College of Architecture

Curriculum in Construction Science

The construction industry is the largest industry in the nation with more than 6.7 million employees who annually produce more than 5 percent of the nation's Gross Domestic Product. Managing the construction process requires a broad understanding of the principles of construction science as well as leadership skills in motivating teams and integrating a wide range of tasks to produce a completed project.

The Construction Science Program, administered by the Department of Construction Science, prepares graduates for a career in construction or a construction-related industry. Courses taught by the Department include construction materials and methods; fundamental design courses in soils and foundations, mechanical and electrical systems and structures; project control systems; construction law, labor and contracts; and industry emphasis courses. In addition, related courses from other colleges are included to insure a broad base of knowledge in business, engineering and construction fundamentals.

The Construction Science Program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. Strong ties are maintained with the construction industry via the Construction Industry Advisory Council, an organization of construction and construction-related companies and individuals committed to supporting the Construction Science Program at Texas A&M University. Student chapters of industry professional associations offer students the opportunity for leadership roles and foster strong industry ties. These organizations are:

ABC Associated Builders and Contractors
AGC Associated General Contractors
AIC American Institute of Contractors
CMA Construction Management Association
DBIA Design–Build Institute of America
MECA Mechanical/Electrical Contractors Association
NADC National Association of Demolition Contractors
NAHB National Association of Home Builders
SLX Sigma Lambda Chi--national honorary scholastic construction society
SWIC Society of Women in Construction

Because of the important role of computing in the disciplines housed within the College of Architecture, all entering students are required to possess a portable, network-ready personal computer capable of running software appropriate to their academic program. Financial aid is available to assist students in their computer purchases. No student will be denied admission to Texas A&M University based on an inability to purchase a computer. Additional information is available on the college website at archone.tamu.edu.

In addition to the academic course work, each student is required to accomplish an approved internship of full-time practical work experience with a contractor, or in a construction-related work activity. Students may also participate in the University cooperative education program which allows qualifying students to gain valuable experience and professional insights. Students who wish to continue their education beyond the baccalaureate level may apply for graduate study in a Master of Science program in Construction Management, which is administered by the Department of Construction Science. For more information, please visit our website at archweb.tamu.edu/cosc.

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester (Th-Pr) Cr   Second Semester (Th-Pr) Cr
CHEM 101 Fund. of Chem. I (3-0) 3   COSC 253 Const. Matls. and Meth. I (3-0) 3
CHEM 111 Fund. of Chem. I Lab. (0-3) 1   ENDS 115 Design Comm. Fnd. (2-4) 3
COSC 153 Intro. to the Construction Ind. (3-0) 3   MATH 142 Business Math. II (3-0) 3
ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric (3-0) 3   POLS 206 American Natl. Govt. (3-0) 3
MATH 141 Business Math. I (3-0) 3   U.S. history/intl. and cultural div. elective1   3
U.S. history elective 1   3   * KINE 198 Health and Fitness Activity (0-2) 1
    16       16
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester (Th-Pr) Cr   Second Semester (Th-Pr) Cr
ACCT 209 Survey of Acct. Princ. (3-0) 3   COSC 275 Estimating I (2-4) 4
COMM 203 Public Speaking (3-0) 3   ECON 202 Prin. of Economics (3-0) 3
COSC 254 Const. Matls. and Meth. II (3-0) 3   ENGL 210 Scientific and Tech. Writing (3-0) 3
PHYS 201 College Physics (3-3) 4   POLS 207 State and Local Govt. (3-0) 3
* KINE 199 Required Physical Activity (0-2) 1   Humanities/intl. and cultural div. elective1   3
    14       16
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester (Th-Pr) Cr   Second Semester (Th-Pr) Cr
COSC 321 Structural Systems I (2-3) 3   COSC 301 Construction Surveying (1-2) 2
COSC 325 Env. Control Systems I (3-0) 3   COSC 364 Construction Safety I (1-0) 1
COSC 353 Construction Project Mgmt. (3-0) 3   COSC 463 Intro. to Construction Law (3-0) 3
COSC 375 Estimating II (2-3) 3   COSC 494 Internship   6
COSC 381 Const. Ind. Prof. Studies (1-0) 1       12
STAT 303 Statistical Methods (3-0) 3        
    16        
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester (Th-Pr) Cr   Second Semester (Th-Pr) Cr
COSC 323 Soils in Construction (1-3) 2   COSC 351 Construction Equip. and Meth. (3-0) 3
COSC 421 Structural Systems II (3-0) 3   COSC 483 Const. Inds. Contemp. Issues (1-0) 1
COSC 465 Advanced Topics in Const. Law (3-0) 3   COSC Capstone elective2   3
COSC 475 Const. Project Planning (2-3) 3   MGMT 309 Survey of Mgmt. Practices (3-0) 3
COSC 477 Const. Project Controls (3-0) 3   Technical elective I 3   3
    14   Technical elective II4   3
            16
NOTES:
  1. To be selected from the University Core Curriculum.
  2. Select from the following emphasis areas:
    COSC 440 Interdiscipline Capstone
    COSC 441 Residential Construction
    COSC 442 Commercial Construction
    COSC 443 Industrial Construction
    COSC 444 Highway/Heavy Construction
    COSC 446 Specialty Construction
  3. Select from the following:
    COSC 326 Environmental Controls II
    COSC 422 Structural Systems III
  4. Select from the following:
    COSC 464, [466 and 467], 484, 491 or approved study abroad or approved business minor.

* See University Core Curriculum, item 7.