Construction (Bachelor of Science Degree Offered)
Construction education is defined by the Associated Schools of Construction as a ". . . discipline which is designed to instill in future constructors the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to make the critical decisions which will guide the production and management processes of the largest industry in the United States. In this Major the traditional areas of business, engineering, and architecture are combined with specialized courses in construction. Completion of this curriculum prepares the constructor to work with other specialists in managing the construction process. Graduates in this field will help solve the complex technical and managerial problems in the building process, and can look forward to challenging careers which provide a full range of outlets for their creative efforts."

Our accredited Construction program provides a broad range of studies in construction-related courses as well as general education. The subjects are taught so as to develop skills as well as instill knowledge. The intent is to create a professional who works well in team situations. The coursework frequently uses cases or projects to simulate the working environment. A constant effort is made to help the student develop an analytical, practical, and realistic approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

There are two different concentrations available to students pursuing this degree. The "general" concentration focuses on project management and the construction process from the general contractor perspective. The "development" concentration focuses on the entrepreneurial and economic aspects of construction from the owner or developer perspective.

Upon graduation most students pursue careers with construction firms. Typical entry level positions include: project engineer; safety engineer; scheduling engineer; assistant cost engineer; assistant superintendent; assistant project manager; quality control engineer; assistant estimator. Opportunities are not limited to these areas, however, as many graduates start their careers with equipment or material suppliers, development firms, specialty contractors, lenders, or owners.

The demand for constructors in Georgia, and particularly in the Atlanta area, has been so great that employers have been forced to recruit out-of-state to hire graduates with construction management degrees. As a result, the program at Southern Polytechnic State University was established through the financial support of the members and associate members of the Georgia Branch of The Associated General Contractors of America, Inc.

Southern Polytechnic State University is a member of Associated Schools of Construction (ASC). ASC is an association of colleges and universities with construction related curricula, and individuals who are interested in construction education. The fundamental objective of the ASC is to establish, advance, and sustain construction education as a unique and progressive academic discipline. The establishment and nurturing of the construction program is evidence of Southern Polytechnic State University’s commitment to this objective.

 
 
First Year
 
First Semester
Hours Per Week
Class Lab Credit Hours
Area E   Group 1 3 0 3
CNST 1000 Orientation to Construction and Development 1 2 2
CNST 2000 Construction Graphics 2 4 4
ENGL 1101 English Composition I 3 0 3
MATH 1113 Precalculus 4 0 4
SPCH 2400 Public Speaking 2 0 2
Total 15 6 18
 
 
Second Semester
 
Area D Lab Science 3 3 4
CNST 3000 Computer Applications in Construction 1 3 2
ENGL 1102 English Composition II 3 0 3
MATH 2240 Survey of Calculus 3 0 3
PHYS  1111K* Introductory Physics I 3 3 4
Total 13 9 16
 
 
Second Year
 
First Semester
Hours Per Week
Class Lab Credit Hours
Area E   Group 3 3 0 3
CNST 3110 Building Techniques and Methods I 3 2 4
IET 2227 Industrial Statistics 3 3 4
STS 2400 Science, Technology, and Society 2 0 2
SURV 2200 Construction Measurements 3 3 4
Total 14 8 17
 
 
Second Semester
 
Area D Lab Science** 3 3 4
ACCT 2101 Accounting I 3 0 3
CET 2200 Introduction to Structures 4 0 4
CNST 3160 Building Techniques and Methods II 3 2 4
Total 13 5 15

*If PHYS 1111K was taken to satisfy Area D, Lab Science, a 4-hour Construction Elective can be substituted.

**CHEM 1211K is recommended.

NOTE: For more information about Areas C, D, and E courses, see the "Core Curriculum" section under "Admission Information."

 
 
General Concentration
Third Year
 
First Semester
Hours Per Week
Class Lab Credit Hours
Area C Group 1 3 0 3
CET 4220 Soils and Concretes in Construction 3 3 4
CNST 3410 Construction Estimating I 3 2 4
CNST 3620† Construction Finance and Feasibility 4 0 4
Total 13 5 15
 
 
Second Semester
 
CNST 3210† Applied Structures I 4 0 4
CNST 3420† Construction Estimating II 3 2 4
CNST 4510 Scheduling 4 0 4
ECON 1101* Introduction to Economics 3 0 3
Total 14 2 15
 
 
Fourth Year
 
First Semester
Hours Per Week
Class Lab Credit Hours
Area E Group 2 3 0 3
CNST 4560† Construction Project Management 4 0 4
CNST 4710 Construction Safety 4 0 4
CNST 4800† Construction Process Simulation 1 6 3
MGNT 3105 Management and Organizational Behavior 3 0 3
Total 15 6 17
 
 
Second Semester
 
Area C Group 2 3 0 3
Area E Group 4 3 0 3
CNST 3260† Applied Structures II 2 2 3
CNST 4760 Construction Law 4 0 4
CNST 4900 Capstone Project 1 6 4
Total 13 8 17
Degree Program Total 130

*If ECON 1101 was taken to satisfy Area E, Group 3, a 3-hour Construction Elective can be substituted.

† Unique to the "General" Concentration

 
 
Development Concentration
Third Year
 
First Semester
Hours Per Week
Class Lab Credit Hours
CET 4220 Soils and Concretes in Construction 3 3 4
CNST 3310†† Development Planning 3 0 3
CNST 3410 Construction Estimating I 3 2 4
CNST 4510 Scheduling 4 0 4
Total 13 5 15
 
 
Second Semester
 
Area C 3 0 3
CNST 3430†† Construction Estimating III 2 2 3
CNST 3710†† Site Planning 3 2 4
CNST 4570†† Development Process I 4 0 4
ECON 1101* Introduction to Economics 3 0 3
Total 15 4 17
 
 
Fourth Year
 
First Semester
Hours Per Week
Class Lab Credit Hours
Area E Group 2 3 0 3
CNST 4620†† Development Process II 4 0 4
CNST 4710 Construction Safety 4 0 4
CNST 4770†† Development Law 4 0 4
Total 15 0 15
 
 
Second Semester
 
Area C Group 2 3 0 3
Area E Group 4 3 0 3
CNST 4760 Construction Law 4 0 4
CNST 4900 Capstone Project 1 6 4
MGNT 3105 Management and Organizational Behavior 3 0 3
Total 14 6 17
Degree Program Total 130

*If ECON 1101 was taken to satisfy Area E, Group 3, a 3-hour Construction Elective can be substituted.

†† Unique to the "Development" Concentration