Construction Management - Questions for Engineers & Project Managers

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on an HVAC/building controls technician seeking to transition into a managerial role within construction. With only an Associate's degree in electromechanical technology, the individual plans to pursue a Bachelor’s in general business online, followed by a Master's in Construction Management (MSCM). Concerns are raised about the potential challenges of not having a degree specifically in Construction Management or engineering when applying for graduate programs, especially given the increasing emphasis on certification and degree requirements in the field. The conversation touches on the flexibility of some graduate programs regarding undergraduate backgrounds and the importance of regional accreditation. Additionally, there is a debate about the value of pursuing an engineering technology degree versus a traditional engineering degree, particularly regarding licensure opportunities. Overall, the individual is seeking guidance on the best educational path to achieve their career goals in construction management.
ideafx
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Hi,

I have a few questions for anyone who is currently working in construction as an engineer or project manager.

I'm an HVAC/Building controls technician/installer and I want to pursue a career in the managerial side of the business. I only have an AS degree in electromechanical technology. I believe my shortest path to a graduate degree would be to pursue a BS in general business. Then I can enroll in a MS degree program in Construction Management.

As much as I would like to pursue an an engineering degree, my schedule would not allow it. I work 50-60 hours/week. Because of this, I'm forced to pursue a business degree online from a fully (regionally) accredited university. Would not having a BS in CM or engineering present a problem if I wanted to pursue a graduate degree in CM?

I know some schools have prerequisite courses that are required for a MSCM if you don't already have a CM/Engineering degree. Some of these schools seem to be pretty flexible when it comes to the types of undergrad degrees they allow into their graduate programs. However, I'm not sure if it's going to be that way in 5-10 years. There seems to be a growing movement towards certification for CMs, and I think a CM/Engineering degree is going to be a major requirement. An MBA in CM would be ideal, but not many schools offer it right now.

Anyway, I'm a little confused as to what I should do. Your thoughts?
 
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montoyas7940 said:
Not Phoenix online?

www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=226141

No. Either Excelsior College or Old Dominion University.

BTW, regional accreditation is the highest form of accreditation.
 
ideafx said:
Hi,

I have a few questions for anyone who is currently working in construction as an engineer or project manager.

I'm an HVAC/Building controls technician/installer and I want to pursue a career in the managerial side of the business. I only have an AS degree in electromechanical technology. I believe my shortest path to a graduate degree would be to pursue a BS in general business. Then I can enroll in a MS degree program in Construction Management.

As much as I would like to pursue an an engineering degree, my schedule would not allow it. I work 50-60 hours/week. Because of this, I'm forced to pursue a business degree online from a fully (regionally) accredited university. Would not having a BS in CM or engineering present a problem if I wanted to pursue a graduate degree in CM?

I know some schools have prerequisite courses that are required for a MSCM if you don't already have a CM/Engineering degree. Some of these schools seem to be pretty flexible when it comes to the types of undergrad degrees they allow into their graduate programs. However, I'm not sure if it's going to be that way in 5-10 years. There seems to be a growing movement towards certification for CMs, and I think a CM/Engineering degree is going to be a major requirement. An MBA in CM would be ideal, but not many schools offer it right now.

Anyway, I'm a little confused as to what I should do. Your thoughts?

Old Dominion University has a distance BSET degree...are you not interested in it?

http://dl.odu.edu/database.php?todo=program&level=1

CS
 
Last edited by a moderator:
stewartcs said:
Old Dominion University has a distance BSET degree...are you not interested in it?

http://dl.odu.edu/database.php?todo=program&level=1

CS

I was considering it, but it's an engineering technology degree. Not a regular engineering degree. It doesn't make much sense to put in the extra work to get that degree if it's not going to allow me to get an engineering license anyway.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ideafx said:
I was considering it, but it's an engineering technology degree. Not a regular engineering degree. It doesn't make much sense to put in the extra work to get that degree if it's not going to allow me to get an engineering license anyway.

Most of the BSET degrees (at ODU) are accredited by TAC/ABET so you can get your PE. The CET degree is one of those that is accredited:

http://www.eng.odu.edu/et/academics/cet/cet.shtml

There is not that much difference in an engineering technology degree and normal engineering degree.

CS
 
Last edited by a moderator:
what the heck does this have to do physics?
 
lubuntu said:
what the heck does this have to do physics?

It has more to do with engineering, but I can't find an engineering forum with users that post regularly.

Sorry.
 
lubuntu said:
what the heck does this have to do physics?

Nothing, that's why it was correctly posted in the Academic Guidance sub-forum.

What benefit does your comment add to the discussion?

CS
 
  • #10
ideafx said:
It has more to do with engineering, but I can't find an engineering forum with users that post regularly.

Sorry.

No need to apologize, you posted your question in the correct place.

CS
 

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