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Program Overview

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The heavy construction industry is facing tremendous change. Advances in materials and processes – combined with new management practices – require increasing attention. Skilled project managers are essential to the timely and economic delivery of heavy construction projects. With the growing number of large-scale projects that have broad societal impact, the development of professionals involved in this change is more important than ever.

The University of Washington Departments of Construction Management and Civil and Environmental Engineering have jointly developed a set of online learning graduate certificate programs and master's degrees in construction engineering to meet the educational needs of working professionals in the heavy construction industry. These online, credit programs are taught by regular faculty members from both departments as well as experts from the professional community.

In this 12-credit program, students examine project management issues and learn skills needed to be successful project managers. Students who complete this certificate program have an understanding of the major challenges faced when managing heavy construction projects, and the skills needed to deal with those challenges.

This program's courses follow the University's academic calendar. Students start each course together, and interact with instructors and each other throughout the quarter, using online collaboration tools. Upon successful completion of all four courses, students receive the UW Certificate in Heavy Construction Project Management. Courses do not need to be taken in sequence, but the program must be completed within two years.

Related Certificate Programs

Infrastructure Construction

Infrastructure construction is the most common type of heavy construction project. In this program, students study construction techniques and management concepts related to the construction of infrastructure projects. Students who complete this certificate program have an understanding of the major types of infrastructure projects and contemporary techniques for their construction. Visit the Infrastructure Construction pages for more information.

Quantitative Construction Management

Good quantitative management skills are essential to be an effective project manager. In this certificate program, students learn these skills and study how they can be applied in managing heavy construction projects. Students who complete this certificate program will be able to use basic quantitative management skills and will understand how they can be used in managing heavy construction projects. Visit the Quantitative Construction Management pages for more information.

Related Graduate Program in Construction Engineering

The graduate-level Certificate Program in Heavy Construction Project Management is part of the Graduate Program in Construction Engineering. Students who are interested in the master's degree should see the Online Graduate Program in Construction Engineering site.

For those who ultimately want to pursue the master's degree, enrolling in a certificate program can be a good way to get started. However, students must obtain graduate nonmatriculated (GNM) status before beginning their coursework, or the credits earned will not count toward the degree. A maximum of 12 credits earned as a GNM student may be applied to the degree.

Participants need to successfully complete each course in the previous term before they advance to the next term. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required to earn a certificate or to receive a master's degree. In addition, a minimum grade of 2.7 is required for each course credited toward the degree.

Contact a Program Representative

If you have questions about these programs, please call 206-685-8936 in the greater Seattle area, or 888-469-6499, or e-mail us.