Fordham Launches Construction Management Program

NEW YORK CITY—Are in you interested in getting into construction at the professional level or learning more about this aspect of the real estate world?

The Fordham Real Estate Institute has just launched a 15-credit graduate certificate in construction management. Classes begin in the fall of 2019. The program is geared towards project managers, superintendents, project staff, architects, engineers, developers, lenders, property and asset managers, executives and students.

The REI notes that the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Center project that construction will be one of the fastest growing industries next year. The school points to industry professionals asserting since the recession there’s been a shortage of qualified talent to support this growth. Fordham also cites Construction Labor Contractors, LLC. They state the construction industry will reach $1.2 trillion in output next year due to the country’s aging infrastructure that needs to be modernized.

“There are more opportunities than ever for those wishing to pursue a career in construction management, and we are confident that our new graduate certificate will help set professionals apart from others in the field,” says Dr. Anthony R. Davidson, dean of Fordham’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

The university is offering certificate classes in the fall, spring and summer terms in the evening. Students can matriculate full-time or part-time. Courses will be both in-person and online. Instructors will teach classroom sessions at the Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan. In the near future, Fordham intends to make the entire program available online.

Christopher Mills, COO at Plaza Construction and a member of the REI’s executive advisory council, explains the new program’s role within the institute. “The core program teaches students areas of the business, such as financing and insuring projects, and the graduate certificate will teach the fundamental skills of building, which is where we’re seeing a gap in knowledge.” 

Anthony Pastore, an adjunct teacher at REI, who is first VP with Tishman AECOM, notes the program covers practical business areas including procurement, risk management, contract strategy and delivery and also business development. “It is important for students to learn how to pursue work, whether in the public or private sector, and how to present to potential clients,” he says. “Knowing what the latest technology is and how to utilize it for business pursuits will be critical.”

The tuition is $1,295 per credit. Robert J. Morgenstern, director of programs at the REI, explains to GlobeSt.com that the program is approximately 188 hours with eight courses, two 3-credit classes and six 1.5-credit classes. The fall and spring semesters are 14 weeks and the summer courses last 10 weeks. The 3-credit courses run 14 weeks and the 1.5-credit courses run 7 weeks. Some courses will be offered in an intensive format for fewer than 7 weeks. If enrolled full-time, students can complete the program in two semesters. Part-timers need to enroll in at least one course per semester and can stretch out their attendance to a total of three years.