At the Haskell and Irene Lemon Construction Science Division, our graduate programs prepare professionals for leadership positions in the construction industry through rigorous, experience-driven learning. Guided by expert faculty and strengthened by partnerships with leading firms, students tackle real-world projects that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and confident decision-making.
Shape the future of construction, driven by innovation and confidence, and make real-world impact.
The Master of Science in Construction Management (MS-CM) program is designed to elevate your expertise, whether you are a recent graduate from a construction-related discipline or coming from a different discipline. Our curriculum blends foundational knowledge with insights into emerging trends in construction techniques and project delivery methods, innovations and advanced technologies, and modern management practices. You'll also develop skills necessary to prepare you for leadership roles in the construction industry.
The Master of Science in Construction Management (MS-CM) offers a highly personalized graduate education experience thanks to its small faculty-to-student ratio and close engagement with industry experts. With flexible coursework and applied research projects, students sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving construction industry.
Norman, Oklahoma
Our graduate students engage in industry-focused research projects guided by our strong connection with leading construction firms. These experiences help them develop strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare them for successful careers.
The graduate students can join the Construction Student Association (CSA), a key part of the construction student life. CSA regularly hosts networking events, alumni panels, and industry meetups that foster lasting connections and professional growth.
Graduate students can take part in various student competitions where they can work closely with peers from design disciplines in team-based projects that mirror real-world workflows. These collaborations build communication skills and prepare students for integrated practice in the field.
How Long You'll Be Here
On average, 2 years. However, with proactive planning, you can finish in 1.5 years.
Job Offers
100% Within 6 Months of Graduation
Median Salary
$128,400
Salary information obtained from: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics,
Construction Managers
The Construction Management (CM) curriculum builds on the knowledge that undergraduates from construction-related disciplines typically bring while also opening construction education to students from other fields. Courses highlight emerging trends in construction techniques and project delivery methods, innovations and advanced technologies, and modern management practices. Leadership development is a central focus of the program, particularly for preparing our graduates to advance into leadership roles.
Courses are designed to develop technical and management skills using the following:
Forms and guidelines can be downloaded at gradweb.ou.edu. Along with these completed forms and other requested documents, applicants should submit a statement of purpose containing a brief narrative about reasons for seeking the degree and future career goals after graduation. The statement of purpose is very important and is weighted heavily by the Application Review Committee. If the applicant meets Graduate College criteria and is accepted in the Graduate College, the application packet is forwarded to the CM Graduate Liaison. Acceptance in the program is contingent upon approval by the CM Application Review Committee. Enrollment in the program is limited and competitive.
Due to the structure of our program, we admit new students in the fall semester. We review applications in the spring. All materials must be submitted by March 1 for admission in the upcoming fall semester.
Application Requirements
For more information about the Construction Management graduate program, please contact the CM Graduate Liaison Dr. Somik Ghosh at sghosh@ou.edu or 405-325-3670.
The Master of Science in Construction Management is not offered online. However, The Master of Construction Business is a mostly online degree program we also offer.
This program attracts students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds (construction-related and other disciplines, international and domestic), creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Our students represent a balance of perspectives and experiences, with many working part-time/full-time while pursuing their studies.
Admission is competitive, with approximately 50–60% of applicants admitted each cycle.
Go to the OU Graduate College website for application forms and all information. Follow the instructions.
You must be accepted by the Graduate College first. In your application you will declare Construction Management as your degree choice. After you are accepted into the Graduate College, they will forward your application to the Construction Management Graduate Liaison. A review committee will then review your application.
The deadline for application is March 1. We admit new students in the fall semester.
Elective courses must relate to the construction and design discipline. Up to 3 hours of electives can be transferred from another graduate program. The Graduate Liaison must approve all transferred electives prior to first semester enrollment.
The Master of Science in Construction Management (MS-CM) program is designed to be an in-person program with no online classes.
The majority of our students finish the program in two years (four semesters). However, some students are able to finish the program in a year and a half (three semesters) if they are able to get an early start on their research project and enroll in classes full-time. 32 credits are required for graduation. Typically, students will enroll in 9 or 12 credits each semester, which is either three or four classes.
The cost of attending graduate school at the University of Oklahoma varies year to year based on economic factors that are out of our control. Interested students can calculate the current annual cost for attending school on the OU Tuition Estimator. Typically students will enroll in 9 or 12 credits each semester. Be sure to select the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, as there are additional fees required by the college.
All graduate students can submit applications for scholarships from October 1 to February 1 each year through the OU Centralized Academic Scholarship Hub (CASH). Once a student applies through CASH, their application is enrolled in to several scholarships which they are eligible to receive. On average, more than $20,000 is awarded in scholarships to our graduate students.
The Division of Construction Science typically offers a few graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) on an annual basis. Award of GTA is primarily based on program and faculty needs. Assistantships are competitive and are typically granted depending on the fit, experience, and ability to perform the required tasks by the student.
The opportunities abound! Some of our graduates work for contractors, design firms, facility managers, municipalities and owners. We have people working in real estate development and job site project management. We have people administering construction contracts and managing facilities. Graduates typically earn average starting salaries exceeding $80,000.. Many of our students find jobs here in the state of Oklahoma, but we have graduates working in many states and countries.
Yes, The Master of Construction Science degrees are STEM-recognized programs which qualify students on an F-1 visa to work in the U.S. for up to three years following graduation.
Pursuing my master’s degree in construction management at the University of Oklahoma was the best decision I’ve made for my career. One of the most rewarding experiences was in the ‘Design-Build’ course, where our team designed and constructed a prefabricated modular greenhouse that we ultimately donated to a local school. I also had the opportunity and privilege to compete as part of DBIA student competition team for OU, a national competition which gave me invaluable real-world experience collaborating under pressure and presenting on a simulated RFP for a major project.
Jeff Stout, Project Engineer at Robins & Morton
Class of 2023
