Department of Construction Management

Build the future, one project at a time 

Planning meets execution in construction management. If you're drawn to problem-solving, leadership opportunities, teamwork, and seeing tangible results at the end of your day, Construction Management may be a good career path for you. Construction managers coordinate people, schedules, materials, and budgets to turn designs into reality, whether its a hospital, a highway, commercial buildings, or sustainable infrastructure. 

Careers in Construction Management span residential, commercial, and industrial construction, as well as transportation, energy, public works, real estate development, and more. With a degree in Construction Management, you can pursue career paths like project manager, estimator, scheduler, superintendent, safety manager, and owner representative. At the core of each of these career paths is the opportunity to lead teams and contribute to projects that shape communities. 

Why study Construction Management at NAU 

The Department of Construction Management at NAU is built around applied practice and strong industry connections. Through coursework and labs, you’ll learn how to read construction plans, manage risk, coordinate teams, and make decisions under pressure. Construction Management programs at NAU are grounded in intentional faculty support, practical training, and partnerships with construction firms that actively invest in NAU students. 

Learning outcomes 

As a Construction Management major at NAU, you will: 

• create construction project safety plans, project cost estimates, and project schedules. 
• apply electronic-based technology to manage the construction process and basic surveying techniques for construction layout and control. 
• understand different methods of project delivery and the roles and responsibilities of all constituencies involved in the design and construction process, as well as quality assurance, accounting, and cost control. 
• recognize the basic principles of sustainable construction, structural behavior, and HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. 

Student clubs and organizations 

You’ll find it easy to build community outside the classroom with student organizations dedicated to networking and leadership development specifically for construction management students. 

Clubs and organizations

• Construction Management Organization  
• Women in Construction at NAU 
• American Concrete Institute 

Construction for Practice (C4P) Lab  

Take on the role of a construction manager in a simulated environment when you’ll apply what you’re learning in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Experience the full project lifecycle in the C4P Lab, planning, estimating, scheduling, coordinating crews, managing budgets, and responding to real-world challenges. This immersive experience mirrors the demands of the job site and helps you build the experience and confidence to make decisions that you’ll face every day as a construction manager. 

Powered by industry collaboration 

A collaborative sponsorship program expands the Construction Management program at NAU, connecting industry to your education experience. Leading firms partner with the department to support students, shape curriculum, and share insight into current practices and emerging trends. These relationships keep NAU ahead of the curve and give you direct access to professionals who are eager to mentor, recruit, and invest in the next generation of construction leaders. 

Dedicated support 

The Construction Management program at NAU surrounds you with resources designed to help you thrive. Supported by a department that invests in your success, you’ll have the tools and network connections you’ll need to grow academically, professionally, and personally.  

Faculty mentorship 

You’ll experience a practical, student-focused approach to teaching and mentorship from Construction Management faculty. Learn from instructors who understand the realities of the construction industry and dedicate time to support your goals. NAU faculty mentors will help you connect your coursework to career paths, navigate internships, and build professional skills that employers are prioritizing.

Scholarships and financial assistance 

Scholarships funded by industry partners and professional associations help make Construction Management accessible and affordable. Weekly program updates will keep you informed about new scholarships, internships, and professional development opportunities, so you never miss an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of your future. You can browse scholarships available to Construction Management students on the Scholarship Universe website. 

Career readiness 

Career preparation is at the core of your experience in Construction Management at NAU. Seminars bring leading construction firms to campus, giving you direct exposure to projects, professionals, and trends shaping the industry. 

Each semester, more than 50 employers attend a career fair dedicated to Construction Management students, and most graduates complete two to three internships before completing their degree. You’ll also have the opportunity to compete in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) competition, where teams bid on and present real projects for industry review. It’s an intense, immersive experience alumni often describe as a highlight of their time at NAU.