Master of Science In Construction Management

Master of Science In Construction Management

Introducing our new MS in Construction Management program here at our Downtown Honolulu campus

HPU’s MS in Construction Management program trains graduates with the skills needed to advance within the construction management industry in project management and leadership roles. Veering away from a traditional engineering focus, this program enables students to focus on skills needed to excel as construction and project management professionals. Honolulu’s growing infrastructure allows students to gain hands-on construction management knowledge through its rising multitude of commercial, institutional, industrial, and heavy civil construction industries. Develop the skills and knowledge needed to lead construction projects with efficiency and expertise. Curriculum aligns with learning outcomes with the accreditation requirements from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).


Students have the opportunity to learn from faculty with extensive construction and project management experience in Hawai’i. The program features guest lectures from project management officials and site visits to current construction projects, offering students numerous opportunities for networking and hands-on learning.

Program Overview

LENGTH: 30 Credits (accelerated 1-year completion)

LOCATION: In-person classes in Honolulu, HI

Program Resources

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited university
  • Direct admission for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. (additional review required for bachelor’s degrees with a cumulative GPA below 3.0)
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resumé or CV
  • Admission requirements may differ for international applicants.

  • Create effective and professional written communications: Enhance communication skills for effective interaction with project stakeholders, including clients, contractors, architects, and engineers.
  • Apply critical thinking. Develop research and critical thinking skills to analyze construction industry trends, solve complex problems, and contribute to the field's knowledge base.
  • Advanced construction knowledge. Develop a deep and comprehensive understanding of construction processes, techniques, technologies, and construction materials.
  • Project management skills. Acquire advanced project management skills, including project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, risk management, and resource allocation.
  • Ethical and professional conduct. Adhere to ethical standards and professional conduct in construction management practice.
  • Construction technology and innovation. Stay current with emerging construction technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and construction management software.
  • Construction law and regulations. Gain expertise in construction law, contracts, regulations, and ethics to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks in construction projects.
  • Apply advanced construction management practices. Apply knowledge and skills by completing a supervised internship in the construction field and a comprehensive capstone project related to construction management.
  • Understand risk management. Analyze and mitigate risks associated with construction projects, including safety, financial, and operational risks.
  • Leadership and teamwork. Develop leadership and teamwork skills to effectively manage construction projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams involved in projects, including owners, clients, construction managers, general contractors, and subcontractors.

Construction Project Management (3 credits) 

An introductory course focusing on project planning, scheduling, document reading, types of construction methods and materials (e.g., insurance and bonds), resource and vendor management in construction as well as procurement methods and company financial controls.   

 

Advanced Project Scheduling and Control (3 credits)    

In-depth study of project scheduling techniques, resource allocation, and project control. Focus on training with project scheduling software, such as Primavera P6. Students also learn how to incorporate project management software including Procore and/or Autodesk into construction projects 

  

Construction Cost Management (3 credits) 

Covers cost estimation, budgeting, and cost control strategies in construction projects. Topics include procurement, subcontracting and purchase orders, submittals, request for information (RFI), and progress payments.  

 

Legal Aspects of Construction (3 credits)  

Exploration of construction law, labor law, contracts, dispute resolution, and ethical considerations. A particular emphasis on understanding how to review typical contract types (e.g., stipulated sum, GMP, etc.), project delivery methods, and insurance and bond requirements.   

 

Risk Management in Construction (3 credits) 

Strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in construction projects. A particular emphasis is placed on basic engineering principles by defining “design disciplines,” or stakeholder roles and responsibilities within each project. 

  

Construction Safety, Compliance, and Sustainability (3 credits)  

Focuses on safety regulations, compliance, and OSHA standards. Examines sustainable construction practices, green building certifications, and environmental considerations. 

 

Construction Project Management Capstone (3 credits) 

The capstone project is the candidate's final application of one or more learned practices to a current project. The student will submit a proposal to the faculty for review and approval of the learned technique(s). Approved proposals are to be used throughout the course. The program must conclude with a write-up or presentation of the applied technique(s) that demonstrates how the applied technique(s) changed the projected outcome in comparison to the base case scenario.  

 

ACCT 6001: Financial Information for Manager (3 credits) 

This course provides an introduction to both financial and managerial accounting, and emphasizes the analysis and evaluation of accounting information from the perspective of both investors as well as managers in the processes of planning, decision-making, and control. This course also introduces elements of managerial accounting and emphasizes the development and use of accounting information for internal decisions. 

 

FIN 6001: Complex Financial Decision Making (3 credits) 

This course provides students with fundamental financial knowledge using a case-based approach. Complex financial decisions in the new age of accelerated technological growth will be analyzed. Topics to be covered include project evaluation, security pricing, cost of capital, capital structure, financial planning, and innovations in the financial services industry. 

 

MGMT 6002: Leadership of Self and Others (3 credits)  

This course examines essential aspects of leadership, organizational culture and group dynamics. The seminar surveys various leadership styles, the characteristics, effectiveness and appropriateness of each for different situations. Additionally, the course explores the interaction or organizational culture and leadership on team and organization functioning. Leadership behaviors that pertain to the indigenous native and local Hawaiian culture are analyzed and discussed.