Our STEM-designated

PhD Concentration in Construction Management

PhD Concentration in Construction Management Collage

Since its inception in 1988, our PhD program in Construction Management has been a leader in the field. We currently support a substantial number of active PhD students, all of whom are fully funded through various grants, scholarships, and assistantships. Our program is further distinguished by its extensive research infrastructure, including more than 15 specialized research centers and laboratories. These facilities cover a broad spectrum of construction research, from traditional topics such as sustainability and project delivery to innovative fields like digital twins, artificial intelligence, and robotics. This robust research environment enables students and faculty to conduct comprehensive, cutting-edge research in the construction domain.

Our PhD Degree Requirements

PhD Program Degree Requirements UF Rinker School

Application Requirements

  • A two-page statement of purpose
  • A current CV
  • Three letters of recommendation

Bachelor’s and Master’s* Degrees

  • Transcripts + degree certificates

English Proficiency Requirements*

  • IELTS Academic ≥ 6.5
    • Minimum of 6.5 in each section
  • TOEFL** iBT ≥ 84
    • Minimum of 21 in each section
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are not required

* A master’s degree in construction management or a related field in the built environment is required to apply to the Rinker School’s PhD program. Exceptions may be considered on a rare, case-by-case basis by the Director of Graduate Programs and Research.
** UF’s TOEFL school code is 5812.

Funding Opportunities

Fully-Funded Research and Teaching Assistantships: Our PhD program offers fully-funded teaching and research assistantships, providing financial support and valuable experience to enhance your academic and career development. All currently active PhD students in our program are fully funded through various grants, scholarships, and assistantships. Applicants to the PhD program are automatically considered for these opportunities. We also encourage prospective applicants to contact faculty members with similar research interests early on to facilitate the review and interview process, if needed.

Internal Scholarships and Financial Support: Each year, we offer several internal scholarships and financial support opportunities. These scholarships are available to students after they begin their studies at the Rinker School and can help cover some of the educational expenses.

Concurrent Master of Construction Management (MCM) Degree

Enhance your academic journey by pursuing a Master of Construction Management (MCM) degree alongside your PhD studies. This unique opportunity is designed for PhD applicants who already have a master’s degree in a field other than Construction Management.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply? This option is available only for PhD applicants whose Master’s degree is in a discipline outside of Construction Management.

Application Process: Separate Applications Required: Interested candidates must apply separately to both programs simultaneously:

  1. PhD Concentration in Construction Management.
  2. Master’s in Construction Management (MCM) – Non-thesis option

It’s important to note that two simultaneous applications are required. To facilitate the approval process of this intentional dual application, the applicant should contact the Director of Graduate Programs and Research prior to submission.

Credit Application: One of the key advantages of pursuing both a PhD in Construction Management and a Master of Construction Management (MCM) degree is the opportunity to apply a substantial number of credits from your PhD coursework toward your MCM requirements.

Our Success is Defined by Our Alumni

Our PhD graduates secure impressive positions, including faculty roles at top universities and high-level managerial positions in industry. Here, you’ll see examples of our very recent graduates who are thriving at some of the top universities and companies in the U.S., highlighting the significant achievements and career paths available to our PhD graduates.

Gilles Albeaino

2020 MSCM & 2023 PhD
Assistant Professor @ Texas A&M
Dissertation Title: Exploring Human-Robot Interaction Proxemics in Construction

Jing Wen
Jing Wen

2022 PhD
Assistant Professor @ Georgia Tech
Dissertation Title: Assessing the Impact of Immersive Storytelling in Attracting Female Students to Construction Education Using Social Cognitive Career Theory

Ralph Tayeh
Ralph Tayeh

2018 MSCM & 2021 PhD
Assistant Professor @ Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Dissertation Title: Augmented Reality Applications for BIM And GIS In Online Construction Education

Ricardo Eiris

2016 MSCM & 2020 PhD
Assistant Professor @
Arizona State University

Dissertation Title: iVisit: Using 360-Degree Interactive Digital Sites to Practice Problem-Solving and Collaboration within Complex Spatiotemporal Contexts

Fopefoluwa Bademosi
Fopefoluwa Bademosi

2016 MSCM & 2019 PhD
Circular Eco. & Cons. Researcher @ Autodesk
Dissertation Title: Robotics in Construction: An Evaluation of Construction Robotics Technologies in Industry and Education

Nathan Blinn
Nathan Blinn

2015 MSCM & 2018 PhD
VP of Con. & Strategic Innovation @ Eagle Con.
Dissertation Title: Construction Technology Integration Guide (C-TIG)©: A Comprehensive Evaluation & Integration Strategy for Advanced Construction Technologies

Ali Komeily
Ali Komeily

2017 PhD
Associate Partner @
McKinsey & Company

Dissertation Title: Towards Context-Aware Socioeconomic Benchmarking of Neighborhoods

Hamzah Shanbari
Hamzah Shanbari

2010 MSCM & 2016 PhD
Director of Innovation @ Haskell
Dissertation Title: Evaluating the Use of Video Games in Construction Management Education

Any inquiries about our Graduate Programs?

Joseph Carroll

Graduate Advisor
josephcarroll@dcp.ufl.edu 
+1 352-273-1181

Dr. Masoud Gheisari

Director of Graduate Programs & Research
masoud@ufl.edu
+1 352-273-1166

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