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Graduate Program

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Download the NfCSM Graduate Handbook.

Mission and Goals of Graduate Programs

The mission of the Department of Construction Science and Management is to offer a comprehensive program of education, service, and research activities consistent with the mission of Clemson University and Strategic Plan of the College of Architecture, Arts, and Humanities for the purpose of improving the quality of the construction industry and thus the built environment.

To realize the mission, the department has the following major goals as it relates to its graduate master's degree program:

  1. Excel in the education of Construction Science and Management graduate students through a vigorous program of academic learning designed to produce motivated, well-educated, and responsible citizens with the management and technical skills requisite for advanced leadership positions in the construction industry.
  2. Foster Clemson University's service mission by providing outreach activities for the construction industry and public both nationally and internationally.

  3. Assist in attaining Clemson University's funded research goal by conducting and disseminating the results of research and development, and/or conducting educational courses for the construction industry.

Many students pursue the Master's in Construction Science and Management (MCSM) degree at Clemson University for a variety of reasons:

  • Self-fulfillment
  • Greater expertise in the construction industry
  • Preparation to teach at a technical college or university
  • Advancement within their company
  • An advanced construction degree to compliment a non-construction-related undergraduate degree
  • Flexible curriculum
  • Thesis or non-thesis option
  • Distance-learning option
  • Clemson University's reputation
  • Forging strong relationships within the construction industry
  • Excellent assistantship opportunities
  • Excellent job opportunities and placement

Overview of Graduate Programs

The MCSM Program, accredited by the American Council for Construction Education, was started in 1986 when approval was received from the State of South Carolina to offer the state's only graduate program in construction management education on the Clemson campus. In 1992, the department received approval to also offer the same master's degree program via distance learning technology. It is one of the few accredited programs in the United States that a qualified individual can earn a master’s degree without ever having to step onto a college campus. The program has been consistently recognized by many national construction organizations including the Associated General Contractors of America and the National Center for Construction Education and Research. The program has a thesis and non-thesis option and those graduating from it are eligible to apply to Clemson’s Ph.D. program in Planning, Design and the Built Environment (PDBE).

Student Spotlight

CSM Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Certificate Awardee Garrett Cash

Image of Garrett Cash

Garrett Cash is the first awardee of the CSM Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Certificate! He will complete his Master’s in Construction Science and Management and Certificate of Integrated Project Delivery in December 2019.  Prior to enrolling at Clemson, Garrett was employed as a financial analyst in both the manufacturing and healthcare industries.  In order to help transition his business experience into the construction industry, Garrett chose Clemson’s MCSM program to provide a foundation of knowledge in construction and to further his professional opportunities.  In addition to being a full-time graduate student, Garrett is employed by Clayton Construction Company in Spartanburg, SC, as an Assistant Project Manager.  Garrett graduated from Wofford College with a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and a Minor in Economics.