Master of Building Construction

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Auburn University

Program Overview

Auburn University’s Master of Building Construction (MBC) is a non-thesis graduate program designed for students seeking advanced knowledge of the planning, financing, design, construction, and management of the built environment, from initial concept through post-occupancy. It suits construction professionals as well as graduates from other backgrounds who want to develop advanced construction-management expertise through core courses, specialized electives, industry engagement, and an independent capstone project.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: Students begin with the core processes that underpin modern construction management, including BSCI 7020 Integrated Building Processes I, BSCI 7030 Construction Information Management, and BSCI 7040 Integrated Building Processes II. The curriculum then develops management and research capabilities through BSCI 7050 Executive Issues in Construction, BSCI 7060 Research Methods in Building Science, and graduate seminars, alongside construction and business electives.

Year 2: For students following the extended pathway, the program continues with advanced electives that allow them to build specialized expertise in areas of building science and construction management, followed by BSCI 7980 Capstone Project. The capstone requires students to independently investigate a new topic, apply appropriate materials and knowledge, and communicate their findings in a professional and academically rigorous format.

Note: Auburn's current bulletin states that students with an accredited undergraduate degree in construction can complete the 35-credit MBC over three academic terms, while students entering from non-construction disciplines complete five additional foundation courses before the MBC curriculum.

Focus areas

Construction management, integrated building processes, construction information management, executive construction issues, research methods, building science, construction/business electives, BIM, risk assessment, safety, quality management, LEED, international construction management.

Learning outcomes

Understand construction processes from project conception and financing through design, on-site construction and facility management; solve complex industry problems; communicate effectively in written, oral and digital formats; identify construction problems with industry partners; collaborate with construction professionals; develop advanced construction-management expertise.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The MBC is a graduate program and Auburn states that graduate construction programs are not required to be accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE); Auburn’s Building Science department has a long history of ACCE accreditation at the undergraduate level.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Auburn states that the MBC has had an exceptional graduate placement rate in recent years and that employment opportunities are available across sectors of the construction industry. The university does not publish a specific current MBC employability ranking on its official program page

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Auburn University’s Master of Building Construction gain practical, industry-focused experience through case studies, independent projects, funded research, and advanced construction-management coursework. The program emphasizes the full building process—from planning and financing through design, construction, management, and post-occupancy—while giving students access to specialized construction facilities and technology. Graduate students also have dedicated space in the Gorrie Center for studying, collaborative work, and completing their capstone projects.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Capstone project: Students complete a substantial BSCI 7980 Capstone Project, culminating in a formal presentation and defense of their work.
Industry case studies and projects: MBC students participate in industry-partner case studies, independent projects, and funded research, connecting classroom learning with current construction-industry issues.
Construction Field Laboratory: The Robins & Morton Construction Field Lab provides a three-acre environment for hands-on construction learning, including a high-bay building with four bays, 30-foot ceilings, and an onsite classroom designed to resemble a professional construction-management setting.
Hands-on construction activities: The field laboratory supports practical work with structures, construction processes, safety practices, tools, equipment, and materials, allowing students to reinforce classroom concepts through direct application.
Graduate project space: The renovated Gorrie Center Demo Lab serves as dedicated graduate student space for MBC students to work, study, and complete capstone projects.
Technology and research: The McWhorter School of Building Science emphasizes construction innovation and information technology, with technological resources supporting advanced construction-management study and research.
Research opportunities: Students can engage with faculty research and funded research projects through a program that specifically highlights developing research opportunities and strong industry relations.
Graduate assistantships: Selected MBC students can gain practical academic and research experience through Graduate Teaching Assistantships or Graduate Research Assistantships, typically offered for one to four semesters.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Building Construction (MBC) at Auburn University prepares graduates for professional roles across construction management, project delivery, field operations, and preconstruction. The program has strong industry engagement, and Auburn reports a 100% placement rate and a $73,002 average starting salary for 39 graduates in Summer 2025, with graduates moving into project management, field operations, preconstruction, and other construction roles.

Career opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as Construction Manager, Project Manager, Preconstruction Manager, and Field Operations Manager. Auburn's construction career resources also identify pathways including cost estimator, architectural and engineering manager, and related construction and development occupations.

Career services: The McWhorter School of Building Science's Career Services team provides industry engagement and career-development support aimed at connecting students with internships and full-time positions. Students can access career fairs, employer Meet & Greets, networking opportunities, résumé preparation, and job-search assistance.
Employment outcomes: Auburn's Summer 2025 placement report recorded 100% placement, with 51% of graduates entering project management, 36% field operations, 8% preconstruction, and 5% other positions. The reported average starting salary was $73,002; 31% received a signing bonus, with an average bonus of $2,955.
Industry connections: Students interact directly with construction professionals through career fairs, Meet & Greets, class visits, competition teams, and student organizations. Auburn reports that its Industry Executive Board members also meet with graduating students to help ensure they are prepared for professional practice.
Employer access: Auburn's BSCI career fairs have attracted major construction and development companies, with past participating employers including Turner Construction, Kiewit, Hensel Phelps, DPR Construction, Holder Construction, McCarthy Building Companies, PCL Construction, and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.
Research and industry collaboration: The Center for Construction Innovation and Collaboration (CCIC) develops partnerships aimed at improving the construction industry and has provided more than $1 million in research funding since its establishment in 2009, supporting industry-driven research projects, publications, and patents.
Professional accreditation: Auburn's Building Science bachelor's program has been accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) since 1980 and was re-accredited in 2020. Auburn's published MBC assessment documentation states that graduate construction programs are not required to be ACCE accredited; therefore, the MBC itself should not be represented as an ACCE-accredited degree.
Graduation outcomes: The program has been offered since 1993, maintains limited enrollment for faculty support, and Auburn reports strong recent placement outcomes for its graduate students. The Summer 2025 report specifically recorded all 39 graduates as placed, providing a recent program-level indication of employment outcomes.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MBC, students can continue into Auburn's Ph.D. in Building Construction for advanced research and academic study. Auburn also offers graduate-level executive construction management certificates and an Executive Master of Building Construction pathway for professionals seeking further specialization in areas such as estimating, scheduling, project development, and construction management.