The Wharton-Smith Center for Construction
CONSTRUCTION
As buildings, infrastructures and construction processes become more complex, integrated with cutting-edge technologies and intelligent building systems, it is necessary for construction professionals to possess highly technical, analytical and managerial knowledge and skill sets. The construction discipline is a blend of building science with an understanding of engineering, architecture, and design knowledge and project management skills. Construction professionals are responsible for the planning, coordination and supervision of construction projects from blueprints to occupancy. Effective communication, problem-solving, collaboration and excellent leadership skills are key attributes of the profession.
THE WHARTON-SMITH CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION
The Wharton-Smith Center for Construction (WSCC) prepares students for a career in construction project management in various roles such as project manager, project superintendent, estimator, scheduler and project engineers for a variety of construction projects, ranging from residential to complex commercial developments. Students will acquire knowledge of construction materials, methods and techniques in conjunction with the latest industry software and technologies, such as augmented/virtual reality and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Students will develop skills to manage projects from conception to completion with an emphasis placed on construction management. Building construction principles delivered in a classroom setting are enhanced through real-world, project-based instruction. Seminole State degrees prepare students with the necessary knowledge and skills to obtain high-wage, high-demand jobs in t he construction management field.
WHY SEMINOLE STATE?
PROGRAM REPUTATION
• Proven Success: Outstanding reputation for more than 30 years
• Accredited Program: ACCE (American Council for Construction Education) accredited 4-year B.S. degree program for construction management career
• Award-winning: Top performance in Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) student competitions, including first place in the 2019 DBIA National Competition.
• Scholar-practitioner faculty model: Most full-time construction faculty are Florida-licensed professionals who are actively involved in the industry. These scholar-practitioner faculty have real-world experience, professional licensure in construction, engineering or architecture and a credentialed, scholarly academic background.
• Career Success: Employment opportunities in high-paying, high-demand jobs
• Incremental academic credentialing model/pathway: Pursue education in construction management while working.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE
18 Credit Hours
Embedded in the A.S. in Construction Management degree
WORKFORCE-READY CURRICULUM
ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE (A.S.) IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
60 Credit Hours
Fulfills the Technical Foundation Core for the B.S. in Construction
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) IN CONSTRUCTION
126 Credit Hours
• Highly engaged Industry Advisory Board (IAB) provides feedback to the curriculum to ensure it meets current industry needs. Internship opportunities are available through the alliance with industry partners.
• Project-based learning to develop construction project management knowledge and skills from blueprints to completion
• Construction site field trips
The SSC Construction program exceeded my expectations. What didn’t expect was how much more there was to learn. This program didn’t offer any shortcuts, but it gave me perspective, discipline, and the tools to grow. It helped me take what I had and build something stronger, both in work and in myself.” ZACH RODGERS ’19
The Construction Program is taught by a staff with the experience to provide real-world insight that equips students to hit the ground running. The variety of methods and course scheduling gave me the advantage of working full-time in the industry while completing my degree. This program greatly prepared me for my role and instilled the confidence and skillset needed to continue excelling.”
CHELSEA BETZ ’22 Construction
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
• Local, humanitarian service-learning projects to give back to the community
• Special design-build projects
• Internships and job-shadow opportunities with prominent companies
• Interdisciplinary projects with other related programs to replicate collaboration in the industry
• Opportunities to attend professional conferences
• Regional and national student competitions
• Monthly industry-sponsored speaker series/events
• Construction-related industry student chapters
• Annual dedicated career fair for construction students
Seminole State allowed the flexibility to thrive during my internship with Wharton-Smith. The industry level lessons overlapped with subjects that reinforced the importance of each subject as it relates to industry practices. I hope to continue to support the growth of future young professionals as an alumnus.”
SHANE SMITH ’21
Assistant Project Manager-Commercial Wharton-Smith, Inc.
I could not be prouder to represent this program. The faculty challenged me, supported me, and help turn potential into progress. This program gave me far more than a degree — it gave me direction, confidence and a clear path forward in this industry.”
SEAN GRIFFIN ’25
Associate Construction Manager, Walt Disney Imagineering
