MSU to Launch State’s First Graduate Construction Degree

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State University will launch the state’s only graduate program in construction management next month, aiming to better prepare students for advanced leadership roles in the growing construction industry.

Recently approved by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the new Master of Science in Construction Management will be housed within MSU’s Department of Building Construction Science and offers two flexible pathways: a professional track and a research track, each designed to meet the needs of students and working professionals across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors.
Applications for the inaugural cohort are open now through August 1, with courses offered both online and in-person in Starkville.
“Drawing on the strengths of the existing undergraduate program, the new Master of Science in Construction Management creates exciting new opportunities for students interested in this booming sector of the economy,” said Angi Elsea Bourgeois, Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design and interim dean of the Graduate School.
The research track will allow students to explore cutting-edge topics such as emerging technologies, data analysis, and the use of virtual and augmented reality through resources like the college’s Simulation and Interactive Visualization Applications Lab.
Saeed Rokooei, associate professor and graduate program coordinator, emphasized the program’s industry connections: “The close working relationship between our faculty and industry professionals ensures that students gain firsthand insight into current and future industry demands, preparing them for real-world challenges and opportunities,” Rokooei said. “Our interdisciplinary approach, supported by strong industry partnerships, equips graduates with advanced technical knowledge and managerial skills—giving them a distinct advantage in the job market and empowering them to become leaders in the field.”
The launch of this program reflects the construction industry’s pressing need for highly skilled professionals who can manage increasingly complex projects that rely on advanced technology and data-driven processes. As the construction sector continues to evolve with new tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), sustainable design practices, and virtual project simulations, demand for professionals with graduate-level training is at an all-time high.
MSU’s unique integration of industry partnerships ensures that graduates will be job-ready with hands-on experience and insights into current industry standards and future trends. The program’s flexible delivery — offering online and in-person formats — makes it accessible for working professionals looking to advance their careers without putting their jobs on hold.
Students in the research track will have access to state-of-the-art labs where they can work on real-world problems, while those in the professional track will focus on leadership, project delivery, and advanced management skills.
University leaders say the new degree further cements MSU’s role as a driver of economic growth for the state and region by preparing the next generation of project managers, estimators, superintendents, and construction executives who will oversee vital infrastructure and development projects.
Prospective students and industry partners can learn more or apply by visiting grad.msstate.edu.
Originally reported by Christie McNeal in MS State.
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