September 24, 2025
The Construction Management Industry Consortium supports the College’s commitment to developing Missouri’s workforce and serving the state’s infrastructure needs.
Mizzou Engineering has supported generations of students on their journey to becoming professionals who transform lives here in Missouri and around the world. To preserve this proud tradition, we are continually developing new educational methods, technologies and partnerships.
One example is the Construction Management Industry Consortium, which was founded with the help of six key companies: ARCO, Brinkmann Constructors, Burns & McDonnell, Emery Sapp & Sons, Kiewit and P&D Electric.
This partnership between Mizzou Engineering and industry leaders is preparing students for careers at a time when demand for construction management professionals is booming.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that construction manager jobs will grow 9% by 2034, far above average. Median annual salary for construction managers is currently $107,000. In Missouri, 200,000 professionals work in construction.
“Our involvement with the consortium reinforces Mizzou’s commitment as a land grant university to developing Missouri’s workforce and serving the state’s infrastructure needs,” said Carlos Sun, director of construction management programs in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
In collaboration with the consortium, Mizzou Engineering offers several academic programs.
The undergraduate minor in construction management serves engineering, architecture and business students. More than 300 have completed the minor since 2020. Class enrollment has also surged to 160 students.
The graduate certificate in construction management prepares students and professionals with advanced skills. It is integrated into the Crosby MBA program, providing a unique opportunity for business students to gain specialized knowledge in construction. Since 2022, 22 students have completed the certificate and another 20 are actively enrolled.
The Construction Management Leadership Institute provides professional development and leadership training for individuals in construction. Each cohort involves 40 professionals from public agencies and private construction firms.
“Our consortium partners’ input has also been vital in the creation of new courses in construction estimating, planning, safety and more,” said Praveen Edara, chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “Through these courses, our students can acquire a comprehensive understanding of construction practices.”
Mizzou Engineering’s vision extends beyond the classroom. To bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, the College hosts on-campus summits, where students can network with industry leaders and public sector officials.
In addition, an industry mentorship panel provides students with direct access to experienced professionals, who can offer guidance and career advice.
“The consortium’s involvement has led to a significant increase in internships and full-time positions for Mizzou students within the construction industry,” Edara said.
To foster a community for future professionals, the consortium helped launch the Mizzou Professional Engineers and Construction (ZOUPEAC) student organization. Mizzou Engineering students also have opportunities to visit construction project sites and gain practical, hands-on experience from real-world projects like the Improve I-70 initiative.
Continued industry support is essential to enhance Mizzou’s ability to produce a skilled construction management workforce, Sun said.
“We are immensely grateful for the generous support of all consortium members, whose commitment has made these successes possible,” he said. “The continued partnership will be vital in securing scholarship support to attract talented high school and transfer students to serve workforce needs of the state.”
Want to build a future in construction management? Choose Mizzou Engineering!