Track 2, Presentation 2
Construction Management Undergraduate Education – A Historical Snapshot from Both Sides of the Atlantic
Richard Burt, PhD, MRICS
McWhorter Endowed Chair & Head
Professor, Auburn University
The early history of construction education particularly in the education of construction managers in the United Kingdom and the United States has not been formerly documented. The second world war and the anticipated reconstruction programs on both sides of the Atlantic led to a focus on planning for educating managers for the industry. In the United Kingdom various government reports with industry participation led to the majority of construction managers obtaining their education while in employment through part-time education at technical colleges. Up until the mid 1960’s there are minimal opportunities for students in the UK to study for a degree in “Building”. In the United States the situation is somewhat different with degree courses in subjects such as “Building Construction” and “Architectural Engineering” being offered at several universities before the second world war. The anticipated construction activity after cessation of hostilities led to a growth in programs with an emphasis on “Light Construction” in anticipation of the anticipated need for housing. A total of nine programs with courses related to the “building industry” are identified as being in operation prior to 1941 and 23 programs are identified as existing by 1946, and 36 programs by 1953. A significant contribution to the establishment of these programs was made by Arthur A. Hood of the Johns-Manville company who served on a wartime government committee. An understanding of the early history of construction education should allow us to better understand the current situation and make more informed decisions about the future.
Professor Richard Burt trained and qualified as a Chartered Building Surveyor in the UK. He holds a Masters degree in Construction Management and a Ph.D. in Architecture from Texas A&M University. He currently serves as Secretary and is on the Board of Trustees of the American Council for Construction Education. Dr. Burt also serves as the co-coordinator of the International Council for Building (CIB) Working Group WG089 – Education in the Built Environment.
