The M.S.E. CEM degree requirements have recently changed. Currently enrolled students who matriculated (i.e., began their M.S.E. CEM graduate program) in Fall 2024 or before, please visit this page instead. Current students who matriculated in Fall 2025 or after, and prospective students who intend to apply to the M.S.E. CEM program, please continue reading below.
Overview
The Tishman Construction Management Program (TCMP) offers the Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) degree program in Construction Engineering and Management (CE&M), as well as multiple options for dual degrees in collaboration with other programs at the university. Please see below for additional information about dual degree option.
The M.S.E. in CEM is our flagship graduate degree program, designed for students seeking a full-time, on-campus graduate education. Launched in 1954, and continually updated to reflect cutting-edge developments in the field, the M.S.E. in CEM was the first graduate program in construction engineering and management in the world. The program can be completed over two or more semesters, depending on the student’s interests. Note: Some international students prefer to complete the program over three or four semesters to take advantage of summer internship opportunities with U.S. firms available through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
The information below describes the M.S.E. program and the available dual-degree options. Please read this entire information first along with this brochure outlining Guidelines for Applicants and Prospective Students. Then, if there are any additional questions, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section and the main CEE admissions page.
The M.S.E. program requires 26 credit hours of graduate work, including either a professional practice project, research project, or a thesis. One course (program elective) can be taken in an area related to CE&M. Students are also required to take two-one credit seminar courses in CE&M and related areas.
Current and Newly Admitted Students: More information about the M.S.E. program of study can be found in this document outlining Guidelines for Current and Newly Admitted MSE (CE&M) Students. Students can also view or download a Plan-of-Study Form.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are highly encouraged (but not required) for applicants to join the M.S.E. program. Please see FAQs for an explanation.
Letters of recommendation are required.
Students who do not meet undergraduate degree requirements for regular admission may be granted conditional admission. Students may be required to take courses without graduate credit to remedy deficiencies in their undergraduate programs. Additional information is available here: Guidelines for Applicants and Prospective Students
Dual Master’s Degree Programs
The Tishman Construction Management Program has formal dual degree programs with the College of Architecture and Urban Planning and the Graduate School of Business Administration through which a student can earn the MSE (CE&M) or the MEng (CE&M) and the Master of Architecture or the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Dual degree programs can also combine the MEng (CE&M) or MSE (CE&M) with Master’s in structures, materials, geotechnical, industrial and operations engineering, naval architecture, marine engineering and sustainable systems. Students complete course requirements for both degrees; however, dual counting of some courses reduces the total hours to below that required when pursuing the degrees separately.
For each dual degree program, prospective students must apply to, meet all admission requirements for, and be accepted independently into both programs. Students enrolled in any of the individual programs may apply for admission to a dual program, but they can save time and unnecessary coursework by planning both programs in advance. These dual programs provide unique opportunities to gain the knowledge and credentials of two related programs, each of which is recognized to be among the strongest in the United States.
Students can double count up to 4 credits (one 3 credit course and one 1 credit seminar) towards the M.S.E. (CE&M) or the MEng (CE&M).
M.S.E in Civil Engineering (with a specialization in CE&M)
The TCMP also offers the M.S.E. degree program in Civil Engineering (with a specialization in CE&M) for applicants who specifically require that their M.S.E. degree be in Civil Engineering (and not CE&M) for reasons such as scholarship sponsor compliance or active-duty military student rules.
The M.S.E. (CE&M) described on this page is the preferred and recommended degree program for most M.S.E. applicants.
Application Materials
Required Materials:
Application materials required for MSE applications consist of the following:
- Completed application form (see website below)
- Application fee
- Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts (Marksheets) from college or university that has awarded or will award degree
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. [GRE scores are optional and not required. Please see FAQs for an explanation.]
- International Students only:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) scores (international students only). See this site for minimum score requirements.
Online Application Website can be found here.
For further information contact:
- CEE Graduate Desk: [email protected] +1-734-647-1082
- Professor Carol C. Menassa, Professor and Program Advisor: [email protected]