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Fundamentals of Construction Management Certificate (EXT)

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Overview

Degree Level(s)
Professional / Non-Degree
Undergraduate Certificate
Modality
Hybrid
Online
School
Extension School

About the Fundamentals of Construction Management Certificate

This 15-week course at RWU Extension School (EXT) is designed to meet the needs of construction professionals at every level. Successful completers of this course will receive a Certificate of Completion.

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    Fundamentals of Construction Management Certificate Details

    Construction Management

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    Format

    100% Virtual (primarily live synchronous)

    Schedule

    Wednesdays (online)

    6:00pm - 8:50pm

    Time Commitment

    15 weeks
    October 21, 2026–February 17, 2027

    Cost

    $955

    Apply By

    Rolling admissions until the course is full

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    Fundamentals of Construction Management Certificate Overview

    Be exposed to the basic principles of Construction Management (CM) from a subject matter expert and take your career to the next level. The virtual modality of this course allows you to learn and engage from anywhere in the world or from the comfort of your own home.   Be part of an exclusive group—Join the over 175 professionals who have completed this program in the last 5 years. Meet and network with industry professionals who share your enthusiasm and interest in construction management. Don't delay! This course is only offered twice a year, and space is limited.  

    This course is designed for professionals working in the construction industry who aim to participate in projects of all sizes effectively, in a variety of roles. With weekly modules discussing planning, estimating, scheduling, procurement, contracts, and much more, this course provides additional skills to assist in the management of people, materials, and equipment efficiently. Our course meets the needs of professionals working across the industry, who are interested in understanding more about the management of construction projects.  

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    100% Virtual modality

    Designed with working professionals in mind, this course is delivered entirely online. The course primarily consists of weekly live, instructor-led sessions, providing opportunities to engage directly with the instructor and fellow students. Two instructional weeks will be completed asynchronously through Brightspace.

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    Expert Instruction

    Learn from a seasoned professional who brings real-world construction management experience into every session. Instruction goes beyond theory, focusing on how concepts apply in the field. This approach helps you build practical knowledge you can use right away.

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    Certificate of Completion

    The Fundamentals of Construction Management course leads to a Certificate of Completion for those who complete the 15-week course. Successful completion requires a minimum passing grade of 750 points for this course.

    What to Expect In the Program

    This program is designed to provide an engaging learning experience. This course is delivered in a fully virtual format that combines asynchronous (on your own) and synchronous learning. The course is delivered primarily through weekly live online classes on Wednesdays from 6:00–8:50 p.m., allowing students to interact directly with the instructor and fellow students. 

    Of the 15 instructional weeks, 13 will include live synchronous instruction and two will be completed asynchronously through Brightspace. Students should review the course schedule carefully and plan to attend all scheduled live sessions.

    Program Schedule  and Modality

    Program runs from October 21, 2026 to February 17, 2027

    DateInstructional FormatDateInstructional Format
    October 21, 2026Live OnlineDecember 23, 2026No Class — Winter Break
    October 28, 2026Live OnlineDecember 30, 2026No Class — Winter Break
    November 4, 2026AsynchronousJanuary 6, 2027Live Online
    November 11, 2026AsynchronousJanuary 13, 2027Live Online
    November 18, 2026Live OnlineJanuary 20, 2027Live Online
    November 25, 2026No Class — Thanksgiving BreakJanuary 27, 2027Live Online
    December 2, 2026Live OnlineFebruary 3, 2027Live Online
    December 9, 2026Live OnlineFebruary 10, 2027Live Online
    December 16, 2026Live OnlineFebruary 17, 2027Live Online

    Attendance and Participation

    The course is designed to be rigorous and requires consistent engagement. Students are expected to complete assignments on time, participate in course activities, and engage with the course material each week.

    Attendance is an important part of the Construction Management Fundamentals course and accounts for ≈ 20% of the final course grade (150 of the 750 total course points). Students are expected to attend and actively participate in all scheduled live online sessions.

    Students who miss a live class are responsible for catching up on missed course content and should not expect the instructor to repeat or provide an individual make-up of the missed class. Students with an excused absence should contact the instructor regarding any applicable make-up requirements.

    Prerequisites & Technology Requirements

    To participate successfully in the Construction Management Fundamentals course, students should:

    • Have reliable internet access and a computer with audio and video capabilities.
    • Have foundational math skills, including arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic geometry.
    • Be comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Excel will be required for multiple course assignments. Students who are not comfortable using these applications are strongly encouraged to review the recommended video resources that will be provided before the course begins.
    • Have access to a PDF reader/editor that allows students to view, complete, edit, and save PDF documents.
    • Be willing to become familiar with our online learning platform, Brightspace, before the course begins. Students will use Brightspace throughout the course to access course materials, complete assignments, and review other course resources. Prior to the start of the course, students will receive links to short instructional videos to help them become familiar with navigating and using Brightspace.

    Register for the Program

    No application is required to join this program. To enroll, simply register using the link below:

    Register Now 

    Topics Covered in the Program

    Plans, Specs, and Documents Module

    This module introduces the core construction documents essential for effective project management, including drawings, specifications, and building codes.

    Planning & Scheduling Module

    This module introduces the student to the basics of construction scheduling and project planning.

    Estimating, Bidding and Award Module

    This module introduces the student to basic estimating and bidding practices and how projects are awarded.

    Buying out the Job Module

    This module explores the way contractors and suppliers are evaluated and hired.

    Materials and Methods Module

    This module explores the most common materials used in the construction process to include installation methods.

    MEP Systems Module

    This module explores the different mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems and how they are managed.

    Basic Structural Systems Module

    This module introduces the student to the basic structural systems used by design engineers.

    Soils and Foundations Module

    This module explores the role of soils and foundations and how they are designed to support the various building loads.

    Temporary Work Module

    The module introduces the student to the various temporary scopes of work necessary to build a project.

    Subcontracting Module

    The module discusses how to manage subcontractors.

    Project Controls, Accounting, & Billing Procedures Module

    This module introduces the student to the various project control tools to include accounting and billing procedures.

    Site Mobilization & Logistics Module

    This module explores the role of site mobilization and project logistics.

    Role of Owner Module & A/E & Project Closeout Module

    This module discusses the role of the Owner, architect, and design engineers to include project completion and closeout.

    Safety & Health Module

    This module discussed project safety and health.

    Quality Control Module

    The module introduces the concepts of quality assurance and quality control for construction projects.

    Faculty Experts in the Fundamentals of Construction Management Certificate Program

    Michael J. Emmer, Ph.D.
    Michael J. Emmer, Ph.D.
    Professor of Construction Management

    Request Information

    If you have general questions about this program, fill out the request info form, and a member of our enrollment team will contact you:

    Request Info

     

    Contact Us

    Extension School Admissions
    Address One Empire Street, Providence, RI
    Emailext@rwu.edu
    Phone(401) 254-3838