About
Construction is one of the largest industries in the world today. Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Building Sciences with a concentration in Construction Management develops students’ skills in both the management and technological aspects of the construction industry, so they can become leaders in construction and construction-related industries.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts, 78,000 new construction manager positions will be filled by 2022. Construction management ranks 15th among STEM careers and 37th among the 100 best job opportunities, according to a recent U.S. News & World Report study.
Being a construction manager requires significant coordination and planning, and the ability to think critically and synthetically. As a student, you will take courses in building systems, materials and methods of construction, planning and scheduling, cost estimating, statics and strength of structures, surveying, project management, building codes, and occupational safety, and also study sustainable architectural design in studio course environments. The program’s interdisciplinary approach to design and construction gives students the best possible exposure to the various tools needed to become a leader in the construction industry.
This degree is housed in the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment.
After Graduation
Employment: Students typically go right into jobs after graduation. Recent employers include:
- Balfour Beatty Construction
- Bovis Lend Lease
- Centex Homes
- Choate Construction
- DPR Construction
- Hickory Construction Company
- Landmark Builders of the Triad
- Skanska USA
- Turner Construction
- Vannoy Construction
- Whiting Turner Construction
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is not required. Suggested minors include:
- General Business
- Community and Regional Planning
Engagement Outside the Classroom
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) - a student organization acting as a cooperative between thousands of students in North America that is committed to providing a forum for ideas and a community of emerging architectural professionals.
Student Builders Association (SBA) - a student club that brings industry speakers to campus, makes connections with employers, visits innovative projects, participates in community service, and works with the High Country Homebuilders Association.
Professional Construction Estimators Association (PCEA) - the flagship student club of the PCEA, where members actively pursue their education and goal of becoming professional estimators.
Appalachian State University Habitat for Humanity - a student service club that assists the Watauga County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity through fundraising, volunteering, and construction workdays at various project sites.
Renewable Energy Initiative - a committee of students, with faculty and staff advisors, that is responsible for allocating money towards the implementation of renewable energy on the Appalachian campus. The committee’s annual operating budget comes from a self-imposed student fee of $5 per student per semester.
Sustainability Council - a university group comprising more than 70 administrators, faculty, staff and students that sets and executes the vision for sustainability on the Appalachian campus.
Student Competitions
- Associated Schools of Construction Student Competition
- Residential Construction Management Competition
- North Carolina Sustainable Building Design Competition
- Sigmon Memorial Scholarship Masonry Design Competition
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
Building Science’s faculty-led, short-term study abroad programs and their focus include:
- Austria and Switzerland: Renewable Energy and Architecture
- Nicaragua and Costa Rica: Sustainable Technology
- Peru: Building and Designing for Nature
- South Korea and Taiwan: Sustainable Energy and Architecture
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- This program takes a holistic educational approach toward building science, making students well prepared for a productive career in the field or for advanced study of construction management.
- Students enjoy many opportunities to gain hands-on experiential and applied interdisciplinary learning in this degree program. Examples: students’ successful competition in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlonand the Solar Decathlon Europe, and the IDEXlab where students design, build and perform real projects for real clients with real needs.
- Faculty members’ interdisciplinary expertise assures meaningful research opportunities for students on topics including: high performance construction assemblies, energy efficient building systems, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), design-build and prefabrication, design virtualization and energy modeling, and sustainable design and construction.
- A professional internship is required as a capstone experience, providing students the opportunity to apply their coursework and gain practical experience.
- Special Topics Courses are offered each semester as electives to address current or future issues facing the building industry.
Location
Boone campus, with select courses offered online
Careers
- Construction Manager
- Consultant
- Contractor
- Home Builder
- Industrial Engineer
- Project Manager
View more career possibilities
Contacts
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment
Dr. Andrew Windham
Program Director
windhamaw@appstate.edu
828-262-8224
buildingscience.appstate.edu