New U of I degree prepares construction managers for Idaho’s growth

MOSCOW, Idaho — Preparing construction managers to connect business priorities, engineering requirements and design decisions is the focus of University of Idaho’s new Bachelor of Science in construction management and the built environment.

The program brings together the College of Business and Economics, College of Engineering and College of Art and Architecture to help meet Idaho’s growing need for construction managers. Applications are open for the program, which begins in Fall 2027. The four-year, 120-credit program will be offered in Moscow.

Idaho added more than 17,000 housing units in 2025, according to the Idaho Department of Labor. Its housing growth rate of 2.1% was the fastest in the country. By preparing graduates to coordinate design, engineering, budgeting and construction decisions from the outset, the program can help project teams identify conflicts earlier, control costs and move housing and other construction projects from planning to completion more efficiently.

Investments in manufacturing, semiconductors, aerospace, energy and other infrastructure are also increasing demand for professionals who can manage complex construction projects. The Idaho Department of Labor projects that employment of construction managers will grow 31.1% statewide through 2032.

“Idaho is building a lot more than just housing, and construction firms are reporting difficulty filling positions for people who can manage these large projects,” said Lisa Victoravich, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “By bringing three colleges together, we can prepare our graduates to understand how decisions made at the drawing board, in the office and on the job site affect the success of the whole project.”

Construction, architecture, engineering and business professionals helped shape the program during two feedback sessions in May 2026. They emphasized the need for graduates who understand both design and construction and can work across disciplines. They also identified practical experience, business knowledge, technology and strong communication skills as essential preparation.

In design-build projects, a single team is responsible for design and construction under one contract. Students will learn to consider the needs of owners, architects, engineers and contractors as they plan projects and resolve challenges.

Coursework combines construction fundamentals with estimating costs, scheduling, contracts, purchasing and business management. Students will also develop communication and team leadership skills and apply their knowledge through internships and projects involving multiple disciplines and industry partners. Working with faculty members across three colleges will help students build professional connections and explore careers in architecture, engineering and construction. They will gain experience with building information modeling, digital construction workflows and emerging applications of artificial intelligence.  

“We need people who can understand the plans, work through the numbers and bring a team together when conditions change,” said Suzie Long, dean of the College of Engineering. “Connecting design, engineering and business gives students a foundation for the decisions they will face in the industry.”

Prospective students can learn more and apply for Fall 2027 through the program’s degree page.

Media contact

Lisa Victoravich 
Dean, College of Business and Economics 
University of Idaho 
208-885-8798 
lvictoravich@uidaho.edu