Associates of Occupational Studies - Construction Management

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As one of the largest industries in the United States, construction offers many challenging career options and excellent employment opportunities. With proper education and training, students who graduate from a construction management program are eligible for positions such as those listed above.
This degree includes within its core of construction management courses important components of both mathematics and communication skills to give the entry-level construction manager a variety of technical skills, including an understanding of basic structural analysis and design.

Careers in construction require knowledge and skills in science, business and management. Knowledge about construction materials and methods, and codes and regulations is a must. Today’s contractors also need to know how to use computers to work with building plans, develop estimates, manage costs and set schedules.
You should enjoy people, and believe in a team approach to problem solving. Add to those skills a positive, can-do attitude and a professional approach to work, and you’ll find yourself with an exciting career.

Semester Hours to Complete: 64 Semester Hours
Cost of Program: 
Tuition: $350.00 per semester hour
Registration Fee: $100 one-time
Technology Fee: $50.00 per semester hour
Fuel Fee: $75.00 per semester hour (applies to all field training courses)
Equipment Fee: $250.00 per semester hour (applies to all field training courses)
Environment Fee: $50.00 per semester hour (applies to all field training courses)
Books: $1,766.00

Program Summary

Books

(BM) BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

(CA) Computer Applications   
This course provides a working knowledge of computers and their application in the fields of Construction and Civil Engineering. Topics include microcomputer systems and attendant hardware, computer terminology, disk operating system (DOS & Windows), word processing programs, spreadsheets and presentation software

(CM) Construction Management
This course is designed to help the student understand the concepts involved with the management and ownership in the construction process. The focus of this course will cover pre- construction through final completion, viewed from the constructor’s perspective. Accounting, bookkeeping, financial statements, contract law

(IB) Introduction to Business
Introduction to business functions, operations, and organization. Includes ownership and management, forms of organizations, finance, business ethics, personnel and labor-management relations, and marketing, and principles of Management

(BC) Business Correspondence
After a brief review of grammar, punctuation, word usage, and letter formats, the principles of letter writing will be presented. Attention is given to the various types of written business correspondence, interoffice communications, employment communications, both written and oral communication.

(CDP) CONSTRUCTION DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE

(CO) Construction Orientation
Construction Orientation is designed to introduce the student to the many career opportunities in the construction industry. The course allows the student the opportunity to ask questions about the industry as a whole. The course also refines construction math skills to help facilitate the other construction management courses.

(BG) Building Green
This course is an introduction to new emerging building systems for residential construction. A major focus of this course will be the introduction of green building products and ways to be more energy efficient. That national green building standard will be used as the guidelines for this course.

(BL) Building Layout
The student will perform basic surveying operations necessary for the location, layout, and construction of a building. Techniques will include taping, differential leveling, laying off vertical and horizontal angles, topographic surveys, and construction control surveys.

(ET) Estimating Techniques
This course is designed to familiarize the student with construction cost estimating. The five (5) basic elements involved in the estimating process will be covered. These five elements are: (1) working drawings and specifications; (2) subcontractor’s bids; (3) quantity take-offs; (4) checklists; and (5) a summary cost estimate. A major emphasis will be placed on accurate quantity takeoffs.

(CDI) Construction Document Interpretation
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the various conceptual documents used in the construction process. The primary focus will concentrate on interpretation and visualization of construction blueprints and understanding the use of construction specifications. Residential and commercial projects will be covered.

(CMAT) Construction Materials
The student will learn about soil properties and how they play a major role in building design and site work. Students will also obtain knowledge of concrete, its physical and mechanical properties, and the design and control of concrete mixes. In the laboratory portion of the class, students will learn the fundamentals of placing, finishing, and testing for quality control.

(RCM) Residential Construction Materials
In this course, the student will learn the basic principles and practices used by the residential construction industry when utilizing soil, concrete, and masonry. The student will also acquire the necessary knowledge needed to make sound decisions when dealing with the physical and mechanical properties of these materials. The laboratory portion of the class will give the student an opportunity to get hands on experience and learn the fundamentals of quality control on the jobsite.

(WFC) Wood Frame Construction
This course will introduce the student to the basic processes, terminology, procedures, and building components of wood frame construction. With this basic understanding of construction concepts, the student can build a foundation for a career in the construction industry. The course facilitates classroom learning with actual field applications.

(FS) Exterior and Interior Finish Systems
This course is a continuation from the wood framing construction course, designed so the student can synthesis a complete residential building. Special emphasis will be directed at the materials and application of these materials to complete the exterior and interior of the building.

(RMS) Residential Mechanical Systems
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the basic principles and operation of residential building mechanical systems. The course will provide the student with detailed information on HVAC, plumbing, electrical, safety, and security systems used in residential construction.

(CMS) Construction Management & Supervision
This course is designed to lead the student through the day to day activities of the project supervisor from project startup to final completion. Special emphasis will be placed on working relationships with trade contractors and homeowners.

(PE) Processes in Estimating
The course builds upon CMG 105, Estimating Techniques, and will introduce more advanced methods of cost estimating. From a set of blueprints the students will apply man hours, labor costs, and material costs to quantity takeoffs. In a portion of this course the students will learn to utilize Timberline Corporation’s Precision Estimating software package. Students will learn how to interpret data generated and how to modify the computer program to meet their estimating needs.

(ES) Environmental Systems:  This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic terminology and principles of electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning systems. The student will also gain an understanding of the importance of the respective design engineers in the building process.

(BR) Building Renovations
Students will acquire knowledge of the techniques and technologies necessary to remodel, repair, or renovate existing residential and commercial buildings. The student will study the design and construction techniques required to convert unused areas into additional living space, make additions to existing structures, upgrade mechanical and electrical systems to meet building codes and repair, renovate, and maintain older buildings.

(CC) Commercial Construction
The course will acquaint the student with the latest methods, materials, and equipment used within the industry and will familiarize the student with concepts of the construction industry that have stood the test of time. Traditional materials such as reinforced concrete, masonry, steel, and timber will be thoroughly examined in conjunction with recent developments in the construction industry.

(CA) Construction Administration
The student will be introduced to processes and methods of administrative responsibilities, which will help in producing a quality construction project.

(BCS) Building Codes and Standards
This course will illustrate to the student how building codes and standards stipulate design and construction of buildings. A building code is defined as a set of rules of procedure and standards of materials designed to secure uniformity and protect the public interest in such matters as building construction and public health, established usually by a public agency and commonly having the force of law in a particular jurisdiction.

(CSCH) Construction Scheduling
This course is an introduction to modern construction scheduling methods and techniques. The application of various scheduling methods will provide an understanding of the importance that time phasing and coordination have on completing a construction project in a timely manner.

(LD) Land Development
This course will present the social and economic needs, and the legal regulations involved when developing a parcel of land into a housing community. The student will design and calculate the infrastructure to meet the mandated code requirements.

(BMH) Business Management for Home Builder
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with information to use in managing a home building business. The course will focus on how to start up your business and develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure profitability in the home building industry.

(STAT) Statics for Structures
Students will learn fundamental principles of mechanics as they use tables and formulas in the determination of loads and the selection of wooden members and steel connectors which will safely carry these loads on floor and roof systems.

(BH) BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

(SOC)  Principles of Sociology  
This course is a foundation for studies of sociology. In this course, students gain an understanding of the sociological perspective, theories, and research methods. Students also explore culture, race, ethnicity, socialization, social interaction, deviance, social control, groups, organizations, social and gender stratification, population, and social change.

(HU) HUMANITIES

(CT) Critical Thinking
This course is designed to introduce the theories and application of critical analysis with emphasis on developing sequential reasoning skills. Topics include the foundations of arguments, value assumptions and ethical decision making, reality assumptions and deductive arguments, inductive arguments and generalizations, reasoning errors, the power of language, the impact of media power, and persuasive speaking . 3.0 credit hours. Prerequisite: none.

(HIS) Modern American History: 1920-1939 (The Twenties, The Depression, and The New Deal)
A study of the contrasts in American social and economic life in the 1920s and the effects of the Great Depression of the 1930s on American attitudes, both national and local. Attention is also given to the major domestic political events of the period. This course is designed for history majors and minors and others desiring a social science elective.
(IC) Interpersonal Communication
The study of the communication process in one-to-one relationships with emphasis on conflict management, listening, nonverbal communication, gender, and culture. Prerequisite: none.

(IS)  INFORMATION SYSTEMS

(CA)  Computer Applications 
Word Processing, Spreadsheets, and e-mail.  This course provides an introduction to computer operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail programs. When combined with IS 107 the two courses meet the requirements of IS 102, Computers and Application Software.

(MA) MATHEMATICS

(BIZ) Business Mathematics
This course provides instruction in the mathematical operations associated with the retail, banking, and accounting industries. Topics include decimals, fractions, and percentages; bank services; interest and payment plans; purchase orders and invoices; selling prices and mark-ups; and payroll and inventory procedures. Prerequisite: none.

(PHS) PHYSICAL SCIENCES
   
(EES) Energy, Environment and Society
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY deals with the core subjects of energy availability and generation, and impact on the environment and society. With respect to energy, the course covers basic concepts of energy, work and power, energy resources, applications, and problems of current interest. With respect to the environment it deals with most of the major current concerns. With respect to society it addresses the history of availability and utilization of energy resources and their implications for society and economic policies. Prerequisite: none.

Education Pays!

We encourage all students to obtain as much schooling as possible. When it comes time to find employment or negotiate salary with an existing employer, the more knowledge and experience you have on a wide variety of machinery, the better you'll look to an employer - and that translates to more money for you and your family!