Date: May 13, 2008
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Adds New Bachelor's Degree in Construction Engineering and Management Technology

Westville – The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE) has granted approval to Purdue University North Central for the College of Engineering and Technology to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering and Management Technology. PNC students will have the opportunity to enroll in these bachelor's degree classes for the Fall of 2008.

Purdue North Central now offers its students 16 baccalaureate programs.

“PNC is committed to providing its students and future students the opportunity to pursue bachelor's degrees that will lead them to relevant, stable careers,” said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. “The vast majority of our PNC graduates remain in Northwest Indiana and our alumni will be able to put their Purdue degrees to work in our local communities.”

According to Dr. Larryl Matthews, dean of the PNC College of Engineering and Technology, the Construction Engineering and Management Technology (CEMT) program prepares graduates with the technical skills necessary to enter careers in construction, operation and the maintenance of the built environment and global infrastructure. Matthews notes that the demand in Indiana for construction management professionals is high and reflects an overall national demand.

Graduates will be prepared to perform cost estimates and analyses, specify project methods and materials and manage construction activities. The PNC curriculum meets the accreditation requirements of the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET).

The U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Construction Managers” reports that “Excellent employment opportunities for construction managers are expected through 2014 because the number of job openings will exceed the number of qualified individuals seeking to enter the occupation. This situation is expected to continue even as college construction management programs expand to meet the current high demand for graduates.”

The report continues, “Employers prefer individuals who combine construction industry work experience with a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, or civil engineering.” It further states that “Excellent employment opportunities are expected as the increasing complexity of many construction projects requires more managers to oversee them.”

A survey of local business, construction firms and governmental agencies conducted by the PNC College of Engineering and Technology indicated there is a strong interest in hiring graduates of the PNC program.

Matthews also noted that students who have earned an associate degree at PNC, IVY Tech Community College or other university will be able to transfer their credits that meet curriculum requirements to this program to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering and Management Technology.

Further information on the PNC Bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering and Management Technology can be obtained by contacting the PNC College of Engineering and Technology, (800) 872-1231, ext. 5297.

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