Master of Science in Construction Management

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Southern California

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Construction Management at USC prepares students to become multidisciplinary professionals capable of managing complex construction and real estate development projects. Students develop expertise in construction practices, business management, advanced construction technologies, project controls and the legal, economic and technical aspects of the built environment, making the program suitable for graduates seeking leadership opportunities in the construction industry.

Curriculum Structure

The program requires 32 units of coursework, including 16 units of compulsory core courses and at least 16 units of electives. USC does not publish a fixed year-by-year curriculum; the following is a suggested learning progression based on its official course requirements, not a prescribed academic-year sequence.

Year 1 – Construction and Business Foundations: Students can begin by developing a strong understanding of construction operations, industry practices and business principles through CE 501 – Construction Practices and CE 502 – Construction Business. They can also explore construction methods and equipment through CE 462 – Construction Methods and Equipment, building the technical and managerial foundation needed to understand construction projects.

Year 2 – Advanced Technologies and Project Management: Students can progress towards advanced construction technology and integrated project delivery through CE 573 – Advanced Technologies in AEC Practices and CE 578 – Technology-Enabled Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Projects. Electives such as CE 569 – Project Controls, CE 470 – Building Information Modeling and Integrated Practice and CE 574 – Construction Means & Methods allow students to strengthen their expertise in project coordination, digital construction and execution strategies.

Note: These years are illustrative. The university specifies course and unit requirements rather than a compulsory two-year sequence.

Focus Areas

Construction management, construction technology, real estate development, construction business, project controls, building science, sustainable construction, Building Information Modeling (BIM), integrated project delivery and AEC technologies.

Learning Outcomes

Develop construction project management capabilities, understand construction business operations, evaluate construction methods and technologies, coordinate multidisciplinary AEC projects, apply project control techniques, and understand the economic, technical and policy considerations of real estate development.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

USC's official program pages do not specify a dedicated program-level professional accreditation. The curriculum does, however, cover professional construction management and technology-related competencies relevant to the construction industry.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

Program standing: USC describes its Master of Construction Management as one of the largest construction management programs in the United States.
2025 graduate outcomes: The program reports an average salary of US$117,486 among graduates represented in its 2025 First Destinations Survey. This is program-specific self-reported survey information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

USC combines academic learning with industry exposure, construction competitions and professional networking opportunities. Students can learn from faculty members and experienced industry practitioners while engaging with construction professionals through the university's student organisations and industry events. The program also provides opportunities to undertake relevant directed research or internship coursework, subject to academic approval.

Students can strengthen their practical knowledge through the following opportunities:

Construction competitions: Participate in the annual Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 6 and 7 Construction Competition through USC's CMAA/AGC student chapter. The competition simulates real construction projects involving estimating, scheduling and project management.
Industry symposium: Engage with professionals through the annual student-supported CMAA Symposium, which brings approximately 240 industry participants to campus to discuss projects, innovations and developments in construction.
Industry networking: Attend monthly CMAA/AGC meetings, professional events, guest lectures, information sessions and field trips.
Internships and research: Students may have the opportunity to complete up to four units of relevant directed research or internship coursework, subject to departmental approval.
Industry exposure: Learn from experienced construction professionals and faculty through practical insights into construction finance, project controls, construction sequencing and scheduling.
Digital construction tools: Study Building Information Modeling (BIM), project visualization and simulation through CE 470, alongside advanced AEC technologies and technology-enabled project delivery through CE 573 and CE 578.
Career development: Access Viterbi Career Connections for resume reviews, career advising, employer networking, job-search support and internship opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Science in Construction Management prepares graduates for professional opportunities across construction, infrastructure, real estate development and project management. Students can pursue roles such as Construction Project Manager, Project Engineer, Construction Operations Manager and Project Controls Manager, depending on their previous qualifications and professional experience.

Career development and employment opportunities:

Career services: USC's Viterbi Career Connections offers personalised career advising, resume and cover-letter reviews, interview preparation, professional development workshops and job-search guidance.
Employer connections: Students can use Handshake to access job and internship postings, employer recommendations, career events and networking opportunities.
Internship opportunities: USC reported 14 internships among its international student population in the 2025 program outcomes, with organisations including Gilbane Building Company, Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company, Webcor and Rudolph and Sletten.
Employment outcomes: The program's 2025 First Destinations Survey reported an average salary of US$117,486. Listed employers included Turner Construction, Swinerton, Webcor Construction, Condon-Johnson & Associates and MATT Construction.
Industry engagement: USC's CMAA/AGC student chapter provides access to construction industry professionals through its symposium, competitions, guest speakers and professional networking activities.
Professional recognition: The program develops knowledge relevant to professional construction management practice. However, the official university sources do not specify a dedicated program-level accreditation or guarantee a professional certification.
Graduate opportunities: Previous graduates have progressed into senior construction management, project controls, commercial real estate, facilities planning and construction consulting positions.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the master's degree, graduates interested in research and advanced academic study can explore doctoral-level opportunities in construction engineering, civil engineering, construction technology, infrastructure development or related disciplines. USC does not specify a guaranteed or dedicated doctoral progression route for this program; admission to further study depends on the requirements of the chosen university and program.