Construction Management

Type of Offering

Major

College

Arts & Sciences School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Opportunities Abound

Our construction management students and alums are doing some great things! Scroll through the photos and click to learn more.

Michael Ticchione: volunteer firefighter

Lauren Givins, BS 21, safety engineer

Drone Day Takes Flight at ONU

Cameron Shively: Developing Essential Skills

Cameron Shively construction management student

Dylan McDevitt, BS 26

Dylan McDevitt, construction management graduate

As a construction management major, you will take courses in materials, construction design, surveying, soils, project estimation, management, and more. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning. You’ll spend a lot of time in the lab and in the field. And you’ll tackle actual projects for real clients. These experiences will teach you how to work on teams, communicate effectively, problem-solve and think critically. With these skills, you’ll be in demand in the workforce.

Large institutions just can’t provide the individualized attention and opportunity you’ll find here. Our construction management students visit and observe job sites. They assist professors with research, participate in national competitions, and intern at leading construction firms. They also star on our sports teams and lead student organizations.

Here, you won’t get lost in the crowd. You’ll be part of close-knit family. You’ll enjoy small class sizes and amazing friendships with your classmates. Our dedicated professors will get to know you. They will support you in your coursework, co-ops or internships, and career preparations. They will become personally invested in your success and open doors for you.

Upon graduation, you’ll be armed with the construction management skills to carve out a terrific career!

Solid Outcomes

100% of graduates in the last six years have landed full-time employment or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation
$58,000 -$75,000 average starting salary for construction management graduates
ATMAE the only private university to have programs accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
11:1 ONU student-faculty ratio

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COURSES, CURRICULUM & PROGRAM RESOURCES

As a construction management major, you’ll appreciate a flexible curriculum with opportunities to add a minor and participate in a co-op or internships. Courses include: Construction Design, Applied Soils, Project Management, Concrete Applications, Surveying and Bidding & Estimating.

Strategic real-world industry experience

A co-op or internship puts you on the fast track to a great job. Check out where we place students for real-world learning.

Harness the power of technology

If you like to learn with your hands, you’ve come to the right place. Our labs are equipped with the latest high-tech equipment, and you’ll spend lots of time in them working on projects.

Industry tour

Construction management students touring a work site

Working on real-life projects

Construction management student working on a project

Student design projects

Studying computer drawings

Construction management student on a laptop

Student tour of the Industry

Award winning competition teams

This lab provides a location where students can gain experience and skills in multiple aspects of sustainability; from solar, wind, geothermal and others. The lab is set up as a location where students can conduct experiments, engage in learning activities, and gain introductory to advanced knowledge of sustainability and its impact on our global community.
This lab provides the resources for the student to evaluate the principles of soil mechanics as it relates to general construction and foundation systems including footings, piles, caissons, cofferdams and other substructures. Exercises will be conducted to determine the engineering properties of soils, soil exploration, compaction, water in soil, consolidation and settlement, soil strength, foundation design, and slope stability. These principles will be applied to realistic problems and tests for the student to solve to demonstrate their comprehension. The lab will also explore concrete mixes and foundation design that will meet the project requirements for strength and durability. The student will also obtain knowledge in regard to specifications, which are the written description of the project.
This lab provides learning skills in non-metallic processing such as plastics rotational molding, vacuum forming, compression molding and injection molding. It also introduces ceramics and composite materials.
Laser and Additive Manufacturing Lab is a state-of-the-art digital manufacturing space that allows students the opportunity to prototype their designs. The lab offers access to laser cutting, 3D printing, 3D scanning and large format color plotting.
The lab is designed as an open resource for students conducting research, completing capstones or holding small group meetings for student organizations.
This lab gives knowledge essential to the safe operation, application and maintenance of manufacturing equipment used in metallic fastening and joining, casting and fabricating processes. It also gives students the ability to evaluate and draw conclusions regarding methods and techniques utilized in the fabricating process.
This lab provides laboratory experience with mechanical systems, fluid systems and energy converters to develop tinkering and analytical skills.
In this lab, students gain knowledge essential to the safe operation, application and maintenance of manufacturing equipment used in metallic machining processes. They gain the ability to evaluate and draw conclusions regarding methods and techniques utilized in the machining process.
This lab offers testing using the universal testing machine (tensile, compression, etc.), hardness testing and microstructure investigations using a metallurgical microscope. Additional testing can be accomplished using CMM machines and material specific apparatus that provide the student with opportunities to explore the impact materials have on their different uses.
This lab is composed of general purpose wood-material processing equipment and tools to provide students with the opportunity to prototype, build and establish manufacturing and construction production applications; build apparatus; and practice safe work procedures.
This lab is designed to have its own VLAN for computer networking-related projects. It provides you opportunities to design and simulate local area network and wide area network environments using Cisco routers and switches.
This lab provides an environment that is responsive to technological advances in computer tools. Applications include advanced 3D and 4D design applications with industry preferred programs.
In this lab, students gain familiarity and basic competency in applications of advanced digital manufacturing software for computer simulation and ergonomics, along with team experience in an industrial project with professionals at local companies.
This lab exposes the student to the setup, programming and operation of robots with integrations with CNC mills and turning centers. Students are exposed to vision systems, RFID, and multiple robotic interfaces using both simulation programs and actual robotic collaboration.
The Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) lab helps illustrate the fundamental concepts of automated control through a series of laboratory experiments that range across multiple courses utilizing industrial robots, PLCs and NC machines.
The electronics laboratory has 14 computer stations, four soldering stations and 10 residential wiring trainers. The lab illustrates the fundamental concepts of electricity, electronic instrumentation, circuitry, power transmission and wiring for construction.
This lab provides an environment that is responsive to technological advances in the construction and manufacturing industries. Applications include MS Office, On Center, Planswift, Primavera, Abode Macromedia Studio, Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, Inventor and Automation Studio.

Come see any of the professors here. They say we are a family, and they will prove to you that they really care for you like family. You simply will not find professors that care for each individual student like they do in a large university – the very reason I chose it here.”

Adam Lenhoff, construction management major

Students walking across campus during the fall.

Student is photographed on a construction site.

Compete, learn, lead

Nothing compares to the intensity and excitement of a competition! Join with ONU teammates and match your knowledge and problem-solving skills against teams from the Big 10 and Pac 12.

Get an in-depth look at the real world of manufacturing technology and construction management. This two-day experience takes place every spring. Students embark on a guided tour of several different companies, exploring project sites, observing work-in-progress, and meeting with and asking questions of company employees. Every other summer, we sponsor a 12-day international Tour of Industries to Germany (Munich, Bavaria and Berlin) and Switzerland.
Every year students in manufacturing technology and construction management participate in approximately 7-9 regional and national competitions, pitting their knowledge and skills against students from other colleges. Alumni and representatives from local companies often assist in coaching our teams. Recent accomplishments include:
- - AGC Scholarship award winners – 2016., 2017, 2018, 2019
  - RCA Scholarship Award winners – 2017, 2018, 2019
  - 1st place Ohio Contractors Association Competition – 2019
  - 3rd place ASC region #3 heavy civil competition – 2018
  - 2nd place – “Newbie” uc competition residential – 2018
  - 2nd place ASC Region #3 commercial Competition – 2016
  - Studet Research presentation ATMAE – 2017
    
    Title: Energy Needs of an ATMAE Approved Program
Assist a professor with a research project, co-author a paper, develop a research presentation, or present findings at a regional or national meeting of a professional organization. These opportunities are here for you to grab!
Join a student organization for professional development and networking. Our seven student organizations in technological studies are active and engaged. For example, our chapter of Epsilon Pi Tau, an international honorary for technology students, has won the Region 3 Chapter-of-the-Year award many times, beating universities such as Ohio State, Bowling Green State and Eastern Michigan.
Give back to others by participating in community service projects. In the past few years, our students have tackled projects like building special equipment for handicapped people in the community, helping with Habitat for Humanity, and building a ramp at ONU’s Metzger Nature Center.

The Sound of Science

Listen to the sounds you can make in a science-related field of study at ONU.

End game: a fulfilling construction management career

Our construction management graduates are making a positive impact and a good living doing work that they love. Check out where they’ve ended up.

Careers Opportunities in Construction Management:
- Estimator
- Assistant project manager
- Crew leader
- Scheduler
- BIM designer
- Logistics manager
- Field engineer
- Site superintendent
- Project coordinator
- Facilities manager

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike massive lecture-hall environments, ONU focuses on highly individualized attention and a 100% hands-on approach. Our students don’t just read about building systems—they actively test materials, learn surveying on the campus grounds, and visit major active commercial job sites. Because of our tight-knit environment, you’ll work directly with experienced faculty, participate in national student estimating competitions, and tackle real-world capstone projects for actual clients before you graduate.
- Actionable Step: When you schedule a campus tour, request a walkthrough of our technology and engineering spaces to see the specialized labs where our majors work.
Our students gain practical skills in state-of-the-art facilities across campus. Your student will spend significant time in the Geotechnical and Concrete Lab evaluating soil mechanics and designing concrete mixes for strength and durability. They will also utilize the Halderman Sustainability Lab to study solar, wind, and geothermal energy systems, and the Laser and Additive Manufacturing Lab for 3D scanning, 3D printing, and digital prototyping.
- Actionable Step: Check out the "Harness the power of technology" section on our department page to see the full list of specialized labs your student will use starting freshman year.
Our robust four-year curriculum blends the practical mechanics of building with essential business and leadership skills. Core courses include Construction Design, Project Management, Bidding & Estimating, Applied Soils, and Construction Surveying & Site Development. Additionally, because construction managers must lead teams and manage budgets, students take core business classes like Principles of Management and The Legal Environment of Business.
- Actionable Step: Review the complete four-year plan of study on our curriculum page to see how seamlessly the program balances technical design with business management.
While the program offers a highly flexible curriculum, participating in summer internships or co-ops is strongly encouraged and fully supported by our faculty. Gaining real-world experience at leading construction and contracting firms gives our students a massive competitive edge. These field experiences allow students to try out different sectors—like commercial building, heavy highway construction, or residential development—before committing to a career path.
- Actionable Step: Have your student visit the Polar Career Center during their first year to build a construction-specific resume and view available summer internship postings.
The return on investment for this program is exceptional. Our graduates typically achieve a 100% job placement rate within six months of graduation. The construction industry is one of the nation's largest sectors, and employers consistently seek out ONU graduates because they possess both the technical "know-how" and the communication skills required to lead complex project teams right out of college.
- Actionable Step: Take a look at our annual Student Performance and Achievement Information published online to see the career milestones and retention tracking of our recent cohorts.
A Bachelor of Science in Construction Management opens the door to a wide variety of high-paying, leadership-oriented career tracks. Our alumni frequently secure immediate placement as:
- Assistant Project Managers (coordinating logistics, scheduling, and client communication)
- Estimators / Bidders (calculating materials, labor, and project costs)
- Field Engineers / Site Superintendents (managing active, on-site daily construction operations)
- Safety Officers (ensuring regulatory compliance and workforce health)
- Actionable Step: Set up a profile on Handshake through ONU during orientation to connect with regional general contractors who actively recruit Polar Bears for these exact roles.

Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life

We would love to meet you and show you around!
Your health, safety and future are in good hands at Northern. We offer a host of services to keep you informed and meet your needs while you are on campus.

Construction Management

Opportunities Abound

Solid Outcomes

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COURSES, CURRICULUM & PROGRAM RESOURCES

Strategic real-world industry experience

Harness the power of technology

Halderman Sustainability Lab

Geotechnical and Concrete Lab

Non-Metallic Materials Lab

Laser and Additive Manufacturing Lab

Capstone Rooms

Metallic Materials Processes Lab

Fluid and Mechanical Systems Lab

Machining and Forming Lab

Material Testing Lab

Production Lab

Computer Networking Lab

Design Center

Digital Manufacturing and Simulation Lab (DMS)

Robotics Lab

Automation and Control Systems

Electronics Lab

Computer Applications

Compete, learn, lead

Tour of Industries

Competitions

Research and Conferences

Student Organizations

Service Learning

The Sound of Science

End game: a fulfilling construction management career

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes ONU’s Construction Management program different from larger universities?

What kind of hands-on lab experiences will my student have?

What courses are core to the Construction Management curriculum?

Are internships or co-ops required to graduate?

What is the job placement rate for ONU Construction Management graduates?

What specific career paths can a graduate pursue with this degree?

Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life

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