Construction management uses specialized project management techniques to oversee the planning, design, and construction of a project, from its beginning to its end. The purpose of construction management is to control a project's time, delivery, cost, and quality. The courses in this program are specifically designed for individuals seeking employment as construction managers.
This part-time online certificate program emphasizes the interpretation and understanding of commercial project documents (working drawings, specifications, soils reports, contracts, etc.) and the preparation of estimates and construction schedules. With an educational foundation in the Construction Management field, graduates have the knowledge to begin assisting or managing the construction process, from initial planning to project completion.
Construction Managers are employed by residential, commercial, and industrial construction companies and by construction departments of companies outside the construction industry. Graduates may seek employment in the construction sector in positions such as:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent OR Mature student status (age 19 or older).
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
This course explores the many facets of the construction industry and develops a deeper knowledge of the many factors that impact this industry. Students increase their awareness of various participants and stakeholders that are typically involved in a commercial construction project, as well as issues such as impact on the economy, safety, environmental, and use of technology.
Students explore various building materials and construction methodologies used in commercial construction, including durability, availability, ease of construction, and aesthetic perspective. Studies include a review of commercial construction drawings and specifications. Students use a variety of learning tools including standard building practices, commercial working drawings, and trade publication websites. Students participate in readings, quizzes, research, discussions, and collaborative work groups.
This course introduces students to measuring techniques for items in a commercial construction project. Utilizing Excel spreadsheets, students will interpret construction working drawings and specifications to measure items such as excavation, concrete, steel, etc. Emphasis is placed on accuracy of measurement, standard descriptions, logical sequence of take-off, and estimating principles. The parts of a detail estimate will be identified.
The course provides students with basic knowledge of the principles of planning, organizing, and controlling administrative aspects of a project in the commercial construction industry. The contents of this course will prepare students for the day to-day administrating, planning, and monitoring of a small to mid-sized commercial project.
This course introduces students to the concept of construction scheduling and planning. This course will explore applications of effective project planning and analysis. Topics include Gantt schedule, CPM, Critic Path Planning, Resource allocation, Cash Flow Planning, Schedule Monitoring and Productivity Factors. Students will complete a detailed schedule for a small commercial project.
As projects become more complex it is important that all the parties involved (owner, architect, engineer(s) and general contractor construction) have a proper understanding of contract documents and their relationship to the entire project. This understanding of contract documents is essential to prevent or minimize disputes and claims, which can be very costly. Students are introduced to the documents that form a construction contract. The course builds upon the principles of law and introduces the most commonly used standard forms of construction contracts issued by the Canadian Construction Documents Committee and the Canadian Construction Association. Basic building law, contractual responsibilities and obligations are explored.
Students explore many facets of building green in the construction industry from a general contractor's (builder's) perspective. Students will gain an introductory knowledge of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), Net Zero Energy program and the various LEED Rating Systems with an emphasis on new construction. The significance of the elements of green construction, green procurement, and contracting for green construction as they relate to a contractor's green strategy are addressed.
The graduate will reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to
college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work
experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained
meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.
How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning
through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews,
demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a
Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program
Coordinator.
The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.
Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.
Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in postsecondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca Polytechnic program.
Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.
Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.
Please visit the Office of the Registrar.
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.
A faculty of Seneca Polytechnic may recommend a student for a certificate, diploma or degree only after the student has earned a minimum of twenty-five percent of the credit for that program at Seneca.
Ramya Kottapalli
Program Assistant
Ramya.Kottapalli@senecapolytechnic.ca
416.764.0975
Jacqueline Gage
Manager, Academic Programs
jacqueline.gage@senecapolytechnic.ca
416.764.0984