Construction Project Management Major, B.A.

Construction Project Management at MSU Denver prepares students to become the next generation of leaders in the construction industry. Designed in partnership with industry professionals, this multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree combines technical expertise, business knowledge, leadership, and hands-on learning to prepare graduates for careers managing construction projects from planning through closeout.

Students develop practical skills in construction methods, estimating, scheduling, safety, project controls, building systems, and emerging technologies while gaining experience with the software and tools used throughout the industry. Courses emphasize real-world application through industry projects, required internships, site visits, and collaboration with construction professionals.

The curriculum extends beyond traditional construction management by incorporating facility management, business, engineering, and project leadership, giving graduates a broader understanding of the built environment and preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities. Students also have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials and build professional connections before graduation.

Graduates pursue careers as project engineers, assistant project managers, estimators, schedulers, field engineers, owners’ representatives, facility managers, and other construction professionals. Whether working for general contractors, specialty contractors, developers, public agencies, consulting firms, or owners, MSU Denver graduates leave with the knowledge, practical experience, and professional skills needed to succeed in an evolving construction industry.

Students may choose to complement their degree with a recommended minor such as Business, Architecture, or Spanish, although a minor is not required. Students who have completed qualifying workforce training programs, including U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships, School District No. 1 in the City and County of Denver, or Emily Griffith Technical College, may be eligible for transfer credit toward lower-division degree requirements. All transfer credit is subject to review and approval by the Department of Construction Project Management and applies only to the Construction Project Management major.

The Construction Project Management program at Metropolitan State University of Denver prepares students to become capable, ethical, and innovative leaders in the construction industry. Through an applied, student-centered curriculum and meaningful industry engagement, the program cultivates technical proficiency, professional growth, and a strong foundation in project execution and leadership.

By fostering an inclusive and hands-on learning environment, the program equips students to thrive in a multicultural, technological, and ever-evolving global workforce. Our graduates are prepared not only for immediate career success, but also for lifelong learning and continued impact in the built environment.

MSU Denver’s Construction Project Management program strives to prepare Colorado’s most job-ready, well-rounded construction graduates through interdisciplinary learning, workforce-aligned certifications, and meaningful industry engagement.

We aim to:

• Provide a Z-Degree pathway to reduce financial barriers.

• Embed experiential and active learning in every course.

• Strengthen industry partnerships through real-world learning.

Student outcomes are used to evaluate students and support the program educational objectives. Attainment of these outcomes prepares graduates to enter the professional practice of construction project management.

Students will be able to:

• Apply construction methods, estimating, scheduling, safety, and project controls to plan and manage the built environment, using industry-standard software and tools.

• Demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and ethical decision-making while communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders in real-world project settings.

• Utilize and adapt to emerging technologies and systems in construction, earning industry-recognized credentials to demonstrate workforce readiness and professional competence.

• Integrate classroom knowledge with hands-on experience through internships, capstone projects, certifications, and real-world applications to support career success across multiple roles in the construction ecosystem.

• Address complex construction challenges with an interdisciplinary, inclusive mindset, drawing from business, real estate, facility management, and sustainability to expand professional impact and adaptability.

• Engage in continuous personal and professional development to adapt to industry change, pursue certifications and advanced education, and support the evolving needs of the workforce and society.

Construction Project Management students learn in MSU Denver’s Aerospace and Engineering Sciences (AES) Building, a collaborative environment that brings together programs in construction, engineering, design, computing, and advanced technologies. This interdisciplinary setting gives students opportunities to work alongside peers from related fields while developing the technical and leadership skills needed in today’s construction industry.

Students learn using modern classrooms, collaborative workspaces, industry-standard software, and hands-on learning experiences. Guest speakers, site visits, and industry engagement help connect classroom learning with today’s construction profession.

Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to build their professional network and leadership experience by participating in student organizations. Construction Project Management students can get involved with the Real Estate and Construction Club (RECC), which connects students with industry professionals through networking events, project tours, and career development activities:
https://roadrunnerlink.msudenver.edu/organization/msudenverrealestateclub

Students may also join the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Student Chapter, an organization dedicated to developing future engineering and technical leaders through professional development, mentorship, and community engagement:
https://roadrunnerlink.msudenver.edu/organization/shpe

Together, these facilities and student organizations provide Construction Project Management students with the resources, connections, and practical experience needed to launch successful careers in the construction industry.

• Industry-designed curriculum
• Faculty with extensive industry experience
• Industry-recognized certifications
• Strong employer partnerships
• Hands-on, project-based learning
• Small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship

Construction Project Management graduates are prepared for careers throughout the construction industry, from planning and design coordination to project execution and long-term facility operations.

Graduates pursue careers such as:

• Project Engineer

• Assistant Project Manager

• Construction Project Manager

• Estimator

• Scheduler

• Superintendent

• Field Engineer

• Project Controls Specialist

• Owner’s Representative

• Facilities Manager

• Construction Consultant

• Real Estate and Development Professional

Construction management is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as a Bright Outlook occupation, reflecting strong projected demand for qualified professionals. The median annual salary for construction managers was $106,980 in 2024, with experienced professionals earning substantially more depending on project type, location, and level of responsibility.

Explore the current employment, salary, and job posting information below for the Denver metropolitan area.

Reference:
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9021.00

B.A. in Construction Project Management offers two possible concentrations:

1) a concentration in Computer Information Systems

2) a concentration in Facilities Management

3) a concentration in Management

The Department of Engineering and Engineering Technology also offer a variety of programs including:

• B.S. in Computer Engineering
• B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology with a concentration in either Structures or Construction
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering
• B.S. in Environmental Engineering
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Several Minors
  • Architecture
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Several Certificates
  • Advanced Composite Materials and Manufacturing
  • Additive Manufacturing Engineering