SPDC Graduate Degrees

Master's Programs

Construction Management - Master of Science

The Construction Management Master of Science degree is designed to provide breadth in the managerial, technological, economic and environmental aspects of construction. The program is also designed to provide depth and breadth through a systems approach encompassing project management, estimating, scheduling and project controls, housing, land acquisition and development, architectural and engineering design, construction technology, real estate, finance, business management and marketing.

The aim of this degree is to prepare students to become globally engaged citizen-leaders in the built environment. Thesis (Plan A) and non-thesis (Plan B) options are available. Students who anticipate careers in teaching, consulting or research, or who plan to pursue a doctoral program, are encouraged to select Plan A. After the student’s academic advisor has approved the student’s program of study under Plan A, the student may not pursue the program under Plan B without the approval of the school.

Students who are enrolled in the master’s program in construction management often take courses from construction management, civil engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, urban & regional planning, accounting, management, labor and industrial relations, resource development, statistics or education. Students may work directly with one or more faculty members on an independent basis to cover material that is not available through regular courses.

This degree requires a total of 30 credits for Plan A (with thesis) or 33 credits for Plan B (without thesis). Check out the CM Master's degree requirements and download the CM Master's Degree Graduate Handbook (2017, 20182019, 2020). All graduate students must complete and have a signed 2016 Academic Program of Study on file with the School. Note: This PDF is an Acrobat form and must be opened with the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If a “Please wait…” page pops up when you clicked the PDF link, then go back to the previous page and simply right-click on the link from your browser and select save. Then, you can open up the file using your Adobe Acrobat Reader software. Students should consult with their faculty advisor and file original and amended forms as appropriate.

View more information about this degree at CM Graduate Degrees.

Master of Arts in Environmental Design (MED)

The Master of Arts in Environmental Design degree in SPDC is shared by the Interior Design and the Landscape Architecture programs. The MED program is a post-professional degree that provides graduate students with advanced knowledge and understanding. We train prospective or practicing professionals to address the complex interdisciplinary nature of environmental design.

The graduate program is designed to provide an alternative to traditional professional degrees by addressing the needs of students with undergraduate design backgrounds who wish to work in an interdisciplinary setting while pursuing an area of individual interest.

Students will develop a highly individualized program of study with the guidance of their faculty advisors. Students who are enrolled in the MED program will be able to take courses on human environment and design, construction management, social science, environmental resource development, urban planning, statistics or education, in addition to courses in each major.

Professional Development Areas

The MED addresses four areas of professional development. These include:

  1. Acquisition of in-depth knowledge in the area of environmental design theory;
  2. Development of problem-solving skills within an interdisciplinary professional context;
  3. Development of technological expertise and knowledge based in a selected area of environmental design; and
  4. Advanced ability in graphic, written and oral communications skills.

A student must complete 33 course credits for the degree under either Plan A (thesis option) or Plan B (report option). Check out the MED Graduate Handbook (2017, 20182019, 2020). All graduate students must complete and have a signed 2016 Academic Program of Study on file with the School. Students should consult with their faculty advisor and file original and amended forms as appropriate. Note: This PDF is an Acrobat form and must be opened with the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If a “Please wait…” page pops up when you clicked the PDF link, then go back to the previous page and simply right-click on the link from your browser and select save. Then, you can open up the file using your Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

View more information about this degree at ID Masters Degree or LA Masters Degree.

Urban and Regional Planning - Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP)

The Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) degree program is nationally recognized by the Planning Accreditation Board.

This degree program is committed to preparing students for professional planning careers in both the private and public sectors, and seeks to develop both general planning knowledge and specific skills for practice. Current faculty research and teaching expertise covers a wide range of planning subjects, including urban design; land use planning; land use law; housing; community, economic and real estate development; research methods; international development; transportation; environmental planning; and public policy.

A student entering the graduate program in urban and regional planning is expected to concentrate, under faculty guidance, on studies that provide an optimum learning experience in applying the various principles, theories, techniques, and design skills of planning to specific field problems. Unlike undergraduates, whose studies are divided between liberal education and technical studies, the graduate student is immersed in significant planning studies and research. The graduate program is designed to provide professional competence. After graduation, the student should be capable of assuming responsibilities on an intermediate level of a professional planning operation. 

The MURP degree program admits students with a variety of academic backgrounds. Ideal students are those with strong intellectual ability; good written and verbal communication skills; basic statistical methods and have demonstrated a proven potential for leadership in the field of urban and regional planning.

A student must complete 43 credits for the degree under either a research thesis (Plan A) or comprehensive exam (Plan B). Check out the MURP degree requirements and download the MURP Graduate Handbook (2017, 20182019). All graduate students must complete and have a signed 2016 Academic Program of Study on file with the School. Note: This PDF is an Acrobat form and must be opened with the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If a “Please wait…” page pops up when you clicked the PDF link, then go back to the previous page and simply right-click on the link from your browser and select save. Then, you can open up the file using your Adobe Acrobat Reader software. Students should consult with their faculty advisor and file original and amended forms as appropriate.

View more information about this degree at URP Graduate Degrees.

Doctoral Program

Planning, Design and Construction - Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy in Planning, Design and Construction with a concentration in construction management, environmental design, or urban and regional planning will enable students in the School of Planning, Design and Construction to meet future challenges. Graduates of this program will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the effects of plans, regulations, design, materials, project management techniques, and construction systems on the economic, environmental, and social concerns of stakeholders and society.

Check out the PhD degree requirements and the PhD Student Handbook (20152016, 2017, 20182019, 2020).

View more details about the concentration areas for this degree at CM Graduate DegreesID Graduate Degrees, LA Graduate Degrees or URP Graduate Degrees.

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