Bachelor of Science in Construction Science

The Construction Science Program prepares college graduates for entry-level management positions in the construction industry. The Program is part of the School of Architecture at Prairie View A&M University. Combined with the Architecture and Community Development programs it offers a unique, comprehensive and cooperative approach to the design/build process by aligning all three programs to work together on the virtual and built environment. The school has approximately 400 students enrolled and occupies the internationally published Nathelyne Archie Kennedy Architecture Building.

Construction is one of the largest industries in the U.S. Construction spending $1 trillion dollars each year. Nearly 10 million people are employed in some aspect of construction. Construction is broken down into major sectors: commercial [offices, schools, shopping centers, etc.]; residential [single and multi-family]; highway; industrial [power plants and petrochemical facilities]; and specialty. All of these sectors need new talent and are constantly recruiting college graduates to work in project management, estimating, scheduling, and procurement.

Employment in the construction industry is not just with construction contractors, although contractors in all sectors eagerly recruit college construction graduates with excellent starting salaries. Owners--cities, counties, school districts and state agencies like TXDOT--all have a demand for construction science graduates to manage various aspects of the design/build process. Excellent construction positions are also available with developers, consultants, suppliers and vendors. Many college construction graduates go to work for the industry for several years and then establish their own construction businesses.

The State of Texas is growing 25% faster that the U.S and double its population by 2040. Recent reports indicate that the state will need 3.8 million more residential units and 3 billion SF of non-residential space, replacement of 2.2 million current residences, and renovation of 9.2 billion SF of non-residential space. This will be an economic impact of $3.3 trillion. In fact, one-half of the buildings we will use in 2030, did NOT exist in 2005.

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that an additional 1,000,000 construction jobs from 2002-2012 (15%↑) will be needed nationwide. This will result in a total employment of employment of 7.8 million jobs and construction will remain among our economy’s top 10 sources of job growth.

A major concern of the Texas Workforce Commission and the Associated General Contractors is the shortage of labor-particularly MANAGEMENT! BLS predicts the need for 47,000 new Construction Manager positions by 2012!

This memorandum is to respond to the inquiry by the Academic Council regarding the actual courses that are required in order for a student to receive a second baccalaureate degree in Construction Science as permitted by university regulations. The list of courses was originally prepared by Dr. James Smith, PE while serving as our consultant in 2006. Also included in this document those courses that are “highly recommended” by general contractors for those students desiring to obtain a minor in construction science. Both degrees are becoming more attractive to students in Architecture and Engineering as the design/build method of project delivery becomes more prevalent. At present we have approximately three dozen students pursuing one of these degree combinations.

Students could declare their intent to earn a second degree or a minor in Construction Science any time after the completion of their sophomore year. At that time they should have completed their core classes as well as those classes “shared in common” with the architecture program.. Ideally, students would accomplish their internship, CONS 4403, in the summer between their junior and senior year.

The official forms designating this course structure should be compiled by Peter Wood. Once the forms have been approved by you r office we should have Mr. Wood prepare a submission to the Academic Council for formal adoption.