Master of Science in Building Construction and Integrated Facility Management
The master's degree programs in Building Construction focus on management-based education for industry professionals seeking executive leadership positions in the industry. Our graduate training offers a holistic approach to business processes, integrating coursework, seminars, and hands-on learning to equip today's industry professionals with the resources they need to excel in their professional careers. The graduate program consists of three tracks:
- Integrated Facility Management,
- Integrated Project Delivery Systems, and
- Residential Construction Development
which prepare students for innovative leadership positions within the industry. Students can complete either a thesis or non-thesis option for the degree.
Students in the program come from a variety of backgrounds, often with experience in facility management, construction, architecture, engineering, city planning, management, or business. The program is tailored to meet the needs of professionals by offering evening classes, giving students the flexibility of continuing to work while taking courses.
The minimum requirements for a graduate degree in BC are as follows:
Thesis Option:
The curriculum for graduate study with the Thesis Option consists of the following thirty-six semester hours:
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core courses | 18 |
| Approved Professional Electives | 6 |
| Master's Thesis | 12 |
| Total | 36 |
Non-Thesis Option:
The curriculum for graduate study with the Non-Thesis Option substitutes twelve semester hours of coursework for the thesis and consists of the following thirty-six semester hours:
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core courses | 18 |
| Approved Professional Electives | 18 |
| Total | 36 |
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required for all students. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) is required of all international applicants. The application can be completed online at www.grad. gatech.edu/admissions.
The Building Construction Integrated Facility Management track:
The focus of this graduate study is integrated facility and property management. The program offers a holistic understanding of this complex field and its theoretical concepts, and it focuses on developing and fine-tuning the management skills necessary for success in the facility and property management industry. Courses explore the many facets of integrated facility management including asset management, project management, facility operations and maintenance, energy management, workplace design and consulting, facility technology integration, design and construction, and real estate development.
The Building Construction Integrated Project Delivery Systems Track
The graduate study, focused on integrated project delivery systems, educates students to understand, analyze, select, and manage the most appropriate and effective project delivery systems for constructing a facility. The curriculum emphasizes integrated problem solving through state-of-the-art technical and management techniques. A variety of project delivery systems that can be used independently or integrated are examined. The delivery methods explored include the design-build system, the construction management/agent method, the hybrid bridging and partnering system, the negotiated select team method, as well as the traditional delivery method.
THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT TRACK:
The Building Construction Program now offers a comprehensive graduate degree that integrates mixed-use communities, new urbanism, quality development, sustainable construction, and other practices and trends that define the future of the residential construction industry. The residential graduate track focuses on the largest and fastest growing area of the construction industry. Students are exposed to the complexities and challenges associated with Residential Construction and Development. All segments of the housing industry are studied, including single family, multi-family, mixed-use, affordable, senior, and renovation. Students are provided with a comprehensive view of relevant public policy, development, design, and construction issues, and gain a realistic understanding of the current business environment and prospects for the future.