USM Partners with ICC for 2+2 Program for Construction Management Degree

Mon, 02/19/2024 - 10:57am | By: Ivonne Kawas

The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) School of Construction and Design has entered into a partnership with Itawamba Community College (ICC) for a 2+2 program that will enable students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management.

This partnership allows ICC students who complete their Associate of Applied Science degree the opportunity to seamlessly enter the third-year cohort with the rest of the USM-BCM track students. The four semesters at USM can be completed 100 percent online or on the Hattiesburg campus, which affords ICC graduates the option to seek full-time employment while earning their undergraduate degree.         

“This collaboration with Itawamba Community College holds great promise, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on the academic and professional growth of our students,” said Dr. Emre Bayraktar, professor and director of the School of Construction and Design at USM. “In addition to facilitating a smoother transfer process, we are delighted to announce the establishment of merit-based and financial need-based scholarships specifically designed to support transfer students continuing their studies at Southern Miss.”

He continued, “Our dedication to providing a well-rounded and accessible education is reflected in these scholarship opportunities, which aim to recognize and support the academic achievements and financial needs of our incoming students. We look forward to providing a supportive and enriching journey for all ICC students involved. Upon transitioning to our four-year construction management degree program, the ICC graduates will seamlessly integrate into the advanced coursework at USM, building upon the strong foundation laid during their initial two years at ICC.”

ICC’s Construction Management Technology is an instructional program designed to prepare technicians for employment within the construction industries and firms in mid-level management operations as estimators, planners, project managers, layout specialists or other construction opportunities.

Scott Emison, instructor and director of ICC’s Construction Management Technology program, says the program allows his students to transfer to USM upon completion of the two-year curriculum.

“I am excited about this partnership with USM and its alignment with our program’s curriculum,” said Emison. “At ICC, we strive to prepare students for a successful career in the construction field through a hybrid of lecture, lab and field experience, and this collaboration with USM presents a wonderful opportunity for our students to enhance their learning experience and employability in the industry.”

A degree in construction management teaches graduates how to plan and manage the workflow, personnel, equipment and processes required to safely and ethically construct a project on time and within budget using best practices and current technology.

Southern Miss program highlights include online option, no out-of-state tuition, accreditation by the American Council for Construction Education, annual Construction and Design Career Expo and scholarship opportunities available for both online and on-campus students.

For more information on the School of Construction and Design at USM, visit our website.