Master of Science in Engineering Technology
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
AND TECHNOLOGY EMPHASIS
Thank you for considering the M.S. degree in engineering technology at Southern Miss. This information sheet is designed to answer many of your preliminary questions regarding our program, faculty, and admissions requirements. Also included are guidelines on when and how to apply to the program. Please contact the graduate director, Dr. Tulio Sulbaran, directly at 601.266.6419 or via e-mail at tulio.sulbaran@usm.edu if you have additional questions.
The Horizon of the Construction Industry
The booming construction industry has represented between
7-10% of the
The Program
The Construction Management and Technology (CMT) emphasis is designed to fulfill the needs of the growing construction industry by providing trained, technology-current construction graduates.
The program prepares students for executive management of Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) corporations and organizations. By combining the use of the latest technology, practical experience, and an advanced construction curriculum, the CMT emphasis provides an excellent course of study leading to advanced careers in construction management.
Program Location
The
The Curriculum
The CMT emphasis is a 34-credit
hour program. Students pursue advanced courses in estimating, scheduling, cost
engineering, risk management, international construction, and information
technology. Each student works closely
with their individual graduate committee to design a plan of study to build a
program tailored to their educational and career goals.
The thesis component of the graduate program in engineering technology is a vital part of the learning experience. The thesis allows great flexibility for students to customize their degrees to reflect their personal backgrounds, integrate their learning interests, utilize their committee support, and explore their potential. The research component of the degree plan assures problem-solving and critical thinking competencies, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.
The Faculty
The faculty expertise supporting
the CMT emphasis is both practically and academically sound. Active research, industry experience, scholarly
activity, and professional service are hallmarks of the Southern Miss CMT
faculty. Prospective students are
welcome to visit www.usm.edu/construction/graduate
to view the biographies of the
Placement
Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared for immediate roles in middle and upper management within the A/E/C industry. Graduates of the M.S. program in construction management are equipped to effectively perform the following tasks within the construction industry:
§ Schedule construction projects using the latest methods and technology
§ Prepare cost and schedule performance parameters
§ Model construction processes, flows, and crew balance
§ Estimate the cost of construction projects
§ Document the flow of construction project information
§ Implement project control methods and procedures
§ Apply accounting techniques to construction projects
§ Implement quality standards
§ Prepare effective communication documents
§ Deliver construction-related information effectively
Admission
Admission to the master’s in engineering technology is selective. Regular admission is contingent on having graduated from a college or university accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
In addition, the graduate admissions committee
recommends admittance only for those applicants whose academic background, work
experience, demonstrated leadership, and communication skills meet the
challenging demands of graduate programs. In evaluating applications, the
admissions committee utilizes the following criteria:
Pre-Masters Competency
- The CMT program emphasis
is available both to individuals that have a construction related
undergraduate degree and/or practicing experience in construction as well
as to those with no construction background. Individuals with no construction
background must demonstrate competency in fundamental construction
concepts by taking leveling courses.
Undergraduate
record
- The graduate committee will consider applicants from a range of undergraduate backgrounds.
- The cumulative grade point average (GPA) from all institutions, the area(s) of concentration, the balance of verbal/communication and quantitative/analytical courses, and the trend of grades are considered.
Graduate Admissions
Tests
- A candidate should strive
to achieve good, balanced scores in all areas on either the Graduate
Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Please
request that your official graduate test scores be sent directly to the
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Students whose native language is not English must achieve a TOEFL score of 550 or more.
Please visit the following Web sites to
register for and receive more information on these exams.
GMAT www.mba.com
GRE www.ets.org/gre
TOEFL www.ets.org/toefl
Work Experience
- Applicants are encouraged to submit resumes showing job responsibilities and accomplishments.
- While work experience is not required for admission, two or more years of relevant responsibility strengthens the likelihood of admission to the program.
Three Letters of Recommendation
- Each applicant should request three (3) recommendation letters (at least one of which addressing the applicant’s academic preparation) to be sent directly from the reviewer to the graduate director.
- The admission committee
reviews letters of recommendation to gain a more personal understanding of
the applicant’s leadership ability in terms of communication and
interpersonal skills.
Essay
- All applicants should submit a two-page essay, which provides the applicant an opportunity to demonstrate writing competency and communication skills.
- Applicants may utilize the essay component to provide the admissions committee with specific examples of demonstrated leadership, to discuss career plans, and to supply additional information that discusses what they will bring to and learn from the graduate program.
The Application
Process
Applicants should note that there are two
(2) addresses involved when submitting admissions documentation for evaluation
for graduate studies.
Please send your graduate application, $25 application fee, immunization records, GRE or GMAT scores, and official transcripts to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
The
601.266.5137
601.266.5138 (fax)
Your three letters of recommendation, along with your personal essay and resume, should be sent to:
Graduate Director
The
The
601.266.6419
601.266.5717 (fax)
www.usm.edu/construction/graduate
Admission Deadlines
Admission
deadlines for graduate students are June 15 (fall semester) and November 15
(spring semester). Students seeking assistantships for the fall semester are strongly
encouraged to apply prior to March 1.
AA/EOE/ADAI