Question of the Month: What can a Master of Science in Construction Management degree from Roger Williams University do for you?

With more than 40 undergraduate courses of study and over a dozen graduate programs—it can open doors. While the Roger Williams University (RWU) offers graduate degrees and certificates ranging from architecture and digital forensics to clinical psychology and law, I'd like to speak to you specifically about the Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM). First—some background. When RWU was considering the possibility of expanding the construction management program to include the option for graduate study, we spent our time in research and communication; not just internally but with industry professionals and with prominent companies throughout the New England region. In essence, the MSCM was built around industry needs, ensuring that our graduates have the exact skill set employers are looking for. And, as our program grows, we continue to collaborate with our partners, creating an industry-centered program and providing top employees with advanced knowledge of the construction field. Our graduates are our best assets. Because the Roger Williams University Master of Science in Construction Management is outcomes driven, we ensure that our students are receiving the most up-to-date, relevant construction management education possible. Our goal is to provide a superior, post-graduate education that will enhance our students' ability to contribute in the construction industry at the very highest levels. The ideal student comes to our program with 3 to 5 years of experience with an undergraduate architecture, construction, engineering or business degree. Often, they are chosen by their companies to participate in our program, and those companies see a return on investment almost immediately—through new skills and an improved understanding of the field. Our program is interdisciplinary in nature with construction students sharing the classroom with students from architecture and historic preservation and other majors. Students are taught by faculty members from the schools of business, law, architecture, art & historic preservation, and engineering, computing & construction management. Our faculty members are experts in their fields, and impart their knowledge and experience to students. Through their courses, our students gain financial and planning expertise, the ability to plan for change and optimize the value of change in a global construction marketplace, learn to lead multidisciplinary teams and gain the expertise required to execute construction in a global, economic and societal context. In short, they are equipped to be leaders in any construction task they take on. Of course, I can't talk about the program without discussing the fact that it is completely online. Thanks to our partnerships and consistent collaborations, and after many discussions with faculty, industry leaders, and students, we chose our online-distance delivery program delivery model. It allows our students the flexibility they need with the faculty experts they want. Whether graduate or undergraduate, we instill the University's core values in all students who attend RWU. One of the most important core values for the MSCM is the concept of life-long learning. The field of construction is always changing, and as new technologies become available, it is increasingly important that construction managers understand all of the tools available to them. Our graduates continue to grow intellectually while keeping informed of new concepts and developments in the construction industry always displaying the highest standards of ethical conduct. Our graduates are ready to assume a leadership role in the advancement of the construction management profession and community outreach activities, while serving as role models for the future generation of constructors and the RWU construction management students. So...what can a degree from RWU do for you? Just about anything you put your mind to. Find out more about the MSCM and all of our programs online at www.rwu.edu. Dr. Gilbert Brunnhoeffer, P.E., School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management, Roger Williams University, Bristol, R.I.