The School of Computing & Engineering has launched a new Bachelor of Science in construction management, connecting construction education with business and hands-on experience as the university prepares students for careers managing projects.
The program requires no previous construction experience. According to Prof. Kevin Bowlyn, construction management program director in the School of Computing & Engineering, students progress from concepts to advanced topics while completing about 51 credits in construction-related coursework and a business minor.
|Sacred Heart University|
“The Construction Management program is a 120 credit bachelor’s degree that integrates construction, business, mathematics, science, and general education,” Bowlyn said.
Students study construction methods and materials, safety, estimating, scheduling, project management, contracts and construction technology. The curriculum is also being developed to pursue accreditation through the American Council for Construction Education.
The program grew from Sacred Heart’s existing engineering programs and its experience managing construction projects on campus. Prof. Tolga Kaya, director of engineering in the School of Computing & Engineering, said the university saw an opportunity to connect the engineering, business and operations sides of Sacred Heart through construction management.
“We figured construction management could be a good bridge to connect not only the management, the business side of the University, the engineering side of the school and also the University’s main operations,” Kaya said.
Kaya said students can gain technical skills while learning to manage projects at a broader level. Students learn how to read design drawings and understand technical elements while also considering stakeholders, the public and ethical issues surrounding a project.
“The biggest opportunity is to basically manage the construction projects at a higher level in a different way,” Kaya said. “So a little bit technical, but at the same time also a social level that you would be a business leader in the project.”
According to Bowlyn, industry discussions and workforce data showed a demand for construction management skills.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction manager employment is expected to increase 9 percent between 2025 and 2035, with about 49,700 openings projected each year. Construction managers typically organize, coordinate, budget and oversee projects until completion.
The program also includes about seven business courses through the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology. Kaya said these courses allow students to earn a business minor and prepare them to look at construction projects from a management perspective.
Another focus of the curriculum is hands-on experience. According to Bowlyn, through interaction with construction professionals, students will be able to solve problems, work in teams, complete projects and experience real-life situations.
University construction managers and operations personnel are involved in developing the program as well, giving students the opportunity to learn from individuals working on construction projects, according to Kaya.
Internships are also expected to provide students with industry experience. Kaya explained that students should have on and off-campus opportunities, including paid opportunities beginning early in their college careers. Students may go on to work on commercial, residential and public sector projects.
Bowlyn said the program also offers students the opportunity to earn safety credentials recognized by the industry, including OSHA-10 and OSHA-30.
Construction management courses are expected to begin in fall 2027. With students already expressing interest in the program, the university is also considering offering a course as early as spring 2027.
