Certificate Program in Construction Management
The hiring rate in the construction sector was at a relatively high level of 5.8 percent in October 2011, with construction job openings on pace to exceed total separations for the first time since 2006.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Many opportunities exist for construction professionals with the right sets of skills. To be successful, you must remain competitive during fluctuating economic cycles. Enhance your knowledge of the construction industry and expand your capacity for leadership with the Construction Management Certificate Program.
Acquire the business and technical knowledge to thrive in this challenging industry. Program advisers are business leaders with firsthand experience of issues and current trends. Learn a comprehensive, systems-based approach to construction management, and gain valuable insight into the construction industry. Leverage today’s opportunities, and remain dynamic.
Gain practical knowledge that matters
- Learn to prepare winning bids.
- Gain the ability to manage construction projects of any size.
- Accurately determine construction methods, labor needs and time estimates.
- Acquire the ability to supervise and monitor all construction activities.
- Discover practical methods for day-to-day management of construction projects.
Designed for professionals like you
This program benefits construction managers and owners, contractors, architects, engineers, framers, electricians, plumbers, mechanical contractors, foundation layers, commercial and residential construction professionals, and real estate and financial leaders.
Learn from the best
Our instructors are construction professionals with practical experience in construction management, law, accounting, insurance and consulting. They use case studies to bring theoretical principles down to earth. Our program advisers are leading members of the business community who have first-hand experience with the construction industry. They advise UC Davis Extension on issues and trends, and provide valuable insights into training needs from the employers' perspective.
The Building Industry Association of Superior California and the Sacramento Builders Exchange endorse this program. Members receive a 10 percent discount on their course enrollment fees with proof of membership.
Courses approved by
UC Davis Department of Civil Engineering
UC Davis Graduate School of Management
Certificate Requirements
Courses may be taken individually or as part of a certificate program. Participants will be awarded a certificate in Construction Management upon the successful completion of 16 required units and six (6) elective units of designated course work. Tuition for the entire Construction Management Certificate Program is $5,210 to $5,735, depending on when you enroll. The certificate application fee ($45), textbooks and parking are not included in the tuition fee.
| UNITS | F | W | SP | SU | ||
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| REQUIRED COURSES | Estimating and Bidding | 3 | 
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| Project Scheduling and Management | 3 | 
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| Construction Accounting and Contract Management | 3 |
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| Construction Law and Contracts | 4 |
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| Integrating Construction Management Principles | 3 |
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| ELECTIVE COURSES | Construction Blueprint and Plan Reading | 3 |
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| California Building Codes | 3 |
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| Managing Public Works Projects, Construction Change Orders, and Claims | 3 |
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| Building Commissioning | 1.5 | |||||
| CALGreen: The California Green Building Standards Code | 1.5 | |||||
| Estimating Tools and Techniques | 3 |
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F=Fall W=Winter SP=Spring SU=Summer;
Schedules subject to change
Classroom format
Online Learning format |
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Required Courses
Estimating and Bidding
3 quarter units academic credit, X402.2.
Gain a basic understanding of estimating and bidding procedures, including the role of the estimator, various levels and details of an estimate, CSI format of a general contractor’s bid and the bidding process. Contractors, subcontractors, construction managers, architects and engineers involved with this key phase of commercial construction benefit from this insightful and practical information.
Examine
quantity takeoff; pricing labor, material and equipment; bonding;
productivity
factors; private and public bidding formats; minority requirements; and
markups
and bidding strategies.
Prerequisites:
Construction Blueprint and Plan Reading, or two years of experience reading construction blueprints and plans.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Project Scheduling and Management
3 quarter units academic credit, X402.4. GEN Hours, PDU Hours
Learn a systems approach to project management as well as the historical development of planning methods. From preliminary design to final walkthrough, scheduling is critical for successful construction projects. Focus on the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively plan and control projects of any size. Gain an in-depth understanding of scheduling and how to control construction projects. Discuss project manuals; CPM and PERT scheduling techniques; network analysis by computer; resource allocation; claims management; and purchasing, monitoring and controlling long-lead items. Know the ins and outs of fast-track processes from design through construction completion.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Project Scheduling and Management starts April 5
Construction Accounting and Contract Management
3 quarter units academic credit, X415.3.
Gain an understanding of basic accounting concepts and how they apply to the construction industry using a team approach to cost management. Construction management teams must anticipate, monitor and control the various components of every job. Beginning with an introduction to accounting, learn cost accounting principles and applications.
Examine profit and loss statements, cash flow
evaluation, revenue projection, job management and closeouts. Learn to
monitor
construction progress and payment schedules and to administer
contracts and
computer applications for the construction industry.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Construction Law and Contracts
4 quarter units academic credit, X406.1. 4 MCLE CEUs, 40 MCLE Hours
Learn to recognize actual and potential legal problems early on with this overview of the legal aspects of contracting and construction. Gain an understanding of the legalities of bidding, the liabilities of contractors and design professionals, mechanic's lien, stop notice and payment bond rights.
Discover the ins and outs of remedies and obligations; performance; licenses and other bonds; contractors’ license law; mediation, arbitration and court trials for dispute resolution; public works projects; and contract phraseology. Explore contracts and contract administration, and then uncover details about risk management and how to avoid litigation. Evaluate the importance of documentation, the effects of change orders and methods for control.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Integrating Construction Management Principles
3 quarter units academic credit, X415.4.
Discover how to take a holistic approach to the management of your construction projects. Learn to step back and take a look at the big picture and integrate all you know into the development of a comprehensive strategy. Improve your decision-making and your bottom line by increasing your efficiency and effectively guiding your team. Using case studies, explore the entire lifecycle of a construction project, including design development, budgeting, contracting methodologies and construction oversight. Guest lecturers join the instructor to provide additional depth and topic-specific expertise.
Prerequisites:
Estimating and Bidding, Project Scheduling and Management, Construction Law and Contracts, Construction Accounting and Contract Management.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Integrating Construction Management Principles starts March 28
Elective Courses
Construction Blueprint and Plan Reading
3 quarter units academic credit, X406.25A.
It is crucial for anyone involved in construction and manufacturing projects to have the ability to read and understand blueprints and building plans. Whether you're in the field or in the office, you need to know how the site plan affects the building plan, what building departments look for in plan checks and how plans affect contracts. Explore the design-and-build method of the construction process.
Focus on reading and applying blueprints and plans from conceptual drawings to final construction. Improve your understanding of change orders and profit margins.
Guest lecturers
include
designers, contractors, plan checkers and building inspectors who
discuss
their specific field of expertise. Learn how these various perspectives
instrumentally
affect plan reading.
This course is not currently scheduled.
California Building Codes
3 quarter units academic credit, X406.24. MCLE Hours
Anyone involved in construction projects—in the office or in the field—must be knowledgeable about the laws and codes regulating construction in California. Gain that crucial understanding as you examine the Uniform Building, Uniform Plumbing, Uniform Mechanical and National Electrical codes and their applications. Discover the scope and fundamental requirements for building design.
Improve your understanding of the regulations affecting egress, accessibility for the disabled and fire protection. Consider plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems standards. Explore how product standards are developed and how to investigate and verify approvals. Review the California Building Standard Code (Title 24) within the scheme of California's regulations, its basis in law, when and where it applies, and the code adoption process supervised by the California Building Standards Commission.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- California Building Codes starts April 3
Managing Public Works Projects, Construction Change Orders, and Claims
3 quarter units academic credit, X406.27.
Discover the major procedures and pitfalls of participating in large public works projects, and review the legal and contractual duties and responsibilities of each participant. Using case studies, explore the process dynamics through contracts, schedules, change orders and claims.
Discuss useful contract provisions and methods of calculating and evaluating change orders and claims. Contractors, subcontractors and public (and private) works administrators involved with managing public works projects, change orders and claims gain a clear sense of how to improve their management processes.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Building Commissioning
1.5 quarter units academic credit, X428.1.
Gain an overview of the process for commissioning buildings and the mechanical, electrical and envelope systems that serve a building. A technical session will examine selected building systems and development of associated commissioning performance tests. Topics include:
- Formation and responsibility of the commissioning team
- Types of commissioning documentation, their preparation and the process involved in new building commissioning
- Existing building retro-commission
- Continuous commissioning
This course is not currently scheduled.
CALGreen: The California Green Building Standards Code
1.5 quarter units academic credit, X428.2.
Learn about CALGreen, the California Green Building Standards Code, and how it applies to your building discipline. In an effort to lessen the impact buildings have on the environment, California developed and adopted the first-in-the-nation mandatory green building code. Effective January 1, 2011, all new buildings in California will be constructed with the environment in mind. Gain insight into CALGreen's mandatory measures in the areas of planning and design, water efficiency and conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and environmental quality.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Estimating Tools and Techniques
3 quarter units academic credit, X428.20.
Anyone contributing to the costs of construction projects, budget proposals, cost controls and change order management must know how to develop a responsible estimate. Gain an understanding of the tools and techniques used in compiling, organizing and analyzing the various elements that influence the costs of construction projects. Learn the latest tools in estimating, and explore emerging technology for maximizing the effectiveness of estimating. Examine spreadsheet organization, database management, digital take off and 5D estimating. Project engineers, project managers, owner representatives, designers and owners will benefit from this course.
You will be utilizing two software programs in this course, On-Screen Takeoff and Autodesk Quantity Takeoff (QTO). In order to prepare for the free trial downloads, you will need to have the following hardware capabilities. Please note that Autodesk QTO is also Mac compatible.
On-Screen Takeoff® Professional, PlanViewer, and ePlan
| Windows Operating System | Windows XP SP2 (SP3
recommended) Windows Vista SP1 (SP2 recommended) Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate |
| Processor | 32 Bit / 1 GHz |
| Memory (RAM) | 1GB |
| Monitor/Resolution | Super VGA (800x600) |
| Free Hard Drive Space | 500MB |
| Internet Connection | An unrestricted connection is required for authorizing the product |
| Web Browser | Internet Explorer 6 |
Autodesk Quantity Takeoff (QTO)
| Windows Operating System | Microsoft Windows XP
Professional Microsoft Windows Vista Microsoft Windows 7 |
| It is recommended that non-English language versions of Autodesk Quantity Takeoff be installed on an operating system with a user interface language that matches the code page of the Autodesk Quantity Takeoff language. A code page provides support for character sets used in different languages. See the Windows Vista versions section of the Microsoft website. | |
| Processor | Intel Pentium IV
processor, 800 MHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor (or faster) Multiple processors supported Dual core supported |
| Memory (RAM) | 2 GB (minimum) 4 GB (recommended) |
| Monitor/Resolution | 1024 x 768 True Color (minimum) |
| Display Card | 128 MB Video Adaptor Card
(minimum) 256 MB or greater, Direct 3D compatible 3D Video Adaptor Card (recommended) |
| Free Hard Drive Space | 550MB free space |
| Web Browser | Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher |
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Estimating Tools and Techniques starts April 2
Choose elective courses from other certificate programs
UC Davis Extension offers a wide array of elective courses in other certificate programs to build the career skills that are right for your goals and plans. Working with UC Davis Extension staff you can choose elective courses in:
- Human Resource Development and Management
- Labor-Management Relations
- Land Use and Natural Resources
- Project Management
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Workplace Health and Safety
Download a brochure
Download a Building amd Construction brochure
(1.6 MB)
The Building Industry Association of Superior California and the Sacramento Builders Exchange endorse this program. Members receive a 10 percent discount on their course enrollment fees with proof of membership.
Also of Interenst
Learn about the Construction Estimating Certificate Program.
testimonials
"As a project manager for a commercial contractor, I continuously work to update and learn new skills. I have found the classes offered through the Construction Management Certification Program at UC Davis Extension to be the best source for furthering my education. I've also been working on earning my bachelor's degree in Organizational Management and have been able to transfer the units earned through UC Davis Extension to that university system. Thanks for offering such a great program."
Ed James
"The UC Davis Extension Construction Management Certificate Program is highly beneficial. The instructors are all from the industry and therefore have a working, practical approach to the subject matter. The evening courses allow working professionals the opportunity to further their knowledge without encroaching on their normal workday."
Henry (Hank) S. Lamon, president, Lamon Construction Co., Inc.
"After 22 years as a manufacturer's representative, I wanted to pursue other interests in construction. Supplementing my previous work experience and educational background, UC Davis Extension's Construction Management Program has allowed me to make this transition successfully. I highly recommend this program for anyone looking to make a career change or improve their management skills."
Duane Bendixen, project manager, Eric F. Anderson, Inc.
"Douglas Kavan is a valued employee, and his completion of the UC Davis Extension Construction Management Certificate Program speaks to his dedication for this profession. The benefit of Kavan's certificate works in our favor as well as his own...an outstanding achievement."
Mel Duncan, general superintendent, Elliott Homes
"UC Davis Extension has a great staff and is always available for my educational needs. I really like this school and the instructors are wonderful!"
Keri Ranney, structural steel division administrator, LB Construction
"Every important subject in construction that I wanted to learn more about was included in the program. This was an opportunity to understand the industry I had chosen in a way that was not available in the past--to learn each of the skill sets required to be successful in the construction industry as an entrepreneur, manager or employee. The knowledge I gained was invaluable."
Linda Clifford, CFO, C. C. Myers, Inc. an ESOP company and Construction Management Certificate Program graduate and instructor
