Construction Systems Management

Admitted students who indicate the construction systems management major on their application directly enroll in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Construction systems management students receive academic advising from a program faculty member and the academic program coordinator for the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. 

Students must earn a minimum of 130 semester credit hours to receive a Bachelor of Science in Construction Systems Management from the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

CSM core course topics:

• construction materials and methods
• mechanical systems
• electrical and lighting systems
• surveying and site development
• estimating
• scheduling
• structures
• heavy construction
• safety and health
• project management
• contracts and documents
• professional development

Additionally, CSM majors take supporting courses in business management, accounting, business law, and business and technical electives to enhance their managerial and technical skills. A minor is not required for students studying construction systems management, but a student may elect to complete a minor in addition to these courses.

Students in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are eligible to apply for study abroad scholarships through the college. Learn more about applying for study abroad scholarships and programs of interest to students in the college at students.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/academics/undergraduate/study-abroad.

All CSM students are required to complete at least 400 hours of internship work to gain practical experience to augment their on-campus course work. The Career Services Office in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences offers students support in locating internship opportunities.

The Construction Systems Management (CSM) Club offers students many networking opportunities with their peers and industry representatives both locally and nationally. Club activities include leadership development, community outreach and service learning. Club meetings may feature guest speakers, industry-oriented programs, or social and recreational activities.

CSM graduates are employed with building contractors and construction supply businesses, companies and agencies providing construction materials and services, or they may be self-employed as contractors, consultants, or owner/operators of construction businesses in the residential, commercial or heavy infrastructure sectors of the construction industry.

Starting salaries for CSM graduates average $58,000 per year. Starting salaries depend on a candidate’s skills, previous work experiences and other factors determined by various employers.

Upon completion of the program, the construction systems management graduate will be able to:

1. Plan and manage the construction of buildings and other infrastructure and associated systems that meet all functional, safety, environmental, legal and economic requirements
2. Follow the business principles and ethical practices necessary to build and maintain a viable company serving the construction industry
3. Function effectively both as a team member and leader interacting successfully with clients, owners, government officials, the general public and construction industry professionals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds
4. Become an accomplished professional in the construction industry who continuously updates his or her technical and management skills and serves relevant industry associations and organizations
5. Contribute technical and management expertise to the improvement of local communities through active participation in community activities, organizations and charities