Graduate Study in Construction

Scope and Objectives

Construction is the application of scientific and technical knowledge to the processes used to construct infrastructure projects. Graduate studies in Construction at OSU emphasize construction engineering and management concepts and techniques and their broader application to the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry.

The Construction graduate program is highly interdisciplinary and aims at developing strong abilities to conduct construction engineering and management work involving basic concepts and principles, technical analysis, planning, design, and management, and the development of knowledge that positively impacts the AEC industry. The program provides students with skills in planning, designing, and implementing construction processes and systems. The course offerings provide a broad awareness of construction concepts and an understanding of scientific and technical knowledge to address construction problems.

Program of Study

Graduate degrees with concentrations in Construction include: Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Each degree is designed with slightly different goals, while maintaining the flexibility to enjoy many of the classes available to all of the programs. 

Master of Engineering (MEng) - Designed for those interested in a professional graduate experience leading to in-depth knowledge in the field of construction engineering and management. This is a non-research, coursework only degree, and typically requires a minimum of one academic year to complete.

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MS) - Designed for those interested in furthering their technical education and advancing the science of construction engineering and management. This degree requires a research thesis/project in addition to coursework, and typically requires 1.5 to 2 academic years to complete.

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD) - Designed for those interested in studying and advancing the science of construction engineering and management, and careers in construction research and teaching.

PhD Coursework: Due to the nature of the PhD program, there are no set requirements regarding coursework for PhD students. Students should consult with their faculty advisor to select appropriate courses that will best serve their research and learning objectives while still fulfilling graduate school requirements. 

There is no typical program for any prospective student, which is especially true for advanced graduate students who may have significant education and experience, and who may be looking to improve in specific ways. Students should consult with faculty to select the appropriate degree and develop a program of study that fits their academic and professional goals. 

Research

Construction research focuses on a wide variety of topics related to the design and construction of infrastructure projects. The following are signature research areas and expertise within the OSU Construction faculty and graduate program:

 

      Signature Research Areas and Expertise
  Human Factors in Construction Advanced Methods and Materials Virtual Design and Construction Management Science
Research Topics
  • Construction site safety
  • Work zone safety
  • Risk and reward
  • Human-centered design
  • Lean construction
  • Construction means and methods
  • Infrastructure materials
  • Temporary structures
  • Construction site engineering
  • Sustainability
  • Building information modelling (BIM)
  • Virtual/augmented reality
  • Visualization
  • Simulation
  • Computer-aided construction
  • Automation
  • Industrialization/ modular construction
  • Quality control
  • Lean construction
  • Planning and scheduling
  • Estimating
  • Project management
  • Sustainability
  • Business Management

Supporting  Courses

  • CCE 526 Design for Safety
  • CCE 552 Project Risk Management
  • CCE 529 Lean Construction
  • CCE 554 Professional Responsibility and Ethics (Ecampus)
  • CCE 520 Advanced Concrete Construction
  • CE 522 Green Building Materials
  • CCE 525 Construction Site Systems Engineering
  • CE 427/527 Temporary Construction Structures
  • CCE 528 Advanced Virtual Design and Construction
  • CEM 550 Simulation and Visualization of Construction Operations
  • CCE 552 Risk Management
  • CCE 529 Lean Construction
  • CE 420/520 Engineering Planning
  • CE 424/524 Contracts and Specifications
  • CEM 541 Heavy Civil Construction Management
  • CEM 551 Project Controls

Facilities

Construction utilizes the facilities available to all graduate students within the School of Civil and Construction Engineering. The School is currently in the process of designing and constructing a new virtual construction lab and this state-of-the-art laboratory is expected to be available in early 2025. 

Supporting Programs

The Construction program is supported by a wide variety of academic areas including: Infrastructure Materials, Transportation Engineering, Coastal and Ocean Engineering, Structural Engineering and Mechanics, Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Simulation, Mathematics and Statistics, Business Administration and Logistics, Geotechnical Engineering, Surveying, Forest Engineering, Forestry and Resource Management, Economics and Resource Economics, and Regional Science and Geography. Students are encouraged to explore connections with any of these academic areas as part of their degree program.

Visit the school graduate admissions page for more information.

Financial support is available in the form of teaching assistantships and graduate research assistantships. A limited number of fellowships is available in the College of Engineering. Approximately half of our students are supported through these assistantships or fellowships. The remainder may be supported by their employer, by government or military programs, internships, or self-supported. 

Construction Faculty