ACCE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
As part of our continued communication effort, we are highlighting specific accredited programs within the ACCE system. These are randomly selected schools, professional development programs, and workforce initiatives. We hope this helps the ACCE community better appreciate the work behind accreditation, reaccreditation, and certification. Enjoy this feature on Kennesaw State University’s ACCE-accredited Master's and Bachelor of Science in Construction Management programs.
Kennesaw State University Construction Management: Preparing Construction Leaders in the Heart of the Southeast
Located in one of the nation's fastest-growing construction markets, Kennesaw State University's Department of Construction Management has become a premier destination for students pursuing careers in the construction industry. Through rigorous academics, hands-on learning, strong employer partnerships, and nationally recognized American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accreditation, Kennesaw State continues to prepare graduates ready to lead projects from concept through completion.
Situated in metropolitan Atlanta, the program benefits from direct access to one of the largest and most diverse construction markets in the Southeast. This unique location gives students exceptional opportunities for internships, cooperative education, networking, and employment, while exposing them to projects ranging from commercial high-rises and healthcare facilities to transportation infrastructure, industrial construction, and residential development.
A Nationally Recognized Program
Kennesaw State University's Bachelor of Science in Construction Management is one of the largest construction management programs in the United States. The department offers both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Construction Management, along with undergraduate certificates and a minor, creating multiple pathways for students entering or advancing within the profession.
The curriculum develops the technical expertise and leadership skills required in today's construction industry. Students learn project planning, estimating, scheduling, budgeting, safety, project controls, contract administration, building systems, and construction technologies, while learning to manage teams, communicate effectively, and solve complex project challenges.
Recognizing that today's construction industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, Kennesaw State allows students to tailor their education through several industry emphasis areas, including:
General Contracting
Land Development
Heavy Civil and Highway Construction
Electrical and Mechanical Construction
Residential Construction
Facility Management
These concentrations help students align their education with their career interests while building specialized knowledge employers value across multiple sectors of the construction industry.
Learning in One of America's Strongest Construction Markets
Few universities can match the professional advantages offered by Kennesaw State's location.
The Atlanta metropolitan area is a major transportation, logistics, and commercial hub and supports one of the Southeast's most active construction economies. Students regularly gain professional experience through paid internships and part-time employment while completing their degrees, allowing them to graduate with both academic credentials and practical field experience.
The department emphasizes applying classroom knowledge to real-world construction challenges. Through project-based learning, laboratory experiences, industry competitions, and interaction with practicing professionals, students develop the confidence and technical competence expected of today's construction managers.
The Value of ACCE Accreditation
A defining strength of Kennesaw State University's Construction Management program is its accreditation by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). Both the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programs are ACCE-accredited, demonstrating the department's commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement.
For students, ACCE accreditation provides assurance that the curriculum meets nationally recognized standards established in collaboration with construction educators and industry leaders. Graduates complete a program that emphasizes technical competency,
leadership, ethics, communication, safety, project management, and professional practice—skills that employers consistently seek when hiring future construction leaders.
For employers, ACCE accreditation represents confidence that graduates have been educated in a program committed to measurable student learning outcomes, continuous assessment, and curriculum improvement. These standards help ensure graduates are prepared to contribute immediately while adapting to the construction industry's rapidly changing demands.
Accreditation is more than a recognition of quality—it is an ongoing commitment to evaluating outcomes, engaging stakeholders, and continuously strengthening the educational experience. This culture of improvement helps Kennesaw State remain responsive to evolving industry technologies, project delivery methods, and workforce needs.
Industry Partnerships That Drive Student Success
A hallmark of Kennesaw State's Construction Management program is its close collaboration with construction industry partners.
The department's Industry Advisory Board plays a vital role in shaping curriculum, identifying emerging industry trends, supporting student organizations, mentoring students, sponsoring scholarships, and creating internship and employment opportunities. These partnerships ensure that classroom instruction remains closely aligned with current industry practices while strengthening the connection between students and employers.
Students also benefit from one of the university's strongest scholarship programs, supported by longstanding relationships with organizations such as the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Georgia and numerous construction industry partners. These same partnerships support nationally recognized student competition teams and provide extensive professional networking opportunities throughout a student's academic career.
The program's emphasis on industry engagement produces impressive outcomes. Most students secure paid construction-related employment while earning their degrees, and the department's Advisory Board actively helps graduates launch successful careers in the construction industry.
Preparing Leaders for the Future of Construction
The construction industry continues to evolve through advances in digital technologies, sustainable building practices, prefabrication, robotics, artificial intelligence, and data-driven project management. Kennesaw State University's Construction Management program is committed to preparing graduates to lead successfully in this rapidly changing environment.
Faculty members remain actively engaged in research, professional organizations, and industry outreach, ensuring classroom instruction reflects current technologies, emerging best practices, and the profession's future direction. Continuous collaboration with employers and the Industry Advisory Board helps keep the curriculum aligned with the needs of today's—and tomorrow's—construction workforce.
Building the Next Generation of Construction Professionals
Kennesaw State University has built a reputation for producing graduates who combine technical expertise with practical experience, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of the construction business.
Backed by nationally recognized ACCE accreditation, outstanding industry partnerships, and the unmatched opportunities of the Atlanta construction market, the program continues to prepare graduates ready to manage complex projects, lead diverse teams, and contribute immediately to the success of construction organizations across the country.
For prospective students, Kennesaw State offers an education grounded in excellence and connected to opportunity. For employers, it is a reliable source of highly qualified professionals prepared through one of the nation's leading ACCE-accredited construction management programs.
That is all for now! More program highlights to come!!
Steve Nellis
President / CEO American Council for Construction Education Steve.Nellis@ACCE-HQ.org www.acce.edu
