Master of Construction Management

"As a proud graduate of USC’s Master of Construction Management program in 2007, I can say without question that the program—and Professor Koffman’s mentorship—has been instrumental in shaping my career. The program’s blend of technical, financial, and leadership training prepared me to manage complex projects and strengthened my ability to lead within the industry. Today, I apply those lessons at AECOM, one of the world’s largest professional services and infrastructure consulting firms, while also serving as a Certified Construction Manager, a member of the CMAA Southern California Board of Directors, and co-chair of the CMAA National Sustainability Subcommittee. Most importantly, the lifelong connections built through the MCM program and Professor Koffman’s continued guidance have provided both professional advancement and personal fulfillment."

By Jeff Bowling
Master of Construction Management '07
Sr. Construction Manager, AECOM

"USC’s Master of Construction Management program, guided by Professor Koffman’s mentorship, shaped my path as a public owner representative at SBCCD. Its emphasis on collaboration, sustainability, and innovation has enabled me to deliver transformative projects that directly benefit students and communities while raising the bar for excellence—earning SBCCD recognition for innovative, sustainable projects year after year. The program also prepared me to contribute nationally and locally as a member of the Green California Schools and Higher Education Advisory Board, the CMAA Southern California Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors of USGBC California. The foundation I gained through the MCM program—and my continued connection with Professor Koffman—remain cornerstones of my professional success." 

By Farrah Farzaneh
Master of Construction Management '07
Executive Director, Facilities Planning, Sustainability & Construction, San Bernardino Community College District

“As a student in the MCM program, I gained the skills and confidence to use qualitative and quantitative approaches in my work. The program has been a significant contributor to who I am today. The instructors were supportive, highly skilled industry experts and great leaders who shared invaluable insights into practical techniques and applications of the construction management concepts, which I use regularly. The physical location of the University is a tremendous advantage to students by offering access to numerous internships and employment opportunities within driving distance. Along with the coursework, the leadership experience of participating in the Sparks competition and being the Symposium Chair in the student body provided an invaluable advantage early on. The CE502 and CE569 courses were a game changer for me. Professor Reynolds changed how I viewed and understood finance and the CE569 course helped me understand how all the different construction elements come together and how I can lead my project team to better outcomes.”

By Devang Dedhia
Master of Construction Management '04
Manager of Project Controls, Port of Long Beach

“USC’s Master’s Degree in Construction Management has offered me the ideal opportunity to enhance my knowledge while creating a solid background in the construction field. The structure of the course allowed us to become intimate with the complex technical and non-technical activities associated with construction management which I was immediately able to put into practice. Overall, the benefits gained to Saudi Aramco and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a whole, see this program as a beacon of excellence for the future. My advice to incoming students is to define your learning goals to ensure that you get the most from your education.”

By Rafat F. AL-Sharif
Master of Construction Management '18
Senior Engineer, Saudi Aramco

"The Master of Construction Management program at the USC offered an outstanding platform to grow my understanding of the construction management and civil engineering industries. What set the program apart was its thoughtfully designed curriculum and the blend of academic faculty and seasoned industry professionals who delivered it. Their real-world insights brought essential context to complex concepts that are often difficult to grasp through classroom instruction alone.

Beyond the coursework, USC provided extensive opportunities to engage with the industry through extracurricular initiatives, all of which played a pivotal role in accelerating my professional growth. I can say with confidence that my career trajectory improved significantly as a direct result of the resources and support I received.

Equally impactful was the access to the Trojan construction and engineering network—a community that is second to none! I was fortunate to be surrounded by faculty, peers, and alumni who were deeply invested in my success and who continue to be valuable collaborators in my professional journey to this day."

By Tyler Sendelbach
Master of Construction Management '21 
Managing Consultant, Old Republic Insurance

"USC and the Sonny Astani Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering was more than just a school—it was the place where my journey into commercial real estate truly began. While my undergraduate degree was in civil engineering building science and my graduate studies were in structural engineering, I also took practical coursework from the Emami Construction Management Program. The abstract concepts learned in design and structural analyses were transformed into real-world, buildable solutions through courses in construction sequencing and scheduling. This education bolstered my career, from my formative years in project management working on notable Southern California projects to my recent positions in commercial real estate investments. I developed technical expertise alongside financial acumen, and the confidence to tackle complex problems that often arise in opportunistic real estate investments.

The recent naming of the Emami Construction Management Program commemorates the impactful hands-on education and lasting friendships that one would need upon graduation to succeed in the fields of construction and real estate development.

By Ada Chan
B.S. Civil Engineering '00, M.S. Civil Engineering '01

"As a proud alumnus of the MSCE program, I can confidently say it was one of the most impactful decisions of my career. The curriculum offers a powerful blend of technical depth and real-world relevance, preparing you to hit the ground running from day one. The faculty are not only experts in the AEC industry—they’re deeply invested in your success and connect you to USC’s vast network of professionals and alumni.

This program gave me the tools to make an immediate impact after graduation and accelerated my path to executive leadership. I’m especially grateful to Professor Hank Koffman, whose mentorship shaped both my academic and professional journey. As the endowed program Director, his vision and leadership continue to define the program’s excellence and ensure its lasting legacy for future students."

By Paul E. Giorgio
MSCE Construction Engineering & Management '00
Chief Operating Officer, Eldridge Acre Partners

"As a proud alumnus of the USC Construction Management Program, I can confidently say the program was instrumental in shaping my career from the very beginning. The program provided not only a strong foundation in engineering and construction management but also invaluable exposure to the industry. We had access to outstanding professors and lecturers with deep industry experience, opportunities to participate in construction competitions, and the entirely student-run Annual CMAA Symposium — all of which helped bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. Even after graduation, Professor Koffman and the department remained actively involved in supporting alumni, connecting us with industry contacts, and helping us get our foot in the door at leading companies. Their continued support played a significant role in shaping my career path and helped me grow into an industry leader in my field. Now, more than 20 years into my career, I’m proud to return to campus to participate in events like the Annual CMAA Symposium — this time as a recruiter — and give back to the very program that gave me so much. This truly is a remarkable program. It changed my life, opened countless opportunities, and was founded and led by one of our industry's most exceptional leaders, Mr. Henry Koffman. I am forever grateful for his mentorship, guidance, and unwavering commitment to the success of his students."

By Michael Jaboury
B.S. Civil Engineering '02
Vice President, Dreyfuss Builders