 3 – Experimental Fabrication & Materials

In conjunction with Studio 3, students experiment with materials and fabrication using the Making Complex and its sophisticated fabrication technologies. Focused on digital fabrication and prototyping, students explore synergies between the materials and methodologies they are experimenting with and the projects identified in Studio 3. They study sustainable material alternatives and methodologies and have the opportunity to research, design and fabricate through hands-on experimentation.

DCMG 305: History and Theory of Build Environment

This course is an introduction to the history and theory of the built environment. It critically examines built environments over time using a global perspective, beginning with first societies to the present. The global perspective encourages thinking about history in a transnational and trans-geographical manner. The course is broadly structured around the concept of materials and construction techniques and their interconnection, which allows for comparisons across regions and cultural formations.

DCMG 402: Entrepreneurship and Management Theory

Students prepare for the future of practice and explore management strategies and the tools necessary for an entrepreneurial mindset. They are introduced to frameworks around the theories of management, business models, leadership qualities, sustainability best practices, and various business constructs important to the successful management of a project team, a small business and a large enterprise. The important role a manager plays within an organizational structure and the notion that as a potential career path one might have a practice of one’s own, is central to the course material.

 

DCMG 403: Water: Plumbing Systems + Site Systems

This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable building strategies and green building technologies for water and plumbing systems. Students are grounded in the concepts of renewable water systems such as rainwater harvesting, grey water reuse and black water recycling systems within an integrated building system of water, plumbing, and site. Code requirements, life cycle analysis, and data-driven decision-making are incorporated into the coursework. Learning occurs through texts, case studies, software platforms, and site visits.

 

DCMG 404: Construction Management Law, Ethics

The course examines legal implications of contracts, common, and regulatory law to manage construction projects. Case law and Tort law to include contracts, sales, leases, and business ethics are discussed through real world scenarios and implications. Managing risk, insurances and assurances, intellectual property and copyright, negligence and liability are core elements of the course. Ethics in relation to corporate governance, finance, discrimination, corporate social responsibility, ESG, fiduciary responsibilities, facts and disinformation are debated and discussed for robust outcomes.

 

DCMG 401: Design Studio 4 – Project-based Design/Build for the Community

The course centers on developing a project and practicing theoretical concepts and prior learnings from coursework in the previous three years. Through design, sustainability, technology, business, and interdisciplinary skills students work collaboratively to design and build a community project for the public good. Projects are located in the surrounding neighborhoods or on campus. Students are encouraged to innovate, use their entrepreneurship skills, business knowledge, and sustainability goals to design and manage the project from inception to completion, within specified cost and time parameters.

DCMG 405: Construction Materials: Testing and Inspection

The course is structured so students access the Making Complex to test construction materials and work closely with the Institute for Material Ecologies to develop in-depth understanding of materials and their connections to environmental and political systems. Sustainable material indices are accessed to better understand the consequences of embodied carbon, material supply chains, and the inspection processes involved.

What We Offer


 

Environmental Testing


We believe our Construction Management majorsshould feel prepared to use a wide variety of environmental tools that will help thembe successfulon the job site. OurSustainability Hub, made possible through a Title V federal grant,is a robust lending library packed with scientific instruments ranging from an infrared camera that tests thermal temperatures to sound, air, and light quality meters.

Explore our Sustainability Hub

MakingComplex


Woodbury School of Architecture’sMaking Complexis a platform for experimentation and advanced fabrication.Construction Management students have access to wood and metal shops to your construction skills, as well as a lighting lab to test and shape environmental conditions.

Explore the Making Complex

Embrace business to cultivate change


Learning to be a thoughtful, productive leader is a key part of becoming a successful Construction Manager. Our Construction Management majors have access to business courses in the University of Redland’s School of Business & Society that prepare you to manage the job site or become an entrepreneur. Courses on the Los Angeles and Redlands campuses are offered in person and online to meet you where you’re at.

Harness technology


Construction Management students apply management platforms, construction technologies, and field technologies to real-world problems. Our faculty prepares you to use industry-standard management systems such as ProCore and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Students also gain training in our robotic arm, preparing them to be future-ready managers directing automated construction systems.

Site Visits and Professional Engagement


OurConstruction Managementfaculty has close ties with the design and construction industries across the greater Los Angeles area. Theprogram prioritizesengagement with professional practice through visits to active construction, materials production, and energy processing sites. Faculty also regularly invite professionals from the field to share their knowledge and advice with our students.

Solar Futures House


The Solar Futures House,locatedon the Woodbury campus,isthe firstpermitted3D-printeddwelling in Los Angeles.Theaward-winningproject was designed and built bySchoolof Architecture students led byConstructionManagement faculty.Thislow-carbon, micro-living campus housing structureisfully powered by renewable energy sources.Ituses passive strategies and data driven design tooptimizeenergy savings.Asaviableand affordable housing solution, itmeetsDepartmentof Energyrequirements and achieves net-positive energy status.Our CM students continue to use the Solar Futures House as a study model for understanding the future possibilities in sustainable construction.

Check out this timelapse video of the .

UniqueStudioCurriculum


Our Construction Management programis the only local program to provide an architectural designeducation. Through a four-studio sequence, CM studentslearnform-making,become proficient in design and draftingsoftware, andgain professional presentation skills.Why is this important? Construction Managers are theliaisonbetween architects and contractors.Understanding architectural designenhances your resume because employers can be confident you know how to engage with their clients.

If you are a transfer student taking community college courses in architecture, our design studios allow you to continue that education while pursuing your CM degree.

Study Abroad & Travel Courses


Study away broadens students’ understanding of how people approach construction in different parts of the world. Students can participate in three different Study Abroad opportunities:

  • Semester long travels during May or Summer term with a mixed group of students from the School of Architecture with our experienced faculty. In the past students have gone to Rome, Portugal, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, South Korea, China, India, Mexico and Brazil.
  • Shorter visits and field trips with students from the College of Architecture Design and Media to places like Paris, Rome and Scotland.
  • Semester long exchange programs with universities all over the world, for example Copenhagen, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

Learn More

Salary & Outlook


Construction Management is a fast-growing industry, with 11% projected growth through 2033.

Construction managers are consistently among the highest-paid professionals in the built environment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for construction managers is approximately $104,900 (2023), and demand in California — particularly in the Los Angeles metro area — exceeds the national average. Employment of construction managers is projected to grow 11% through 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Specific Job Titles Graduates Pursue

  • Construction Project Manager
  • Construction Superintendent
  • Estimator / Cost Manager
  • Project Engineer
  • Owner’s Representative
  • Sustainability / LEED Project Manager
  • Subcontractor Project Manager
  • Construction Technology Specialist (BIM, VDC)
  • Real Estate Development Analyst
  • Facilities Manager

Where Woodbury Construction Management Graduates Work

  • General contracting firms (from regional builders to national ENR-ranked contractors)
  • Real estate development companies and REITs
  • Public agencies (Los Angeles County, LAUSD, MTA, state infrastructure projects)
  • Architecture and design firms (as owner’s reps or construction liaisons)
  • Specialty subcontractors (mechanical, electrical, structural)
  • Technology and BIM/VDC consulting firms

Career Certification Pathways


Our Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management opens multiple career and licensure pathways. We combine construction management and architecture education, giving you the flexibility to work for a variety of firm types and sizes. Students who complete the four-year B.S. degree accelerate their pathway to obtaining Certified Construction Manager credentials or a contractor’s license. The program also prepares you for graduate work in architecture that enables you to acquire architecture licensure.

Certification and licensure pathways with a B.S. in Construction Management:

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Support Servicesand Pathway to Graduation

Woodbury faculty and administrators are aware of the challenges students face when completing a college education. Construction Management has a designated advisor who works one-one-one with our program majors and minors to create a schedule that fits their individual needs and desired college timeline. It typically takes a full-time student, at approximately 15 credits per semester, four years to complete the degree program. Transfer students who align their community college courses with our pathways typically take 2 – 2.5 years to complete the program.

Contact: Emily Bills [email protected]


Career Services and Job Placement Rates

Woodbury School of Architecture supports our students in buildinga strong foundationfor professional practice while investigating the nature of practice itself. These experiences prepare students to make informed choicesregardingtheir diverse career options.

100% ofour Construction Management majorswho graduated in 2025 are employed in construction management-relatedpositions.These graduate students workin a range of office environments, fromlarge construction companiestosmaller design-build firms.

Visit our School of Architecture Career Services page for more information.


Financial Support

Construction Management majors have on average been awarded over $50,000 in grants, scholarships, and fellowships during their time at Woodbury.


Work Experience

All Woodbury students are required to complete 120 hours of paid work experience before graduating. This is a great way for our Construction Management majors to gain the skills they need in a real life setting before looking for full time employment. Work experience positions can also translate into permanent positions after graduation. Many of our students also acquire work experience hours (and real building experience!) volunteering with our active Habitat for Humanity chapter. Follow and see what our students are up to.


Recognition and Awards

  • Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Build Challenge – 2022
  • AIA Los Angeles Residential Awards, Climate Category (Merit – 2nd place) – 2025
  • DWP Sustainability Awards – Water Management (Bronze) – 2025

Interested in a minor in Construction Management?

Learn more about the Construction Management minor

FAQs for Students and Parents

Architects design buildings — they are responsible for the aesthetics, function, and spatial experience of a structure. Construction managers build them — they are responsible for the schedule, budget, subcontractors, safety, and delivery. On most projects, these two professionals work closely together. Woodbury’s unique setup, with CM and Architecture in the same school, trains students to collaborate and communicate across that boundary.

Construction managers are the people who make sure a building project happens — on time, on budget, and to spec. On any given day, that might mean reviewing a contractor’s bid, walking a job site, coordinating a subcontractor schedule, reviewing a contract change order, or meeting with a client and architect. It’s a career that combines organizationalskill, technical knowledge, leadership, and problem-solving.

California is consistently one of the top construction markets in the U.S., and Southern California in particular — with ongoing infrastructure investment, housing development, and major public projects — has strong and sustained demand for construction managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth in construction management employment nationally through 2033.

Many Construction Management classes provide hands on experience, from the signature fourth-year experience is the Design-Build Studio — a project-based course where students collaborate across disciplines to design and build a real project for the community. Working alongside students from architecture and interior design, CM students lead the construction planning, budgeting, and delivery. This hands-on capstone integrates everything students have learned — design literacy, sustainability, project management, and professional communication — into a single real-world experience.

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Faculty

Our faculty areconstruction managers,architects, policymakersand academicspracticing in Los Angeles. This internationally recognized and award-winning group works closely with students to teach the skillsrequiredtoget them started in the construction management industries.

Faculty Directory

Construction Management is a STEM program


The Construction Management program was brought to the Woodbury College of Architecture, Design, and Media through a $3 million U.S. Department of Education Title V Hispanic Serving Institution Grant.