Construction, the largest single industry in the United States, is continuing its phenomenal growth in size and scope. Although there have been ups and downs in the industry throughout history, the United States and other countries in the world have a monumental task ahead if they are to meet the needs of a contemporary or futuristic society. Constantly improving technology and specialization require constructors to have at their fingertips a special and ever-expanding body of knowledge. Employment opportunities in the construction profession for properly educated and ambitious young people are excellent and will continue to improve. Today's construction industry is clearly demanding a larger and more sophisticated work force.
Responsible master of that discipline which comprises the whole of the construction process as well as the essential parts thereof; possessing such skills founded on the knowledge acquired through prescribed education and refined by experience, or earned equivalently as a recognized practitioner; who initiates, develops, produces, delivers or services in whole or essential part, construction works as prices, times and standards of quality which assure advantage to clients and society as a whole.
The Building Construction Management (BCM) program is administered under the Industrial Technology Management major. The ITM/BCM students receive a diversified and well balanced education with courses in several major areas including the general university requirements. Until recently, professional managers of construction came from engineering and architectural backgrounds. Many new construction curricula, however, have been initiated in recent years to enhance students' professional development. These new programs add the dimensions of business and the social sciences to the technical construction education.
The BCM curriculum at UW-Platteville reflects these changes in the following general curriculum outline: communication; mathematics; physical education/wellness/fitness assessment; humanities and fine arts; social sciences; natural sciences; international education; and ethnic and gender studies. In addition the student is required to take a professional concentration of courses (19 credits) including computers, accounting, business law, estimating, construction procedures and construction administration. The technical concentration (30 credits) includes courses/topics in woods, construction materials, construction drafting/CADD, building systems analysis, residential and commercial planning and construction techniques, scheduling, construction safety, and surveying. The program is completed by taking a minor or selecting courses to accumulate the 120 credits required for graduation.
The teaching methods for construction education at UW-Platteville stress critical thinking and independent problem solving and working together as a team. Courses are presented in a manner that scholastically challenges the students and encourages communication among students, instructors, and the industry.
Opportunities for graduates of construction programs will continue to grow, and with the present shortage of qualified applicants, good jobs for academically prepared managers of construction are practically guaranteed. A properly prepared manager of construction can be assured of a lifetime of rewarding work as a professional in this challenging field.
The industrial internship requirement of the BCM program at UW-Platteville has created the link that bridges the gap between an individual's formal education and future employment in the construction industry. The internship program is a joint venture undertaken by the student, UW-Platteville and the construction industry.
Its purpose is to bring the student's campus education and future employment into a closer, more realistic relationship. This on-the-job approach has the added purpose of developing, as quickly as possible, interest, maturity, personal responsibility and independent judgment. Most persons participating in the program receive pay as well as a maximum of eight credits toward the degree. Typically, the student completes the internship requirement during the summer.
The BCM program is a member of the Associated Schools of Construction whose stated objectives are to provide professional ideals, standards and identity for individuals who occupy or seek responsible roles in construction, to encourage careers in construction education and to enhance the standing, growth and development of all individuals who serve or follow the field.
The BCM students and faculty have formed the UW-P Construction Management Association(CMA) which is the 'home' for the UW-P Student Chapter of the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) and the UW-Platteville Student Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). All student organizations, NAHB, ABC, and CMAA have state and national affiliations through professional contractor organizations. The NAHB Chapter has won state and national recognition as an outstanding student organization (NAIT).
The ITM/BCM program within the Department of Industrial Studies is accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology.
Various financial aids programs are available for students who qualify for financial assistance. These general grant, loan and scholarship sources are administered by the UW-Platteville Financial Aids office.
Building construction management majors have received thousands of dollars in scholarships from a variety of local, state, and national sources. Organizations providing these funds include the Associated General Contractors of America, the National Association of Home Builders, the Associated Builders and Contractors, the National Association of Women in Construction, the AACE International, the Wisconsin Retail Lumbermen's Association-Philip O. Mork Annual Memorial Scholarship and the Wausau Homes/Sterling Building Systems NAHB/WBA matching scholarship funds. Money from local building centers such as Eastman Cartwright Lumber and Fish Building & Supply, and funds from the BCM Alumni and Friends Scholarship are also available.
For more information or questions regarding suggested classes, write to the Department of Industrial Studies, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 1 University Plaza, Platteville, Wisconsin 53818-3099, or call (608) 342-1246 or email: ind_studies@uwplatt.edu.
For general information on UW-Platteville and its programs, write to the Office of Admission and Enrollment Management, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 1 University Plaza, Platteville, Wisconsin 53818-3099, or call 1-800-362-5515 or (608) 342-1125.