COD, Purdue Announce 2+2 Construction Management/Engineering Technologies Agreement

By Robyn Johnson

College of DuPage and Purdue University have announced a new 2+2 articulation agreement for COD students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management and Engineering Technologies from Purdue University’s Calumet Campus.

This program is open to all students who have earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Construction Management from College of DuPage.

“It is increasingly important for construction managers to have a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, architecture or engineering. As construction processes become increasingly complex, employers are placing more importance on specialized education,” said Dr. Jean V. Kartje, COD Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The degree earned through this partnership will provide students with a competitive edge and the versatility they need for leadership roles this industry.”

Under this agreement, students are offered a degree completion program and seamless transfer with junior status to Purdue University Calumet after completing the College’s Construction Management AAS program. Students are admitted to Purdue University Calumet through this program via the standard undergraduate admissions process.

“In addition to new construction projects, a growing emphasis on retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient will create a broad stream of additional jobs for construction managers,” said COD Architecture Coordinator and Professor Jane Ostergaard. “This new partnership with Purdue opens up endless opportunities for our students in an industry with predicted high job growth and a need for sophisticated and highly-trained managers.”

On Aug. 21, 2012, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a nationwide increase in total construction spending of 0.4 percent in June to $842.1 billion, marking the third consecutive monthly increase. Year-to-date, not seasonally adjusted (NSA) construction spending was up 9 percent from the same period last year, with  April and May construction spending numbers up a total of just under $11 billion. In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 17 percent increase in the employment of construction managers over the next eight years.

Click here for information on COD’s Construction Management degree and certificate programs. Click here for information on the Purdue University Calumet BS degree in Construction Management and Engineering Technologies.