Academics

FAQ

Construction Engineering and Management Program

What are the requirements for the M.S.C.E. with a concentration in Construction Engineering and Management?
Students must complete a minimum of 30 points of approved graduate study extending over at least one academic year. Most full-time students complete the program in one academic year by taking 5 courses each semester. Part-time students generally enroll in 1 to 2 classes per semester, so they typically complete the program in 5 or 6 semesters.

Students are also encouraged to take (1) CIEN E4129 Managing Engineering & Construction Processes and (2) CIEN E9130 Independent Studies in Construction, unless they have completed comparable requirements at another institution or have relevant industry experience.

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Do I need an undergraduate engineering degree for admission?
Most of our students have undergraduate civil engineering degrees; however, applicants that do not possess an undergraduate civil engineering degree may pursue the master’s within our program by completing selected undergraduate courses in addition to the graduate requirements. Decisions regarding the extent of undergraduate work required are made on a case-by-case basis depending upon the student’s undergraduate transcript. For instance, students with undergraduate degrees from closely allied disciplines, such as mechanical engineering or architecture, may not need to take any courses or may only need to take one or two undergraduate courses while applicants with an undergraduate degree in business may need to take several undergraduate courses.

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What are the requirements for admission?
Students must complete an application form and provide (1) results from the GRE, (2) academic transcripts, (3) two letters of reference, and (4) a statement of interest. Students whose native language is not English must also provide TOEFL results. Online application procedures may be found here. Acceptance is a competitive process, and generally those admitted to our program have strong GRE scores, undergraduate grades, and professional records.

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Is financial assistance available?
Highly qualified applicants may receive either teaching or research assistantships that provide full or partial tuition remission and a modest stipend. Columbia also awards various fellowships based upon qualifications and merit; applicants are encouraged to research these fellowships carefully since some have unique qualifying requirements (for example, applicant must be a Greek citizen with a baccalaureate from a Greek university), and thus can be less competitive than open fellowships.

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What is the Certificate Program available through CVN?
Selected courses are available online through the Columbia Video Network. Students who successfully complete four of these courses receive a Departmental Certificate in Construction Engineering and Management. 

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Can courses taken through CVN count toward a master’s degree?
Yes.

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Can I take one or two courses without being a matriculated student?
Yes. Students may enroll for one or two courses as special students. Contact the admissions office to inquire further.

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Can I obtain a doctoral degree in this area?
Yes. Students may pursue programs of research and advanced study focused upon the development and management of infrastructure systems or construction engineering and management.

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Can I obtain a doctoral degree as a part-time student?
Yes, but those considering this option should recognize the challenges of completing independent research on a part-time basis. Most full-time doctoral candidates take approximately four years to complete their coursework and dissertation, so a part-time candidate will obviously require longer. In addition, part-time students receive the Doctor of Engineering Science degree instead of the Doctor of Philosophy. Practically speaking, there is no difference between the degrees.

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What is the cost of tuition?
Current tuition information can be found here.

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What is the cost of living in New York City?
Students should recognize that New York City has a very high cost of living, particularly for apartment rent, so they should plan accordingly. Contact the housing office for more information. 

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Who should I call or email for more specific information on the Construction Engineering and Management Program?
Contact Professor Nicola Chiara.

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