UWF to offer new construction management degree
The University of West Florida is launching a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management beginning in Fall 2020, pending approval from the Florida Board of Governors. The UWF Board of Trustees approved the program at its quarterly meeting held on Dec. 5, 2019.
The proposed program currently operates as a specialization in building construction within the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program. Dr. George Ellenberg, provost and senior vice president, says repositioning it as a stand-alone degree will increase the program’s visibility and provide students and potential employers with a better understanding of the education and training graduates receive from UWF.
“We are responding to local workforce demand for the construction management industry, and this offering will help satisfy many of those needs,” Ellenberg said. “Students and potential employers can be assured that this will be a rigorous program that prepares graduates for a career in the field.”
Housed in the Department of Administration and Law in the College of Education and Professional Studies, the new program will consist of 120 semester hours, taught in the traditional face-to-face format. Students will graduate prepared for various positions in the building construction and general contracting industries including, construction management, supervision, inspection and estimation.
“The Northwest Florida community will benefit greatly from the addition of this program,” said Dr. William Crawley, dean of the UWF College of Education and Professional Studies. “Alongside building construction occupations, our area is growing and we have the opportunity to retain our graduates’ local talent. Equally important, based on the caliber of our other programs, potential employers can have confidence in hiring the students and alumni of the building construction management program in the future.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts more than 11% growth in construction management related occupations through 2026 with an annual median wage for construction managers of $93,370. In addition, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity projects more than 12% growth in construction management jobs in the state of Florida through 2026 with an annual median wage of $79,850. In the local counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton, construction of buildings and specialty trade contractors ranked among the top 20 fastest growth industries.
For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, visit uwf.edu/construction.
