In 2012, the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation (MCCEI) conducted a research study interviewing 126 industry leaders from across the state, Eastern Shore to Western MD, plus the Baltimore and Washington metro areas. These leaders represented $7.2 Billion in annual construction volume employing 13,700 state residents. They discovered that Maryland construction companies currently recruit 70% of their college graduates from out-of-state schools because Maryland graduates did not have the necessary construction management training that was needed.

Maryland Construction companies recruit 70% of their college graduates from out-of-state schools

Answering to the number one policy recommendation from MCCEI to “create or expand construction education programs at Maryland four-year institutions to meet the demands of Maryland Construction companies,” The A. J. Clark School of Engineering and the School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation developed a Minor in Construction Project Management (CPM).

The Colvin Family Foundation generously kicked-off the the CPM program with a 1:2 gift matched by the provost. The School of Architecture reports: “The kind of responsibility we have as a land grant institution is reflected in the values of John and Karen Colvin and the Colvin Institute of Real Estate Development,” said University President Wallace Loh at the signing of the Letter of Agreement at the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. “We are very fortunate to celebrate this magnificent gift from the Colvin’s that will expand this program to undergraduates.”

“This is an incredible opportunity for undergraduates across the whole university,” said Provost Mary Ann Rankin. “This new program is precisely in line with our University’s mission: to involve our students in real-world problems and educate them in multidisciplinary challenges so that they can actively address the problems the world faces.”

The joint program between architecture and engineering project management and industry represents a great opportunity for UMD students. If you are already an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, apply now.