Graduate Certificate in Executive Construction Management

Purdue's Executive Construction Management (ECM) Graduate Certificate combines academic rigor and practical training, empowering construction professionals for executive roles. Through four online courses, participants gain expertise in finance, law, risk management, marketing, and strategy. Designed for immediate real-world application, the program also acts as a gateway to the Master's in Construction Management, making it an ideal choice for aspiring industry leaders.

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Overview
Develop an understanding of management principles within the construction industry and equip yourself to lead

Purdue’s Executive Construction Management (ECM) Graduate Certificate equips aspiring construction leaders with essential skills for effective company-level decision-making. This online program combines academic rigor and practical training, offering a robust foundation in construction industry management. Comprised of four courses, the curriculum covers crucial areas such as construction accounting, finance, law, risk management, marketing and strategy. Designed for working professionals, this program has immediate real-world application and prepares students for executive roles. The ECM Graduate Certificate courses are offered in a one-year cycle, with start dates available at the beginning of each semester.

Students can complete 12 credit hours in 1-3 years, providing a quicker pathway to gaining essential skills required in the industry. In addition to serving as a stand-alone credential, this certificate also provides a direct pathway to earning an online Master of Science in Construction Management. Credits earned through the ECM Graduate Certificate can be applied toward the full master’s degree, allowing students to continue their education and further enhance their leadership expertise in the construction industry.

4
courses in certificate
12
number of credits required
$750
cost per credit hour (Indiana Resident)
$906
cost per credit hour (Non-Indiana Resident)

The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.

Program Specifics

  • A bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited university.
  • An undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 scale) from an accredited institution is required for unconditional admission.
  • A minimum of two years of experience in the construction industry is required.
  • English Proficiency is required, please see here for more information.

More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.

Degree Required

  • CM 52000 – Preconstruction Project Management
  • CM 52500 – Managing Construction Quality and Production
  • CM 53000 – Construction Operations and Strategic Management
  • CM 53500 – Construction Accounting and Financial Management
  • CM 54000 – Law for Construction Managers
  • CM 54500 – Construction Management Training and Development
  • CM 55000 – Risk Management in Construction
  • CM 55500 – Construction Leadership and Marketing
  • CM 58100 – Sustainable Site Development
  • CM 58100 – Real Estate Development Process
  • CM 58100 – Value Engineering & Visualization for Sustainability
  • CM 58100 – Advanced Study of Facilities Systems
  • CM 58100 – Advanced Facilities Management

Advanced Executive Construction Management Expertise

Gain specialized expertise in executive-level construction management through an accelerated, targeted curriculum. This program offers a faster path than a full master’s degree, equipping professionals with high-level leadership skills in construction accounting and finance, risk management, construction law, and strategic project delivery. Designed for those looking to quickly enhance their expertise, this certificate provides industry-relevant knowledge to prepare professionals for upper-management roles in construction.

Flexible Online Format with Immediate Career Impact

This accelerated graduate certificate allows professionals to gain executive-level construction management expertise in just 12 credit hours. The fully online format provides flexibility for working professionals, enabling them to apply new knowledge in real time to improve project leadership, financial oversight and business operations while earning a valuable credential.

A Pathway to a Master’s Degree

The Executive Construction Management Graduate Certificate can stand alone as a professional credential or serve as a steppingstone toward Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Construction Management. Credits earned through the certificate can be applied to the full master’s degree, allowing for a seamless transition to further education.

A graduate certificate is a specialized credential that provides advanced knowledge in a specific field. Available to those with a bachelor’s degree, Purdue’s 100% online graduate certificates take less time than a full master’s degree program. They are valuable for individuals looking to quickly advance their careers or pivot to a new industry. Graduate certificates also can serve as a stepping stone toward a master’s degree since they allow students to earn academic credits that may apply to a future graduate program. Ask your enrollment counselor for details or learn more about graduate certificates here.

Career Outcomes

245.394
Unique Job Postings
9.2%
projected growth
$107.4k
Median Advertised salaries

Top Job Titles

  • Construction Project Managers
  • Project Managers
  • Estimators
  • Engineering Managers
  • Project Engineers

Top Industries

  • Engineering Services
  • Employment Placement Agencies
  • Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Source: LightcastTM (2023). Unique job postings for July 2022-2023. Projected growth for years 2023-2033.

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