Miami University launches new Construction Management minor, course offering, and scholarship
Miami’s new Construction Management minor prepares students across disciplines for careers in construction
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Published
The new Construction Management minor is available through the Department of Architecture and Interior Design, in partnership with the College of Engineering and Computing.
Miami University launches new Construction Management minor, course offering, and scholarship
Miami’s new Construction Management minor prepares students across disciplines for careers in construction
•
Published
Miami University students interested in careers in construction now have a new academic pathway and financial support to get there, thanks to a new Construction Management minor, a dedicated introductory course, and a scholarship in partnership with the Spirit of Construction Foundation.
The minor is available through the Department of Architecture and Interior Design, in partnership with the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC). Colleen Bush, assistant dean of external relations and communications for CEC, proposed the minor in 2023.
In her work connecting CEC with industry partners, Bush heard firsthand what construction companies were looking for in new hires.
"I heard from many construction companies that they love to hire engineers for project managers and that made me realize that many of the students at Miami University would thrive in the construction industry," Bush said.
The minor would appeal to many students interested in entering the construction field after graduation. Computer Science and Data Science and Statistics majors can evaluate and automate construction processes, while Geography and Sustainable Development majors can use drones to map sites and document construction progress.
Those majoring in Architecture, Accountancy, Real Estate, Geographic Information Science, Geology, and Urban and Regional Planning can also find success in construction.
“Really anyone who is interested in working in the construction field can benefit from this minor and the Introduction to Construction Management class,” Bush said.
The minor is available through the Department of Architecture and Interior Design, in partnership with the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC). Colleen Bush, assistant dean of external relations and communications for CEC, proposed the minor in 2023.
In her work connecting CEC with industry partners, Bush heard firsthand what construction companies were looking for in new hires.
"I heard from many construction companies that they love to hire engineers for project managers and that made me realize that many of the students at Miami University would thrive in the construction industry," Bush said.
The minor would appeal to many students interested in entering the construction field after graduation. Computer Science and Data Science and Statistics majors can evaluate and automate construction processes, while Geography and Sustainable Development majors can use drones to map sites and document construction progress.
Those majoring in Architecture, Accountancy, Real Estate, Geographic Information Science, Geology, and Urban and Regional Planning can also find success in construction.
“Really anyone who is interested in working in the construction field can benefit from this minor and the Introduction to Construction Management class,” Bush said.
John Sodergren, a Mechanical Engineering major, received a scholarship through the Spirit of Construction Foundation.
Junior John Sodergren and senior Coen Reed, both Mechanical Engineering majors, were the inaugural Miami recipients, honored at the Spirit of Construction Foundation’s inaugural Scholarship Breakfast on Sept. 24.
“The scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies and NROTC commitments while worrying less about my finances. It’s helped me prepare for the future as well,” Sodergren said.
Sodergren is in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) and has signed off to be a Nuclear Power Officer for the Navy after graduation, working to improve nuclear reactors on aircraft carriers.
Reed is part of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program, where he is preparing for a role in managing the lifecycle of the Navy’s nuclear fleet after graduation. He’s also a member of the Lilly Leadership Institute, a multi-year certificate program focusing on personal and strategic leadership.
Accompanying the new minor is the CEC 325 Introduction to Construction Management course. The main topics of the course include learning to read construction drawings and terminology, as well as studying safety protocols, construction law, and contract management.
Students will also learn about essential construction methods, equipment, estimates and costs, financial planning, scheduling, project control, quality assurance, structural systems, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) systems. Construction professionals will join the class to talk about their careers, specific projects, standard construction activities, and provide site visits.
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the College of Engineering and Computing? Visit the website for more information.