WHY A MCSM DEGREE?

The construction industry operates on the largest stage with the largest budget of any industry in the United States. Its players change the face of the nation daily, continually adding to the square footage, yardage and mileage of built space and infrastructure to be used by human beings of the future.

Clemson University's Master of Construction Science and Management (MCSM) program provides students with a high level of skill and understanding in the areas of construction project administartion and control. The degree focuses on the advanced study in the field of business techniques, in new and emerging technologies for construction project delivery systems and in the administration of construction firms.

Many students pursue the MCSM degree at Clemson for a variety of reasons:

• Self-fulfillment
• Gain more expertise in the construction industry
• To possibly teach at a technical college or university
• Advancement within their company
• Possess a non-construction-related undergraduate degree and would like an advanced construction degree
• Flexible curriculum
• Thesis or non-thesis option
• Distance learning option
• Clemson University's reputation
• Strong relationship with the construction industry
• Excellent assistantship opportunities
• Excellent job opportunities and placement

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, building construction or related area is required. Applicants from other disciplines may be admitted, but may be required to remedy any deficiencies in course work to provide the needed prerequisite skills and knowledge for the MCSM graduate program.

Acceptance must be granted by the Graduate School and the Department of Construction Science and Management. Graduate school acceptance is based on performance in previous undergraduate studies and a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Acceptance by the department is based on performance in undergraduate studies, construction work experience, and three letters of recommendation. The minimum admission requirements for MCSM are:

• GRE 1350/2400 or 1100/1600 and 4/6 on writing part
• 3.0 GPA undergraduate degree
• TOEFL 550 or 213 (foreign students)
• 1 year of construction experience working for a registered construction company
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from undergraduate and/or graduate schools
• Detailed resume of construction experience

Note: Test scores should be sent to the Graduate School!      

APPLICATION DEADLINES

March 1 for Fall Semester

October 1 for Spring Semester

REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE CANDIDACY

1. The MCSM degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours. This includes 12 semester hours from the department core (CSM 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 891) in addition to CSM 852.
2. Each student is required to have 1 year of verifiable construction experience prior to being admitted to the program. The experience may be no older than 6 years from date of enrollment in the CSM graduate program.
3. Where the candidate does not have the necessary prerequisite skills and knowledge, additional coursework will be required in the following areas:

• Materials & Methods: descriptive study of the materials and methods of construction focusing on nomenclature, building materials, and assembly of building systems consisting of wood, masonry, foundations, interior and exterior finishes, steel, concrete and roof assemblies.
• Contract Documents: working drawings, specifications and the various contracts required to carry out a construction project.
• Estimating: quantity take-off of materials, assigning labor and equipment production rates, pricing, and wage rates.
• Scheduling: planning and scheduling concepts as they relate to a construction project such as the critical path method, resource loading and cost analysis.
• Safety: study of construction safety management and controls.
• Project Management: study of construction business organizations, methods of project delivery, field organization, policy, ethics, project management, labor relations and productivity.
  

You can also obtain an application electronically from the Graduate School website.

REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDING OF A DEGREE

THESIS OPTION

• Minimum of 36 semester hours of course work with a B average in the student’s prescribed curriculum, including thesis, is required.
• A thesis on an approved construction-related topic must be completed satisfactorily. Up to 9 semester hours of thesis credit (CSM 891) may be taken, which is also part of the department’s core.
• Satisfactory performance on a final oral examination relating to the student’s thesis and program of study. 

NON-THESIS OPTION

• Minimum of 36 semester hours of course work with a B average in the student’s prescribed curriculum is required.
• Satisfactory performance on a written comprehensive examination covering the student’s  program of study.
• Satisfactory performance on a final oral examination relating to the student’s program of study, in the case where the student does not pass the comprehensive written exam. 

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