Construction Management program has blueprint for success

When you look across the landscape of the Upper Midwest, you can see the literal impact of Minnesota State Moorhead alumni. From managing the multi-million-dollar Moorhead High School and Career Academy transformation with Gehrtz Construction Services, to managing the Moorhead 11th Street Underpass with Ames Construction, Dragons are building the future. 

Higher education is a major investment. For the students in Moorhead's Construction Management (CM) program, that investment is paying dividends before they even cross the stage at graduation. Today, the program is setting a gold standard for the university, proving Dragon grit is in higher demand than ever. 

BS in Construction Management

Unrivaled outcomes 

The CM program's reputation is anchored by outcomes that few institutions nationwide can match. The industry knows the value of a Dragon, and the proof is right there in the numbers. 

By the time spring rolls around, seniors don't sweat over resume formatting or job hunting. The program maintains a 100% job placement rate, with most students locking in full-time contracts and start dates well before they ever walk across the stage to grab their diplomas. 

That immediate transition into the workforce comes with an average salary of $73,000. This upfront return on the hard work put into the program proves the industry values a builder with a Dragon degree, both early in their careers and beyond. 

Alumni have gone on to found and lead major companies across the region, including Ben Meland '06, Co-Founder and CEO of Enclave, and Eric Grenz '04, Senior Vice President at Mortenson.  

"These accomplished alumni exemplify the long-term impact of the program and serve as role models for current students while strengthening the program's reputation within the construction industry," said Dr. Rachel Axness, Construction Management program coordinator. 

Learning by doing 

Hands-on experience is a hard requirement in the curriculum, as each student must complete a 300-hour internship before graduation. Dragons pick up real-world mileage on actual job sites with top firms across Minnesota, North Dakota, and the nation. 

For example, CM student Kaeson Dick worked as a Field Engineer Intern with the Cass County Highway Department, where he managed reclamation and paving projects on two county highways, served as Assistant Project Manager on a municipal road reconstruction in Buffalo, ND, and helped survey more than 40 miles of roadway centerline. 

Other students spent their summers working major projects like a water treatment plant project in Dell Rapids, South Dakota or coordinating logistics on a 2,500-acre, 300-megawatt solar farm south of Fargo.

"These experiences increase students' confidence, enhance their professional and technical abilities, and expose them to industry practices that cannot be fully replicated in the classroom," Axness said. She added that internships often lead to lasting professional relationships. "Internships allow students to build valuable professional networks that often lead to future internship opportunities, mentorship, and full-time employment after graduation." 

While large research universities may focus heavily on theoretical academics, Moorhead's program remains dedicated to practitioner-led education. Instructors are seasoned industry professionals with years of field experience to draw from while teaching. Students learn the high-stakes nuances of project scheduling, estimating, and safety from mentors who have managed multi-million-dollar projects. This setup ensures classroom instruction matches the actual work waiting out on the job site. 

Powered by an elite network 

Much of the program's success stems from its deep ties to the industry. An active Industry Advisory Board, composed of 20 leaders from various sectors of the construction world, collaborates with faculty. These professionals shape the curriculum to meet real-time market needs while providing a vast networking web. When a Dragon graduates, the biggest names in construction will know their name. 

"Board members deliver classroom presentations, host site tours, provide internship and full-time employment opportunities, and offer financial support that enhances student learning experiences and program initiatives," Axness said. "Their continued partnership ensures the curriculum remains aligned with industry needs while strengthening connections between students and construction professionals."

Moorhead was the very first ACCE-accredited Construction Management program in the state of Minnesota. The department has been leading the way for decades, and that pioneering spirit remains strong. 

Flexibility for a changing workforce 

Construction management curriculum splits into two distinct tracks, allowing traditional students and active field professionals to choose the environment that fits their career goals. 

The on-campus track offers the classic university experience, grounding newcomers in modern facilities with in-person work. Meanwhile, the online track serves as a practical option for professionals already working in the field who want to level up their careers. Many online students are already working full-time in construction and would not otherwise have the chance to pursue a bachelor's degree through a traditional format.  

"The flexibility of the online program allows these working professionals to advance their education while maintaining their careers," Axness said, noting it has also drawn students from across the country and broadened the perspectives represented in the classroom. 

That flexible nature and quality instruction has earned national visibility, ranking among the top three online construction management degrees in the country by OnlineU as well as ranking as Minnesota's #1 construction management program among regional universities by Campusreel. 

From its foundation as the state's first accredited program to its standing as a regional powerhouse, the Moorhead Construction Management program continues to do what Dragons do best: work hard, lead with integrity, and build a legacy that lasts.