Construction Technology and Management FAQs

The construction industry offers exciting and rewarding careers for individuals who enjoy the combination of intellectual challenge and hands on experiences. It also offers a sense of personal accomplishment as construction projects proceed through varying stages to final completion. The industry is composed of five major sectors: residential homes; commercial buildings; major civil projects such as roads and bridges; industrial projects such as production facilities; and environmental improvement projects. A construction manager typically has similar responsibilities in each sector – directing and coordinating all phases of the construction process from conceptual development through owner acceptance. Construction manager fundamental skills and education requirements are common across sectors and are fine-tuned and expanded with experience and training depending on special sector needs.

Construction managers typically are responsible for the overall project. They plan the project, manage project finances and budgets, coordinate the work of on-site labor and contractors, ensure the quality and safety of construction processes, and administer the contract for the owner. They ensure the project is done on time and within budget. To do this, they must know construction methods and technologies, and be able to interpret contracts and technical drawings.

Construction managers may choose to specialize and be responsible for the supervision of large labor crews on a job site.

Construction managers may be self-employed and own their own business. Often they are employed by general or specialty contractors, architecture or design firms, real estate developers, or construction management companies.

Construction managers work closely with the project owner as well as other construction professionals, such as architects and engineers, and the trades.

Students earn an Associate’s degree in a construction field on their way to earning the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. Each degree takes two years to complete.

Hands-on, practical education. Small lab sizes. Taught by faculty with significant real-world experience. Our graduates become leaders in the industry. Our graduates have a reputation for knowing exactly what to do when they enter the workforce and can immediately spend time getting to know a company’s culture.

Unless you have an AAS from Ferris in Architectural Technology, Building Construction Technology, or Civil Engineering Technology, you will not be able to enter into the CM program directly. There will be specific 100 and 200 level construction courses required prior to acceptance, depending upon the degree you have earned elsewhere.

All students take the same 100-level construction courses in their freshman year. The two Associate’s degrees have 4 separate classes that are taken during a student’s sophomore year. This allows students to learn more about the different degrees during their freshman year and lets them change their minds without impacting their path to graduation.

We do have a cohort in Grand Rapids for working individuals attending school part-time that works on a 3-year rotation. Students either complete their AAS degrees in Big Rapids or an AAS in Architectural Technology through GRCC prior to entry to the program. More information on this statewide offering is available here https://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/statewide/construction-management.htm

We have 3 student groups directly related to the program: ACS; SLC, and WIT.

Associated Construction Students (ACS) is open to all students. It is an umbrella student chapter for 7 different professional organizations that reach all segments of the construction industry. Members go on field trips, have guest speakers, pursue some certification training, participate in social events, and complete community service that improves their construction skills.

Sigma Lambda Chi (SLC) is our honor society. It is the scholastic international honorary society that serves the construction industry – its purpose is the recognition of outstanding students in construction. The top 20% of our juniors and seniors in the program are eligible to become members. Their focus is community service and tutoring of their fellow construction students.

Women in Technology (WIT) is open to all students. It participates in academic and social activities that enhance interest and involvement of women in traditionally male dominated professions. As an organization they hope to influence and increase female enrollment in CET academic programs with the direct result of strengthening female representation in the workplace.

No, an internship is not required, but students are highly encouraged to work in the construction industry in some capacity. Ferris State University hosts two career fairs during the school year and construction companies make up a good portion of the employers in attendance. In addition, we receive email job postings that are sent out to students. There is also opportunity for students to get in front of employers at student competitions, student group activities, and when employers come to present at the university throughout the semester.

Our program is accredited by ACCE; our Industry Advisory Board gives us constant feedback about their industry needs; and many of our faculty work/consult in the industry during the summer to keep the program on top of the knowledge and skills needed by a successful graduate.