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Construction Management, PhD

Construction Management, PhD

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Construction Management, PhD

Construction, Environment, approved for STEM-OPT extension, building, enggradcon, facilities, sustain

Program description
Degree awarded: PHD  Construction Management

The Del E. Webb School of Construction has one of the top construction management doctoral programs in the United States. It provides a rigorous education and teaching environment for students seeking an advanced degree.

The PhD program in construction management requires novel, independent research that broadly contributes to the construction management body of knowledge; transdisciplinary research is often required due to the nature of the topics studied. Students can focus their elective coursework in emphasis areas such as heavy construction, commercial and residential, and specialty construction.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
Degree requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

The doctoral program in construction typically requires three to four years of full-time study and research beyond the master's degree. Generally, students are admitted into the doctoral program at or near the completion of their master's degree.

The program requires 84 credit hours post-bachelor's degree or 54 credit hours post-master's degree.

The program consists of:

  1. core construction courses
  2. elective courses
  3. a qualifying examination
  4. a written and oral comprehensive examination
  5. admission to candidacy
  6. successful defense of a dissertation prospectus and complete dissertation

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Students who hold a master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited university or equivalent are eligible to apply for admission to the program. Only exceptional students are admitted without a master's degree. Related fields include construction, civil engineering, architecture and business. At the discretion of the admission committee, students from other disciplines may be eligible as well. In addition, applicants are expected to be competent in construction topics.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. official GRE scores
  4. a current resume
  5. an evaluation of the student's academic and professional background
  6. master's degree thesis abstract
  7. personal statement
  8. research interests
  9. three letters of recommendation
  10. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Applicants required to demonstrate English proficiency and seeking a teaching assistantship must demonstrate proficiency in spoken English; a score of 55 or better on the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit or a score of 26 on the speaking portion of the TOEFL is required.

Applicants must take the GRE and have their official scores sent directly to Graduate Admission Services. ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition. More information regarding how to send official GRE scores can be found on the Graduate Admission Services website.

The personal statement should describe the applicant's career goals and research objectives.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 01/01Priority
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 07/01Priority
Career opportunities

Graduates of the Del E. Webb School of Construction's doctoral program have careers in architecture; engineering and construction industries; academia; and local, state and federal government. The program provides a foundation for those who wish to pursue careers as project managers, project engineers, estimators or schedulers and eventually become principals of firms engaged in the construction of industrial, commercial or residential projects.

The heavy construction emphasis area is preparation for careers related to public works such as highways, airports, bridges, utility systems, and water or waste treatment facilities.

The commercial and residential emphasis area is preparation for careers in real estate development, home production systems, commercial construction, health care and special industrial building projects, and for entrance into the sustainable or green construction market.

The specialty construction emphasis is preparation for organization, leadership and management of the building process at the subcontractor level and for careers as contractors working with mechanical and electrical systems. It also is preparation for careers in management at specialty contracting firms, such as control systems, electrical distribution or heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for large and complex facilities such as data centers, health care organizations and semiconductor manufacturing plants, as well as commercial facilities.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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