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Hi all, I am interested in switching careers and jumping into a masters in construction management after I am done with my AutoCad certificate. I've been talking to an enrollment adviser at a university I am interested in. She assured me that their masters program in CM doesn't require a bachelors in CM. I thought that was great but I thought you would have to at least have the basic pre-reqs such as estimating, bidding, scheduling and materials down before jumping into advanced classes. I was told that wasn't the case because it's more of a management degree than an engineering degree. I asked if I would be totally lost considering I don't have a background in CM nor a BS in CM. The adviser said no they have a lot of people looking to make a career switch who jump on board.
I really want to sign up but I know how enrollment specialist are with recruiting. They're aggressive and will put honey on your lips to sweeten any program. I would like to hear from professionals in here who work in the field or have done a CM program. Do you need the bachelors in CM to jump into a masters?
Plenty of architects do it but they work in design and construction, no? I just don't want to cough up 20k for another degree and be totally lost while in it.
Please help!
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That sounds sketchy at best. Which university is offering this?
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First off verify the accreditation of the school you are talking about is Regionally Accredited. Second I don't think its possible to earn a Master without first earning a Bachelors in something. If you already have a bachelors in something then never mind that part of the post but the title makes is sound like you don't have one.
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Sorry, I meant that I do have a bachelors in Econ, not CM.
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Jude84 Wrote:Sorry, I meant that I do have a bachelors in Econ, not CM.
It is possible, some Master's will require certain prerequisites to be met first, however they may schedule them into your Master's program. Meaning they will be the first courses you take.
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johnjaxs Wrote:It is possible, some Master's will require certain prerequisites to be met first, however they may schedule them into your Master's program. Meaning they will be the first courses you take.
MBA programs are often that way. If you come in with a recent business degree they waive some of the classes in the program.
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Well I asked about any pre-reqs needed to start the program and they said none were needed. There is a refresher course which goes over some of that stuff but it's just one course. How much could you really learn? The school is NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego. It's a laurete school which means it's for profit. That doesn't bother me much because it's still reputable in the field.
I just don't want to fork over 20k only to be lost because I lack the undergrad courses. I was just wondering if anyone in here knows if a BS in CM is needed before entering an MS in CM? It doesn't seem really intensive. It seems to be very case study oriented, discussion oriented, not engineering at all. So it's more a management degree with just construction as the concentration. I do like that and prefer that but I just don't want to fall behind because I am missing pre-reqs.
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Actually isn't it true that many managers in construction don't even have a CM degree? I've heard about many who simply have business or management degree and learn the rest through field experience and being an assistant on the job site.
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Jude84 Wrote:Actually isn't it true that many managers in construction don't even have a CM degree? I've heard about many who simply have business or management degree and learn the rest through field experience and being an assistant on the job site.
Yes that is true, I worked in construction as an electrician and my foreman didn't know the difference between BX wire and Romex. However he knew how to keep account of all the expenses down to the last nail. Generally speaking it helps when your boss knows your job, but it isn't a requirement. Teaching the new guy a few things because he is new may make you look like a good boss, but it is not going to impress the bosses above you. Completing the project on time, saving money and saving on materials (legally) will.
Also a Business degree will give you more girth and room to grow.
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