Master of Science In Construction Management

BUILDING THE LEADERS WHO BUILD HAWAIʻI’S FUTURE 

Construction projects require skilled leaders who can manage schedules, budgets, contracts, risk, safety, and teams while delivering successful project outcomes. Hawaiʻi Pacific University's Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM) prepares students to advance into construction leadership, project management, operations management, and executive roles through a curriculum focused on practical industry application rather than traditional engineering design. 

Developed in partnership with the General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi (GCA Hawaiʻi), the MSCM program combines construction management, project management, leadership, cost control, scheduling, procurement, contracts, and risk management into a comprehensive graduate education experience. Delivered online with optional hybrid course sections, the program is designed for working professionals seeking career advancement within the construction industry while earning a master's degree in as few as 12 months.

LEARN BY DOING WITH SKILLS-BASED LEARNING

Successful construction leaders must balance technical knowledge with project leadership, operational decision-making, financial management, and team coordination. HPU's Master of Science in Construction Management curriculum is designed to help students develop the skills needed to lead construction projects, manage risk, control costs, and support organizational success across a variety of construction environments. 

Unlike programs that emphasize engineering design, the MSCM focuses on the business, operational, and leadership aspects of construction management. Students build expertise in project delivery, scheduling, cost control, procurement, contracts, safety, compliance, and risk management while developing the leadership skills necessary to guide teams and projects from planning through completion. 

Construction Project Management & Leadership 

Develop the knowledge and decision-making skills required to lead construction projects and teams. Coursework explores project planning, project delivery methods, leadership principles, stakeholder management, and the strategies construction managers use to keep projects moving forward successfully. 

Scheduling, Cost Control & Project Performance 

Construction leaders are responsible for delivering projects on time and within budget. Students learn advanced project scheduling, project controls, cost management, resource planning, and performance monitoring techniques that support effective project execution. 

Contracts, Procurement & Risk Management 

Understanding contracts, procurement processes, compliance requirements, and risk mitigation is essential for successful project delivery. Students explore the legal and operational considerations that influence project outcomes while developing the skills needed to manage risk throughout the project lifecycle. 

Safety, Compliance & Construction Operations 

Construction managers play a critical role in maintaining safe and productive work environments. Coursework examines safety management, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and best practices that support successful construction operations and workforce performance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Master of Science in Construction Management? 

Graduates of HPU's MSCM program are prepared for leadership and project management roles throughout the construction industry. Career pathways may include Construction Manager, Project Manager, Superintendent, Operations Manager, Project Controls Manager, Construction Executive, Facilities Manager, and related leadership positions. The skills developed through the program are applicable across commercial, residential, infrastructure, facilities, and public-sector construction projects. 

What is construction management? 

Construction management is the planning, coordination, and oversight of construction projects from concept through completion. Construction managers are responsible for managing schedules, budgets, contracts, safety, risk, quality, personnel, and project delivery to ensure successful outcomes. HPU's MSCM program focuses on developing the leadership and management skills required to guide projects and teams rather than performing engineering design work. 

How is construction management different from civil engineering? 

Civil engineering focuses on the design, analysis, and technical development of infrastructure and structures. Construction management focuses on project execution, leadership, scheduling, cost control, contracts, safety, risk management, and operations. HPU's MSCM prepares students to lead construction projects and organizations rather than pursue engineering design careers. 

What skills will I develop in HPU's MSCM program? 

Students develop skills in construction project management, project scheduling and control, cost management, procurement, contracts, risk management, safety and compliance, leadership, communication, and construction operations. These competencies help graduates manage projects, teams, budgets, and stakeholders while supporting successful project delivery. 

Can I complete the MSCM degree while working full-time? 

Yes. The MSCM program is delivered online with optional hybrid course sections and utilizes accelerated 8-week terms. This format allows many students to balance graduate education with professional responsibilities while developing skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace. 

What makes HPU's MSCM program different from other construction management master's degrees? 

HPU's MSCM was developed in partnership with the General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi (GCA Hawaiʻi) and focuses on construction leadership, project management, and operations rather than engineering design. The program combines industry-aligned curriculum, experienced practitioner faculty, accelerated online delivery, and ACCE-aligned learning outcomes to prepare students for advancement within the construction industry. 

Do I need a construction, engineering, or business background to enroll? 

No prior business degree is required. The program is designed for construction professionals as well as individuals from related fields such as facilities management, engineering support, architecture support, military engineering, government construction, project management, and other professional backgrounds seeking to advance into construction leadership roles. 

How long does it take to complete the MSCM degree? 

The Master of Science in Construction Management consists of 30 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 12 months. The accelerated format allows students to progress efficiently while maintaining professional and personal commitments. 

What industries and employers hire construction management graduates? 

Construction management professionals work for general contractors, specialty contractors, developers, consulting firms, engineering and design-build organizations, facilities management companies, government agencies, military construction organizations, and infrastructure firms. Construction leadership skills are in demand wherever projects require effective planning, coordination, budgeting, scheduling, and execution. 

How does the GCA Hawaiʻi partnership benefit students? 

The General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi (GCA Hawaiʻi) partnership helps ensure that the curriculum reflects current industry practices, workforce needs, and employer expectations. Students benefit from a program developed with direct industry input, strengthening the relevance of the skills and knowledge they gain while preparing them for advancement within the construction industry.