HONOLULU — Through a $250,000 donation from the General Contractors Association of Hawaii Education foundation, Hawaii Pacific University will be the first and only university in Hawaii to develop and launch a graduate degree program in construction management.

What You Need To Know

  • GCA members will also serve as advisors and guest faculty bringing their real-world construction experience into the classroom to enhance the program

  • The new one-year Master of Science in Construction Management degree was developed for early- to mid-career professionals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any field

  • The program trains the skills graduates need for project management and leadership roles within the construction management industry

The first cohort of the “General Contractors Association of Hawaii Construction Management Program” is set to begin in fall 2024, pending approval from regional accreditors.

GCA members will serve as advisors and guest faculty, bringing their real-world construction experience into the classroom to enhance the program.

“Construction is one of the pillars of our local economy and we take immense pride in collaborating with HPU to help pioneer Hawaii’s first master’s program in construction management,” said GCA Executive Director Cheryl Walthall in a news release.

“Workforce development is an important priority for the GCA and we believe this program will equip the next generation of construction management professionals with the knowledge they need to join a construction company and make a meaningful impact from day one. We look forward to continuing our partnership with HPU to have a lasting impact on Hawaii’s construction landscape for years to come,” said Walthall.

According to HPU, GCA is renowned for its commitment to integrity, responsibility and excellence and, as a leading voice in the construction industry, represents nearly 500 general contractors, subcontractors and other construction-related businesses throughout Hawaii.

The new one-year Master of Science in Construction Management degree was developed for early- to mid-career professionals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any field. The program trains the skills graduates will need to hold project management and leadership roles within the construction management industry. The program will be in-person at HPU’s College of Business in Honolulu.

A few of the highlights of the new program include faculty with extensive industry experience in Hawaii, guest lectures from construction and project management professionals, site visits to active construction projects, opportunities to network with industry leaders and access to HPU’s resources for entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Our partnership with the General Contractors Association of Hawaii represents a pivotal moment for HPU’s commitment to excellence in education and industry collaboration,” said HPU Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer Walsh, Ph.D. “This generous donation will not only facilitate the development and launch of our groundbreaking Master of Science in construction management program but also underscores our dedication to equipping early- to mid-career professionals with the necessary skills and expertise to thrive in the construction sector. We are deeply grateful for the support of the GCA and look forward to the transformative impact this program will have on our students and the broader community.”

Learn more about the Master of Science in Construction Management degree.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.