With the construction industry one of the UAE’s largest contributors to GDP, highly skilled construction managers are in high-demand across the country. A new graduate program from American University of Sharjah (AUS), the Master of Science in Construction Management, will help deliver the much-needed talent required to drive the sector’s growth.

The Master of Science in Construction Management will be available from this coming fall semester, with applications now open. It will be delivered through the university’s College of Engineering (CEN), joining the other eight master’s programs offered by the college. It brings the total number of master’s programs available at AUS to 16.

The program will equip construction managers with the skills and knowledge required to advance their careers in the industry, with a focus on competencies required for the sector’s rapid technological advancement. The program is multidisciplinary, drawing from Civil, Industrial, Computer, and Materials Engineering, as well as Urban Design and Business Administration. With Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and big data transforming the way in which large-scale projects are governed, construction leaders are faced with a new set of challenges and opportunities, such as sustainability, and legal aspects.

“The construction industry has changed enormously over recent years, and the need for construction professionals with highly developed skill-sets and knowledge of the changing landscape is essential to the success of large-scale projects. This program has been designed with particular emphasis on the distinct needs of construction in the Middle East, while incorporating best-practice from across the world,” said Dr. Sirin Tekinay, Dean of the College of Engineering.

The new master’s program builds on the university’s commitment to providing the region with the types of competencies needed to boost large industries and advance economic growth in the Emirates.

“The country’s construction industry has been growing consistently, with this trend expected to continue given the importance of construction to the UAE’s strategic plans. The need for construction management professionals is therefore fast-growing, particularly those with specialized knowledge in project management techniques, advanced construction techniques, sustainable design and construction, finance, risk, law and, of course, digital technology. The AUS Master of Science in Construction Management has been carefully designed to meet these needs. The program will be continuously updated to reflect changing industry needs and technological developments,” Dr. Tekinay said.

The program will prepare those undertaking it for advanced careers as well as doctoral studies in related fields.

For more information about the program, please visit www.aus.edu/cen/mscm.