BCM master's degree gains state approval

The Indiana Council on Higher Education (ICHE) approved a new department-level master of science degree in building construction management. Prior to the approval, the BCM MS degree program was an area of specialization in the College of Technology. Because the MS degree was administered at the college level, BCM students received an MS in Technology degree.

Joe Orczyk and Mark Shaurette, the past and current coordinators for the BCM graduate program, prepared a department-level program proposal that was submitted to the Purdue Graduate School in Fall 2010. The MS proposal is a substantial document that covers in detail the need for the proposed degree program, as well as how it is to be structured, financed and administered. The proposal underwent review by the College of Technology Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, the College of Technology Graduate Committee, the Purdue Registrar’s Office, the Purdue Graduate School, a review committee of the Graduate Council and finally the full Graduate Council.

Additional reviews by the Office of the Provost were required before making a recommendation to send the proposal to the Purdue Board of Trustees. Finally, in October 2011, at an ICHE public hearing, the degree program was given the necessary approval to be offered.

The first MS in Building Construction Management will be awarded this spring.