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Construction Management Program of Study

The Construction Management program prepares students for areas such as construction management, construction supervision, surveying, construction superintending, scheduling, inspecting, contracting, and project planning. The curriculum is designed to provide a background in the concepts, theories, and principles that define contemporary residential and commercial construction. Field experiences allow students to be involved in activities that simulate those on a construction site. Field trips to construction sites allow students opportunities to view and observe first-hand state-of-the-art building materials and techniques. Classes also involve using tools and equipment to engage in construction fabrication activities and learn how to conduct a survey. No prior experience with construction management is required upon enrollment.

Knoblauch Hall is host to state-of-the-art computer hardware and software in support of construction curricula. Students use the most updated version of AutoDesk software (AutoCAD, Inventor, and Revit Architecture). In addition, there is a construction laboratory and a materials laboratory that are used for a variety of leaning activities in our program. Our facilities are also home to concrete testing activities and surveying activities that use the WIU campus as a laboratory. A sampling of class activities include the following:

  • Architectural drafting
  • Material testing 
  • Framing construction
  • HVAC installation
  • Electrical wiring
  • Advanced technology computer instruction 
  • Construction estimating
  • Total station surveying equipment

Special Opportunities

A key component of the major is the required internship. Every student in his or her junior or senior year earns course credit for successfully applying knowledge while gaining invaluable on-the-job experience. By securing an internship in any approved major-related field, each student has the opportunity to enhance his or her skills in a professional work environment of particular interest. Many students report that the internship experience helps them focus their career goals and make vital industry contacts that benefit them upon graduation.

Students can further customize their education by enrolling in an optional independent study course and may declare any minor offered at WIU. Suggested complementary minors include Industrial Technology (emphasis in drafting/design), Business, and Geology. 

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Careers in Construction Managment

A recent NACE salary survey indicated that initial positions in Construction Management ranged from $48,000 to $54,800. Another construction salary survey indicated that beginning salaries for construction managers ranged from $45,000 to $60,000.

According to a recent annual report prepared by WIU's Career Services office, the vast majority of graduates from the Construction Management degree program reported that they had secured employment in the business and industry sector within a year of their graduation date. (Report based on alumni who responded to the survey, Annual Report 2006-2007.)

Student Organizations

All students in the Construction Management program are invited to become members of the National Association of Homebuilders. A second, very active student organization is
the Western Illinois Construction Management Association (WICMA). WICMA is a professional student organization open to all Construction Management majors and minors currently attending Western Illinois University. It provides members with a chance to become more involved around the WIU campus as well as around the Macomb community within our field of study.

Activities of WICMA include community services such as volunteering for trail clean up and various projects associated with the Horn Field Campus. WICMA also works with Habitat For Humanity and is open to undertaking other activities related to our field.

Academic activities involve inviting guest lecturers to share relevant field of study information. WICMA members also participate in the student competition at ASC (Associated Schools of Construction), discuss various class topics, and share job fair information. 

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