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Laney College Construction Management Department

Construction Management

OVERVIEW

Construction Management (CM) at Laney College is a great program for anyone who is interested in construction and wants to get familiar with the management skills required for working as a management professional or expanding entrepreneur skills required for small businesses. The program is designed to educate students to be prepared for work as managers in residential and commercial construction projects. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be employed in the industry at multiple levels of entry level as project engineers to senior level Project Managers. Our program offers real life skills that are demonstrated by professionals that are working in the industry and provides students with relevant and current information on trends in the marketplace.

The Construction Management Department has an Industry Advisory Council (IAC) that works with the college to establish best practices and benchmarks of achievement for students to work towards and achieve academic excellence. They will leave with skills that support best practices upon completion of their respective programs.

Additions to the program include the participation in the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Green Schools Program and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). These nationally recognized associations participate in various activities on campus and allow for students to gain professional exposure to relevant projects and industry events through engagement with the school.

Emphasis in the program is placed on understanding the best practices of design and construction, project management, scheduling, estimating, contracts and business aspects of construction, and sustainable designs principles for construction management. Upon completion of respective programs, students are “work ready” and able to understand basic principles and concepts for simple project management tasks.

Construction Management Association Of America

The Construction Management Association of America is an industry association dedicated to the practice of professional construction management. CMAA represents more than 16,000 members including federal/state/local government and private sector owners, construction consultants, technology suppliers, academia, and legal organizations all with a common goal: to improve our nation’s infrastructure.

U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a sustainable, prosperous future through LEED, the leading program for green buildings and communities worldwide. Our vision is that buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation. Our mission is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.

Contractors State License Board

The Contractors State License Board(CSLB) protects California consumers by licensing and regulating the state’s construction industry. CSLB was established in 1929 and today licenses about 290,000 contractors in 44 different classifications.

A degree in Construction Management opens up various career opportunities in the construction industry, where professionals are needed to oversee and manage construction projects from inception to completion. Here are some career paths you can pursue with a degree in Construction Management:

  1. Construction Project Manager: Project managers oversee all aspects of a construction project, including budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and coordinating with subcontractors and vendors.
  2. Construction Estimator: Estimators analyze project blueprints, specifications, and other documents to estimate the cost of materials, labor, and equipment required for a construction project.
  3. Construction Scheduler: Schedulers develop and maintain project schedules using software tools like Primavera or Microsoft Project. They ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget by coordinating tasks and resources effectively.
  4. Construction Superintendent: Superintendents are responsible for on-site management of construction projects. They supervise subcontractors, ensure that work is completed according to specifications and safety standards, and address any issues that arise during construction.
  5. Construction Inspector: Inspectors examine construction sites and structures to ensure compliance with building codes, regulations, and quality standards. They may also review plans and blueprints to verify that construction projects meet design specifications.
  6. Construction Consultant: Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to construction firms, developers, and government agencies on various aspects of construction projects, such as cost estimation, scheduling, risk management, and quality control.
  7. Facilities Manager: Facilities managers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of buildings and facilities after construction is completed. They oversee maintenance activities, manage budgets, and ensure that facilities meet the needs of occupants.
  8. Real Estate Developer: Some construction management graduates go on to work as real estate developers, overseeing the planning, design, and construction of residential, commercial, or industrial properties.
  9. Green Building Specialist: With growing emphasis on sustainable construction practices, there is a demand for professionals who specialize in green building technologies and certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
  10. Risk Manager: Risk managers identify and assess potential risks associated with construction projects, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and ensure that projects are completed safely and successfully.

These are just a few examples of the diverse career paths available to individuals with a degree in Construction Management. Depending on your interests, skills, and experience, you may find opportunities in various sectors of the construction industry, including residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Additionally, as the construction industry evolves with advances in technology and sustainability, new career opportunities may emerge for construction management professionals.

The Construction Management Department is dedicated to fostering a healthy educational environment which echoes Laney College’s Mission which is rooted in respect, diversity, appreciation, competence, integrity, accountability, innovation, and collaboration.