The $250,000 donation from GCA will develop and launch the first and only graduate degree in construction management offered in Hawai'i.
HPU has received a $250,000 donation from the General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi (GCA) Education Foundation to develop and launch the first and only graduate degree in construction management offered in Hawaiʻi.
The program will be named the “General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi Construction Management Program.” The first cohort is scheduled to commence fall 2024, pending approval from regional accreditors (WSCUC).
In addition to the financial contribution, GCA members will also serve as program advisors and guest faculty to bring their real-world construction experiences into the classroom to enhance the value of the program.
“Construction is one of the pillars of our local economy and we take immense pride in collaborating with HPU to help pioneer Hawaiʻi’s first master’s program in construction management,” said Cheryl Walthall, executive director of the GCA. “Workforce development is an important priority for the GCA and we believe this program will equip the next generation of construction management professionals with the knowledge they need to join a construction company and make a meaningful impact from day one. We look forward to continuing our partnership with HPU to have a lasting impact on Hawaiʻi's construction landscape for years to come.”
The GCA, the leading voice of the construction industry, represents about 500 general contractors, subcontractors, and other construction-related businesses throughout the state. Renowned for its commitment to integrity, responsibility, and excellence, the GCA stands as the premier organization within the construction industry.
HPU’s new one-year (30 credits) Master of Science in Construction Management degree is designed for early- to mid-career professionals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any field. The program trains graduates with the skills needed to advance within the construction management industry in project management and leadership roles. The program will be delivered in-person at HPU’s College of Business in Honolulu.
Key highlights of the program include a distinguished faculty with extensive industry experience in Hawaiʻi, guest lectures from construction and project management professionals, site visits to active construction projects in Hawaiʻi, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and access to the college's resources for entrepreneurship and innovation. GCA members will teach selected courses within the program and play an active role in the program’s advisory board.
“Our partnership with the General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi represents a pivotal moment for HPU’s commitment to excellence in education and industry collaboration,” said HPU Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer Walsh, Ph.D. “This generous donation will not only facilitate the development and launch of our groundbreaking master of science in construction management program but also underscores our dedication to equipping early- to mid-career professionals with the necessary skills and expertise to thrive in the construction sector. We are deeply grateful for the support of the GCA and look forward to the transformative impact this program will have on our students and the broader community.”
The master of science in construction management degree marks the newest addition to a succession of academic programs tailored to prepare early- and mid-career professionals. Alongside this offering, HPU is launching new online master’s degrees in product management, cybersecurity, and data science this fall.
For information on the Master of Science in Construction Management degree, click here.
