Roger Williams University

What you'll study

The programme combines applied engineering principles with construction management practices to prepare students for technical leadership on complex projects. Core topics typically include construction materials and methods, structural systems for buildings and infrastructure, construction estimating and cost control, project scheduling and CPM/PERT techniques, building information modelling (BIM) and digital workflows, construction contracts and risk management, and sustainable construction practices.

Students normally complete a mix of lecture courses, laboratory or workshop experiences, software‑based practicum and a culminating capstone project or applied research paper that addresses a real‑world construction problem. Typical modules you can expect are:

• Construction Materials & Methods — performance and selection of materials, longevity and constructability considerations.
• Construction Estimating & Cost Control — quantity takeoff, unit costing, bid preparation and cost management.
• Project Scheduling & Programme Management — CPM scheduling, resource levelling and critical path analysis.
• Building Information Modelling (BIM) & Digital Tools — BIM coordination, clash detection, 4D/5D simulation and common data environments.
• Construction Law, Contracts & Risk — contract types, claims avoidance, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance.
• Sustainability & Resilient Design — green construction strategies, lifecycle thinking and codes/standards.
• Capstone / Applied Project — team or individual project that integrates technical, managerial and digital skills on an industry‑facing problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, or a closely related discipline. Relevant professional experience in construction or the built environment is valued and can strengthen an application, particularly for applicants from non‑traditional academic backgrounds.

Typical application components include an official transcript, a current CV or résumé, a personal statement outlining career goals and preparation for graduate study, and one or two professional or academic references. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test or equivalent credential, unless exempt by prior study in English. Individual programmes may also require a brief technical writing sample or a representative project portfolio.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for technical and leadership roles across the construction and infrastructure sectors. Common career destinations include project engineer, construction manager, estimator, scheduler/planner, quality control/assurance engineer, BIM coordinator or manager, facilities and asset manager, and construction consultant. The programme’s emphasis on digital tools, sustainability and contract management also supports transitions into specialist roles such as sustainability coordinator, risk manager or construction technology consultant.

Many graduates work for general contractors, specialised subcontractors, engineering and design firms, project management consultancies, government agencies and owners/operators of large facilities and infrastructure.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University offers a student‑centred environment with small class sizes and direct access to faculty who have industry experience in construction and engineering. The university’s proximity to a diverse New England construction market provides strong opportunities for internships, site visits and industry partnerships, allowing students to test classroom learning on regional projects.

Students benefit from hands‑on laboratory and fabrication facilities, exposure to contemporary construction software and BIM workflows, and career services that connect graduates with local and national employers. The programme’s applied focus and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration align academic learning with the practical demands of contemporary construction practice.