Construction Management Degree – Wayne State College Nebraska

Explore the Construction Management degree program

Everywhere you look, from bustling cities to serene towns, buildings tell a story of progress and innovation. As new businesses emerge and populations grow, the demand for well-designed structures has never been greater. This creates a need for skilled professionals, including contractors, engineers, and surveyors, to turn ambitious visions into reality.

The Construction Management degree program at Wayne State College opens the door to exciting careers in commercial, residential, and civil construction. Our program blends construction technology and business management, ensuring you gain a comprehensive skill set. You'll learn computer-aided design (CAD), surveying, estimating, scheduling, and OSHA safety, while also exploring sustainability and climate control.

With hands-on internship opportunities alongside experienced contractors, you’ll apply your knowledge in real-world settings, preparing you for the challenges of the industry. Graduating with a construction management degree means you’ll be equipped to lead projects, ensuring they are completed safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Start building your future today!

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Fast facts

Degree options:

B.A. or B.S. in Industrial Technology / Construction Management
Minor in Construction Management

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 63

Industrial technology core (30 credit hours)
Construction management concentration (33 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

School: Business and Technology

Department: Technology and Applied Science

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Construction management topics covered

Communication skills for business and industry
Supervision and project management
Industrial safety and proper use of machinery and construction tools
First aid and CPR
Engineering and technology principles in production and design
Designing, estimating, planning, and scheduling processes
Reading and interpreting blueprints
Manufacturing technology materials and processing
Finishing materials and techniques
Residential drawing with computer-aided design (CAD) software
Site surveying and commercial print reading
Residential and commercial design and building codes
Energy conservation and efficiency systems
Project bidding and estimating
Construction project management

Student learning outcomes

Demonstrate effective skills in written, oral, and graphical communication
Apply current technologies and tools to identify and solve problems in industrial settings
Implement occupational and personal safety, health, and well-being principle
Apply management and leadership skills in industrial technology

Career Scholars Program

Students majoring in Construction Management are eligible to take part in the Career Scholars Program. The Career Scholars Program offers a generous scholarship package while you embark on a unique cooperative education journey starting your freshman year at Wayne State. During your time here, you’ll participate in career readiness activities, job site visits, job shadowing, and more - all while learning the fundamentals of professional practice. After three years on campus, you’ll complete your senior year by working at a paid job in your chosen field. Job locations include Norfolk or Grand Island, Neb., where you'll live in community housing with fellow Career Scholars students.

Career Scholars Program

Construction management internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find construction management internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:

Benike Construction
Douglas County Engineer
Fenton Construction Inc.
Hausmann Construction
Heritage Homes
Horizon Construction
McCarthy Building Company
Sand Creek Post and Beam
Superior Industries, Inc.
Turner Construction Company

Career services and internships

Graduates of the Construction Management degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Jobs of recent graduates:

Architectural Draftsman – Stateline No. 7 (Casper, Wyo.)
Assistant Project Manager – Woodruff Construction (Fort Dodge, Iowa)
Construction Apprentice – Horizon Construction (Wayne, Neb.)
Engineer I – Kiewit Building Group (Omaha, Neb.)
Estimator – Century Building Solutions (Lawrence, Kan.)
Management Trainee – BNSF Railway (Minneapolis, Minn.)
Project Engineer – Beckenhauer Construction (Norfolk, Neb.)
Project Manager / Drafter – Sand Creek Post and Beam (Timberline) (Wayne, Neb.)
Project Safety Assistant – Turner Construction (Omaha, Neb.)
Superintendent I – Hausmann Construction (Norfolk, Neb.)
Warehouse Manager – Polaris (Vermillion, S.D.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

After graduating from Wayne State College, recent grads pursued advanced degrees at the following schools:

Business Administration (MBA) – Wayne State College (Wayne, Neb.)

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Credits: 3
Description: Selected topics of environmental concerns to be presented by the laboratory-oriented approach, and in compliance with the requirements of General Studies. Does not apply to any major, minor, or endorsement in any science area (BIO, CHE, EAS, NAT) unless specified. Four hours lecture-lab combined.
Credits: 3
Description: Development of critical communication skills used in business and industry. Emphasis on assisting business students to become more effective and efficient writers. Includes instructions, reports, memos, and letters.
Prerequisite: ENG 102 Composition Skills
Credits: 3
Description: This course concentrates on the skills needed by first-line supervisors. Issues covered include the following: supervisor’s job description, organizing an effective department, acquiring employees, motivation, effective leadership, communication skills, supervising groups and work teams, labor relations and supervisory challenges in the 21st century.
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides an introduction to the management of projects. Emphasis is placed on both the technical aspects of the project management process and the management of the human behavioral/situational aspects of projects. The nature of projects is explored. The techniques and tools of project management are introduced. Operational, tactical, and strategic implications of project management approaches are considered. The use of current project management software is incorporated. Students are also provided with an understanding of the many environmental and behavioral issues surrounding project management, and approaches to dealing with these issues. Graduate students in these courses have additional requirements beyond those for the undergraduate students.
Credits: 3
Description: This course examines the fundamentals of creating a safe and healthy work environment. Topics focus on reducing injuries, identifying common safety hazards, and safely operating specific machines and tools in the Center for Applied Technology building labs. This course also includes training in American Heart Association’s (AHA) Heartsaver First Aid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use. These training sessions are designed to prepare students to provide first aid and CPR, and how to use an AED in a safe timely, and effective manner. Students will have the opportunity to earn certifications through a 10-hour OSHA Safety card (does not expire) and a First Aid CPR AED (valid for two years). ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $35 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An introductory course of engineering and technology principles. Designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for all Industrial Technology, Skilled and Technical Sciences (STS) and undeclared majors. Engineering concepts along with new technology will be utilized in the design and production of products made. Students will employ problem-solving, research and design, and interpersonal communication skills as they work through the assigned classroom and lab activities. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course covers the proper care and operation of various hand and power tools used in residential and light commercial construction, basic masonry, and carpentry practices; framing, interior and exterior finishing; reading and interpreting of building blueprints and specifications with actual application of the competencies necessary to complete various construction projects. Course also covers the processes of design, estimating, planning, and the contractor’s role in scheduling. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An exploratory course introducing students to the five areas of the manufacturing industry. Hands-on lab activities will reinforce lessons in sheet steel and aluminum, plastics, wood, and the foundry. Appropriate material selection, process selection, safety, use of manufacturing and industrial tools and equipment, and measurement will be presented. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course fosters a solid understanding of the mathematics applicable for trade and technical environments. Topics include measurement, proportions, solving equations, rational expressions, geometric measures, trigonometry, and statistics. This course is intended for Industrial Technology majors.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ITE 214 Residential Drawing (3 credits) - This course explores the fundamentals of residential drawing and the application of computer aided drafting. Students develop skills in sketching, home planning, design, layout and building material selection for residential structures, zoning, an introduction to code requirements, building permits process and energy audits. Students are required to complete a full set of construction documents to include floor plans, foundation plans, elevations, kitchen and bath plans, detail drawings, specific notes, and a 3D rendering. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
- ITE 219 Mechanical and Engineering Drafting (3 credits) - A drafting and design class that will emphasize geometry, geometric construction, multi-view drawings, orthographic projection, sectional views, primary and secondary auxiliary views, dimensioning, isometric drawing, sketching and drafting standards. The course will include extensive use of computer aided drafting software and solid modeling software, problem-solving and elements of design. Students will be introduced to prototype development and 3D printing. (Lecture and lab combined) ITE majors must pass with a C or better. $25 class fee required.

Construction Management courses (33 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: Introduction to the many types of finishing materials and techniques used in modern architectural designs and on industrial goods. Residential, commercial, and industrial finishes will be explored, and students will practice several application techniques on personal or departmental projects. Lecture and lab combined.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will focus on safety issues directly related to the construction industry. Students will explore state and federal regulations associated with the construction industry. The course will include both classroom activities and “in the field” activities to further their understanding of the issues faced by construction companies. Class fee of $10 required.
Credits: 3
Description: A theory and lab course devoted to the study of site surveying and commercial print reading. Surveying will include discussion of plane and geodetic surveying concepts and use of field surveying equipment to develop skills needed to gather, record, and use information from the site. Print reading will place an emphasis on the study of commercial plan specifications, schedules, floor plans, elevations, and site plans as they apply to drafting and construction management. Lecture and lab combined.
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides a progression in the development of skills and knowledge initiated in ITE 202. Students enrolled in this course study traditional and current construction processes, including recent innovations in the construction industry. Emphasis is also placed on the International Residential Code and its application in actual construction projects. Students may be engaged in hands-on projects on construction sites in the college region as part of their learning process. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better.
Prerequisite: ITE 202 Construction Systems
Credits: 3
Description: This course builds on skills and information learned in ITE 214. Students design a residential project limited in size by the instructor. The project includes a full set of working drawings. Zoning ordinances, local building code, International Building Codes, and energy efficiency are incorporated into all the projects. Topics will include IRC Code as it applies to build types, occupancy types, materials, and ratings for commercial design. Software used will allow students to produce 2D construction documents as well as 3D Building Information Models (BIM). Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Prerequisite: ITE 214 Residential Drawing
Credits: 3
Description: A review of building automation systems used to control interior climate and energy usage. Discussion and research of HVAC systems including their installation, programming, and maintenance. Special emphasis on energy conservation and efficiency in both residential and commercial environments and the design, engineering and manufacturing, and/or construction industries. Information on U.S. Green Building Council and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design new and remodeled structure certification.
Credits: 3
Description: A foundational course in the analysis and determination of construction and manufacturing project costs. Bidding strategies and proposals; material, equipment and labor estimates, as well as overhead and profit are examined and critical path scheduling.
Credits: 3
Description: This course includes the planning and design of commercial buildings and their structural systems. It also includes city and industrial planning, landscaping, zoning, and International Building Code. Lecture and lab combined.
Credits: 3
Description: The students will demonstrate the role of a contractor through the design and construction phases of a construction project. They will be responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling labor and material. They will also work with equipment utilization, cost estimation and pricing, cost control, and accounting throughout the various phases of a construction project. Lecture and lab combined.
Prerequisite: C or better in ITE 308 Construction Technology and ITE 390 Project Bidding and Estimating
Credits: 3
Description: This course covers commercial and civil construction designs. Topics include materials, materials testing, design considerations, characteristics of commercial/civil construction vs. residential construction, and career opportunities. The graduate level course will include the design and managerial aspects of commercial construction in comparison to residential construction.
Credits: 3
Description: Students taking an internship for their major are required to secure placement in an internship of a professional capacity and related to their major concentration. Internships must be approved by the advisors. Internships are supervised and must show at least 50 clock hours at work for each credit hour earned. A signed internship agreement is required.

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Construction Management at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:

Business Administration (minor)
Drafting and Design (major or minor)
Interior Design (major)
Safety Management (major or minor)
Spanish (major or minor)

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the Construction Management program may also be interested in:

Engineering Technology (B.A. or B.S.)
Manufacturing Management (B.A. or B.S.)
Safety Management (B.A. or B.S.)

Wayne State was one of the few colleges where I could get a Construction Management degree at an affordable price. The instructors here are really helpful in preparing us for after graduation. We also do many different construction projects that provide us with hands-on experience. Through career fairs and inviting companies into our classrooms, I have been able to connect with organizations for potential work after graduation. I would like to work in an area where I can utilize my drafting and construction management skills and become a project manager.

Molly Tamirat

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Majors: Construction Management, Drafting and Design

Molly Tamirat

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Majors: Construction Management, Drafting and Design

Meet the professors

Technology and Applied Science Department

Jeff Allen, Ed.D.

Professor

Erin Arneson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

David Hix, MSE

Instructor

Al Lindsay, MSE

Instructor

Dan Mitchell, MSE

Instructor

Jessie Piper, MSE

Instructor

Grant Schrick, MSE

Instructor

Clubs for industrial technology majors

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) - Student chapter of AGC designed to enhance learning experiences in the field of construction
Delta Sigma Pi - A coed professional organization for business, computing, sport management, fashion merchandising, and industrial management majors
Epsilon Pi Tau - A national honor society for students in technology-related fields
FBLA Collegiate - A collegiate division of FBLA and professional organization for students in business and related majors
SkillsUSA - National career and technical student organization