Online Master of Science in Construction Management, MS

Program Mission

The New England Institute of Technology Master of Science in Construction Management program is designed for a broad spectrum of individuals with diverse educational backgrounds and/or work experiences seeking to develop the multidisciplinary skills necessary to become an effective construction professional.

The purpose of the Master of Science in Construction Management program is to educate and train the next generation of construction industry professionals in a broad array of technical and non-technical competencies required for the successful management and administration of construction operations. NEIT’s master’s degree curriculum blends modern construction management theory, best practices, and technical skills with the contemporary business management principles that drive 21st-century organizational performance.

Students will study topics ranging from lean construction, risk management, and construction delivery methods to building and leading effective project teams. An introduction to the use of scheduling, estimating, and building information modeling (BIM),  and report-generating software programs as analytical tools is integrated into the curriculum to upgrade students’ technical skill sets.

By reviewing relevant case studies, taking courses taught by professionals practicing in construction management, and engaging with other Master of Science in Construction Management colleagues already in the construction workforce, students will extend the educational process into the real world of construction management and broaden their perspective on this dynamic profession.  The purpose of the Master’s in Construction Management program is consistent with New England Tech’s mission.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

1. Acquire a Construction Management perspective that is informed by the linkages between Construction and Management (i.e., ethics, labor, accounting & finance, dispute resolution, negotiations) best practices.
2. Demonstrate the ability to build and lead effective teams using appropriate interpersonal skills.
3. Proactively adopt and integrate emerging technology within Construction Management practices.
4. Evaluate and implement appropriate contract delivery methods based on desired project outcomes.
5. Analyze construction projects relative to fundamental aspects of construction management (i.e., cost, schedule, quality, safety, ethics) and develop appropriate solutions.
6. Acquire the ability to effectively assess and manage risk in a construction management project.
7. Acquire an appreciation for and ability to apply the principles and practices of sustainability in a construction management project

In the online construction management master’s degree program, students study construction and management subjects, including contract delivery methods, risk management, sustainability, finance, team management, safety, lean construction, and dispute resolution. Students may also take our optional technical elective, which introduces the latest Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies.

Due to its online, accelerated format, this program is especially suited for the working professional seeking to advance their career.

Courses include:

• Construction and the Environment
• Effective Projects and Teams
• Infrastructure Planning and Development
• Project Management
• Relationship and Dispute Management
• Workplace Practicum I, II, III, and VI

The program culminates in a master’s project.

For the latest listing of courses offered, please review our University Catalog.

Q&A and Technical Standards

Questions & Answers

1. For whom is the Master of Construction Management program designed?
   The New England Institute of Technology’s Master of Construction Management (MSCM) degree program is delivered via an online format to meet the needs of working professionals in the fields of architecture, engineering, construction management, interior design, and other related fields.
2. What are the entrance requirements for the MSCM program?
   Candidates possess a Bachelor of Architecture degree, Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Interior Design, Construction Management, Planning, Business, Finance, Management or a degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Significant professional experience may also be considered in lieu of an appropriate degree and will be evaluated individually. An official transcript along with other supporting documentation must be supplied to NEIT to satisfy the program entry requirements.Candidates will also need to submit a personal statement and resume as part of the admission process. The statement should detail your interest in the program and how successful completion of the program will enable you to accomplish your professional goals.
3. Do I need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to be accepted into the program?
   No. GREs are not required for acceptance into the MSCM program.
4. Is there a residency requirement?
   No. There is no residency requirement for the program; however, students may elect to participate in the on-campus option available in the CM 542 Building Information Modeling course. This option allows students to participate in an intensive on-campus learning experience. This option is not a requirement to successfully complete the course.
5. How do online courses work?
   Online courses at New England Institute of Technology are developed by a faculty-led team of management, construction, learning, and technology experts. The courses are designed to be interesting, relevant and engaging, and to have a real impact on students in their lives and on their careers. In an online delivery system, there are no formal or scheduled times when students are required to meet. The majority of the course work is expected to be completed based on the student’s personal and professional schedule within the context of the course requirements. Faculty post weekly lectures and assignments online along with associated due dates. Faculty may also schedule online discussions or other class activities through the Canvas learning management system that may require you to be available to participate at a specific time.
6. How is taking an online course different from an on-campus course?
   Online courses offer you flexibility in the scheduling of your class and study time. Instead of meeting at a fixed time and location, your online course will run on a weekly schedule starting on a Monday and ending on a Sunday evening. Some courses may require you to login to your course regularly and you are still required to submit assignments by the due dates specified in the syllabus.Online courses do require self-discipline and self-motivation to complete the work that is required by the course. Since there are no scheduled class times, you will need to dedicate an appropriate amount of time to review the course content online, complete the readings, participate in the online discussion forums, and complete other work as assigned.
7. Do I need special computer skills in order to take an online course?
   You’ll need basic familiarity with your computer, for example: emailing, using the Web, and downloading and attaching documents. No special equipment is required: just a modern Windows-based computer, an office suite such as Microsoft Office, and a broadband internet connection. Students opting to enroll in the elective course, MSCM 542 Building Information Modeling, should ensure their computer can support the latest version of Revit® software.
8. What are the hardware software requirements for the program?
   

   	Recommended Minimum
   Operating System:	Windows 10 or Macintosh OS X (10.14)
   Processor:	2+ GHz
   Memory:	4GB
   Plug-ins:	Adobe PDF Reader, Flash Adobe PDF Reader, Flash and others as required by specific courses
   Players:	QuickTime, Java Player, Java
   Browser:	Chrome, IE, Safari, Edge, Firefox (all latest versions)
   Display:	1024×768
   Software:	Office 365 (2016)
   Internet Connection:	FiOS/DSL/CABLE DSL/CABLE
   Email Account:	New England Tech student email account
   Sound Card:	Required
   Other (some programs):	• A webcam (the one built into your laptop or iPad should be fine) • A microphone (built into the computer or headset is handy). • A digital camera (the one on a smart phone is fine).

    

9. How do I get assistance with technical issues?
   New England Institute of Technology’s online courses are designed to help acclimate you to technology and build your skills and your confidence as you go. We provide 24×7 support via phone, email or chat to help you with computer or online system issues in the learning management system.  NEIT is unable to help students with computer problems. Tablet computers can be useful for doing course readings, watching course videos, and catching up on course discussions, but a tablet will not be sufficient for doing all your course work. Be sure you have regular access to a traditional laptop or desktop computer with appropriate capacity to support online assignments.
10. How large will my classes be?
    The average size for a class is about 15 to 20 students; however, larger and smaller classes occur from time to time. As a member of the class you’ll be learning as part of a connected community that provides support, challenges your thinking, and reminds you that you’re not alone.
11. How long is an academic term?
    Academic terms at New England Institute of Technology are 10-weeks long, with four terms offered per year, starting in January, April, July, and October.
12. How many courses do I have to take each term?
    You can take one or two courses in any term.  It’s entirely up to your own needs and schedule. Note that if your employer offers tuition benefits, there may be a limit on how much they will reimburse.  If you’re planning to apply for federal financial aid, please confirm the minimum credit load required to qualify for federal financial aid with the Financial Aid Office.
13. Are there participation requirements?
    Yes. Depending upon the course, each week you may be required to participate in various activities such as discussion boards or other similar assignments. All course activities will be counted towards your final grade. Required student participation will be identified in the course syllabus.
14. How will I submit my course assignments and take exams?
    You will receive information from your professor regarding how to submit your assignments through the Canvas learning management system. Exams and test will be administered via the Canvas learning management system.  In some cases, your professor may require a proctored exam. If a proctored exam is required, you will be required to submit a proctor form to your professor prior to gaining access to the exam. All tests, exams, and assignment requirements will be identified in the course syllabus at the beginning of each term.
15. Will my course be assigned to a faculty member?
    Faculty are essential to the online learning experience at the New England Institute of Technology. All online courses in the MSCM program are taught by faculty with appropriate academic and professional credentials, as well as extensive practical experience. Additionally, all NEIT faculty teaching online courses receive specific training in online delivery methods.
16. How can I access specific course-related help if I need it?
    Your professor will be available to you via email, Canvas discussion boards, and by phone. Responses to a question will generally be delivered within 24 hours. Preferred methods of contact as well as contact information will be identified at the beginning of each course in the course syllabus.
17. Will I be assigned an advisor?
    Yes. Students in the MSCM program will be assigned a Student Advisor from the Office of Student Support Services. The New England Tech Student Advisor provides guidance, encouragement and support to students and is the primary point of contact for all student concerns and information about New England Tech policies and procedures.
18. Do I have access to other university services?
    Online students have access to all university services including the Academic Skills Center, the Bookstore, the Career Services Office, the Financial Aid Office, the Registrar’s Office, the Office of Student Support Services, Library, Student Accounts, the Office of Teaching and Learning and the Response Desk.
19. Do I need to maintain a specific grade point average?
    Yes. You are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 throughout the entire program. An individual course grade of C is considered passing. Students are required to repeat any course in which they received a final grade below a C.
20. Is NEIT accredited?
    NEIT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation by NECHE is recognized by the federal government and entitles NEIT to participate in federal financial aid programs. Some academic departments have specialized professional accreditations in addition to accreditation by NECHE. For more information on accreditation, see NEIT’s catalog.
21. Can I transfer the credits that I earn at NEIT to another college?
    The transferability of a course is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring. Students interested in the transferability of their credits should contact the Student Affairs Office of the institution that they are transferring to for further information.
22. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to NEIT?
    Transfer credit for appropriate courses taken at an accredited institution will be considered upon receipt of an official transcript for any program, biology, science, and mathematics courses in which the student has earned a “C” or above within the past three years and for English or humanities courses in which the student has earned a “C” or above within the last ten years. An official transcript from the other institution must be received before the end of the first week of the term for transfer credit to be granted for courses to be taken during that term. Students will receive a tuition reduction for the approved technical courses based on the program rate and will be applied against the final technical term of the curriculum’s tuition amount. No tuition credit is provided for courses which are not a part of the technical curriculum.
    Students may transfer no more than 4 credits per term.
23. How many credits do I need to qualify for Financial Aid?
    Students entering the MSCM program will be eligible for various forms of financial aid, including loans, if they take at least 4 credits per term.
24. How much does my program cost?
    The cost of your program will be outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your projected costs for textbooks and other course materials.
25. How do I purchase textbooks and other required materials?
    Students may purchase their textbooks either through the Bookstore or through online merchants. Textbooks and other required materials will be identified by the professor in the course syllabus at the beginning of each term.

Technical Standards

These technical standards set forth by the Department of Design + Architectural Building Technology, establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to these programs to achieve the knowledge, skills and competencies to enter these fields. The successful student must possess the following skills and abilities or be able to demonstrate that they can complete the requirements of the program with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Cognitive Ability

• Ability to interpret ideas and concepts visually and/or graphically
• Ability to learn, remember and recall detailed information and to use it for problem solving.
• Ability to deal with materials and problems such as organizing or reorganizing information.
• Ability to use abstractions in specific concrete situations.
• Ability to break information into its component parts.
• Ability to understand spatial relationships.
• Possession of basic math skills through addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers and fractions using both the U.S. and metric systems of measurement.
• Ability to perform tasks by observing demonstrations.
• Possession of basic keyboarding skills and knowledge of computer programs.

Communications Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty and students.
• Ability to demonstrate and use the knowledge acquired during the classroom training process and in the lab setting.

Adaptive Ability

• Ability to maintain emotional stability and the maturity necessary to interact with other members of the faculty and students in a responsible manner.

Physical Ability

• Ability to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform learned skills, independently, with accuracy and completeness.

Manual Ability

• Sufficient motor function and sensory abilities to participate effectively in the classroom laboratory.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and motor coordination to coordinate hands, eyes and fingers in the use of the computer, plotter and other equipment.

Sensory Ability

• Visual
  • Acute enough to enable the adjustment of drafting equipment
  • Ability to properly distinguish colors.
  • Acute enough to read small print.
  • Acute enough to read small numbers on measuring instrument

Get Ready to Lead

Online or On-Campus Program

Designed for working professionals who are ready to take on higher-level leadership positions, the graduate degree programs at New England Tech offer accelerated, immersive, specialized knowledge that gives you what you need for your next savvy career move. Each of our graduate programs shares an advanced technical curriculum, with a strong, integrated management core for which New England Tech is renowned. Take your leadership to a whole new level and be a change agent in your industry.

Our approach to online learning at New England Tech is different than most- we deliver an online curriculum in a hands-on way. This means our coursework is built in practice, not theory. Your case studies will be real-time, real-life situations, and you will actively engage with peers and faculty to create plans and solve problems together.

We believe that our graduates are our colleagues because, throughout their studies, they have forged relationships with peers and faculty members, all who are current, active experts in their respective industry. Our graduates leave with an edge over most due to the networking opportunities that exist due to our industry-expert faculty, and the instructional designers that helped create our curriculum.