Frequently Asked Questions

1. What criteria are used to screen applicants?

Based on discussion in your letter of interest we look at how you want to benefit the industry. Let us remind you that we are not trying to make everyone a contractor. We focus on design/build project delivery. We want people to go out and help the design and construction industries. It just so happens however that building something is about the "coolest" thing you can do and most of our students end up wanting to be involved in this part. I think we do a good job of selling this. We also try to visualize how successful you can be. We look at your experience. Your GPA is probably the least considered of the major criteria. Probably the rest is how you “stack up” against other applicants. If you have an architecture background, please do not submit a design portfolio.

2. What backgrounds are most suited for this degree?

Many backgrounds can be served by this degree. Currently we have approximately 33% architects, 33% engineers and 33% business and a mix of other degrees. We have approximately 50% international students and 50% U.S. citizens. We have approximately 50% women and 50% men. Approximately half of our students work during the day. We are extremely pleased with the diversity in our classes. We all enjoy the many perspectives that the balanced diversity brings to our discussions.

On rare occasions we admit a student with a nontraditional undergraduate background based on professional experience and potential for success.

3. What are my chances for admittance into the program?

Admittance is competitive. We generally receive about 25-30 applications per admittance period and accept 14-16 applicants.

4. What is the application and acceptance process?

Go to the University of Oklahoma Graduate College website: http://gradweb.ou.edu/ for application forms and all information. Follow the instructions.

You must be accepted by the Graduate College first. In your application you will declare Construction Administration as your degree choice. After you are accepted into the Graduate College they will forward your application to the Construction Administration Graduate Liaison. A Review Committee, comprised of Richard Ryan (Graduate Liaison), Doug Gransberg and Bill McManus review your application.

5. When should I submit my application?

Committee reviews are done in mid/late March and again the first/second week of May. Remember there is only Fall semester entry. February is a good time to submit your application for the following Fall semester entry.

6. Will hours from another graduate program transfer?

Up to 17 hours of appropriate electives “can” be accepted for credit. The Graduate Liaison must approve all elective hours. Elective courses must relate to the design/build industry. Up to 12 hours of electives can be transferred from another university graduate program. The Graduate Liaison must approve all transferred electives prior to first semester enrollment.

6 Construction Administration core courses X 3 hours per course = 18 hours + 17 elective hours = 35 total hours

7. Are there prerequisite classes?

No. Prerequisite content will be covered in CNS 5513 (to be taken as the first graduate class the first semester of attendance) and CNS 5613.

8. Do I have to take the GRE?

No.

9. What happens if I am accepted into the program and I do not start the following Fall semester?

You will have to reapply to the Construction Administration program. Entrants cannot start graduate classes in the Spring semester. If you do not enroll in a graduate Construction Administration class for more than two semesters (without clearance from the Graduate Liaison), you must reapply to the Construction Administration program.

10. What are the chances of getting financial support?

Teaching, graduate and research assistantships are very limited. Typically first semester students in the program are not eligible. Award is primarily based upon faculty need and the fit, experience and ability to do the required task of the student. A half-time position is required to receive a tuition waiver.

11. What can I do with the degree?

The opportunities abound! We have people that work for contractors, design firms, facility managers, municipalities and owners. We have people working in real estate development and job site project management. We have people administering construction contracts and managing facilities. Average salaries upon completion typically range between $40,000 and $55,000. We have people working in many states and countries. Many stay in Oklahoma or go to Texas. We feel that the design/build emphasis is definitely appropriate for the direction the market will head in the coming years.