McWHORTER SCHOOL

OF BUILDING SCIENCE

Master of
Building
Construction
2023–2024
INDEX

3 Welcome
4 About the McWhorter
School of Building Science
5 Program Description
6 Curriculum Overview
7 Curriculum Details
8 Study Abroad Programs
9 Admissions
10 Admission Procedures
11 Program Cost
Graduate Assistantships
12 Graduate Student
Health Insurance
Job Placement
13 Faculty
19 Alumni
22 About Auburn University
23 Community Living
24 Contact Us

Auburn University is an equal opportunity

educational institution/employer.

2
WELCOME

DEAR PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE STUDENT:

I am excited that you are considering attending the graduate

program of Building Construction at the McWhorter School of
Building Science, Auburn University. The McWhorter School of
Building Science has been a leader in construction education
for over sixty years and maintains an excellent reputation with
industry professionals around the country and internationally.
The Master of Building Construction (MBC) degree has been
offered since 1993. Our faculty is comprised of construction
management professionals, civil engineers, architects, and
attorneys. The program maintains a proud tradition of practical
and professional construction education.

The Master of Building Construction (MBC) program is designed

to provide advanced construction education for those who hold
an undergraduate construction management or construction
engineering degree or for those who are making a career change
and hold an accredited undergraduate degree in another
discipline. Enrollment in the program, however, is limited and is
awarded on a competitive basis. Class sizes are small and typically
involve extensive interaction with industry professionals
and hands-on problem analysis. Opportunities for graduate
internships, travel-based study programs, school-supported
student research, and customized educational plans are vast.

If you choose to study at the McWhorter School of Building

Science, you will receive a first class graduate education that
will prepare you for an outstanding career in the construction
industry. In recent years the placement rate for our graduate
students has been exceptional, and there are opportunities in
all sectors of the industry.

This booklet has been designed to provide detailed information

about every aspect of our program in order to assist you as you
make the important decision of continuing your professional
education. If you have additional questions or would like to
visit our school and meet with faculty members, please feel free
to call or e-mail me. I wish you the best of luck in your future
endeavors and appreciate the opportunity to share our program
with you.
Sincerely,
DR. SALMAN AZHAR
William A. Hunt Endowed Professor
& Graduate Programs Chair
OFFICE #216
PHONE (334) 844-5383
EMAIL [email protected]

3
ABOUT

The McWhorter School of Building Science at Auburn

(BSCI) was established in 1947 and is the second oldest
construction education program in the United States.

The program has more than 6,000 As graduate students, you will have
graduates located worldwide, the chance to interact with industry
including many who lead the leaders in the classroom, and an
construction industry in the Southeast internal job placement program will
U.S. The school is currently made up assist you in finding employment to
of 22 full-time faculty members and initiate or continue your construction
approximately 600 undergraduate and career. Students in the graduate
graduate students. program will take classes and have
their own dedicated study space in
Built with substantial industry
the M. Miller Gorrie Center.
support, the Gorrie Center is the first
public Gold LEED certified building in Students may take advantage of
Alabama. This state-of-the-art “green” the school’s various study abroad
building is equipped with unmatched opportunities to learn about
information technology, and students construction in other parts of
will be exposed to the most current the world and experience foreign
computer software and hardware. cultures. In recent years, students
have had the opportunity to study in
BSCI maintains a proud tradition
several European countries as well as
of practical and professional
China, and these opportunities will
construction education, offering both
increase in the future.
Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in
Building Construction. It is a leader
in exploring Information Technology
applications in construction and
construction education. BSCI is
accredited by the American Council
for Construction Education (ACCE) and
is an active member of the Associated
Schools of Construction (ASC).

4
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Master of Building Construction (MBC) at Auburn is

a non-thesis based graduate program which requires a
minimum of 35 credit hours to complete.

The program has been enrolling students Students pursuing a graduate degree
since fall of 1993 and continues to grow in building construction can expect to:
and develop research opportunities,
Be exposed to all construction
strong industry relations, and excellent
processes that constitute a
academic content. Enrollment in the
project, from development
program is limited to provide sufficient
conception, through project
faculty support, which helps our students
financing and design, into the
meet their educational objectives.
on-site construction phase and
Students in our program work with management of the facility
a first-rate faculty, use unparalleled
Solve and present solutions to
technological resources, and participate
complex industry problems
with industry partners through case
studies, independent projects and Continuously practice and
funded research. Students enrolled improve oral and written
in the MBC program learn advanced communication skills
topics in construction management to
Develop an ability to communicate
prepare them for upper management
using digital forms
positions in the industry. The program
also prepares professionals from other Work with industry to identify
backgrounds to transfer their skills into specific construction problems
the construction industry by providing Interact with a wide variety of
a comprehensive understanding of industry professionals in and out
construction operations and issues. of the classroom
All MBC students complete five required Develop an appreciation and
core construction courses, five understanding of the collaborative
construction and business electives, nature of the construction
and an independent capstone project. industry
The elective courses help prepare
the student to complete the capstone
project or develop a unique expertise.
Elective courses in the past have
included International Construction
Management, Risk Assessment, Safety,
Total Quality Management, Building
Information Modeling (BIM), LEED
accreditation, and many more.

5
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

PROGRAM CURRICULUM UNDERGRADUATE IN CONSTRUCTION

The MBC program is designed to be
completed in one calendar year SUMMER FALL SPRING SUMMER FALL
(3 semesters) by students who hold an 3 Core (9) . 2 Core (6) 2 Electives (6)
1 Elective (3) 2 Electives (6) G. Capstone (3) .
accredited undergraduate degree in Seminar (1) Seminar (1)
construction or a related discipline.
Those students who are entering TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED: 35
the program with a degree in a non-
construction discipline (including
UNDERGRADUATE IN OTHER FIELDS
civil engineering or architecture)
are required to take an additional 14 SUMMER FALL SPRING SUMMER FALL
credit hours of foundation courses Survey Camp + 3 Core (9) . 2 Core (6) 2 Electives (6)
designed to provide a comprehensive 4 Foundation 1 Elective (3) 2 Electives (6) G. Capstone (3) .
Courses Seminar (1) Seminar (1)
background in construction materials (14 credit hours)
and methods, estimating, structural
systems, scheduling, construction SUMMER FALL SPRING SUMMER FALL
business operations, and surveying.
Survey Camp + 3 Core (9) . 2 Core (6) Summer 2 Electives (6)
The foundation courses are offered 4 Foundation 1 Elective (3) 2 Electives (6) Internship G. Capstone (3) .
Courses Seminar (1) Seminar (1) (optional)
in the summer semester only. This
(14 credit hours)
increases the total time to complete
the degree to 16 months (4 semesters). TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED: 14 + 35 = 49
Professional Fee Charged

6
CURRICULUM DETAILS

SUMMER SEMESTER — FOUNDATION COURSES*

(FOR UNDERGRADUATES WITH NON-CONSTRUCTION DEGREES)
BSCI 6970-1 Special Problems in Construction — Surveying 2
BSCI 6970-3 Foundations I — Estimating 3
BSCI 7100 Foundations II — Building and Temporary Structures 3
BSCI 7100 Foundations III — Information Technology 3
BSCI 7100 Foundations IV — Project Management/Scheduling 3

*Waiver for one or more foundation courses can be issued if a student has
passed those or similar courses in the undergraduate or graduate program.
Please contact the Graduate Program Chair to discuss your eligibility.

FALL SEMESTER — 13 CREDITS

BSCI 7020 Integrated Building Processes I 3
BSCI 7030 Construction Information Management 3
BSCI 7060 Research Methods in Building Science 3
BSCI 7950 Graduate Seminar I 1
BSCI 7100 Graduate Elective (varies)* 3

SPRING SEMESTER — 13 CREDITS

BSCI 7040 Integrated Building Processes II 3
BSCI 7050 Executive Issues in Construction 3
BSCI 7950 Graduate Seminar II 1
BSCI 7100 Graduate Elective (varies)* 3
BSCI 7100 Graduate Elective (varies)* 3

SUMMER SEMESTER — 9 CREDITS

BSCI 7100 Graduate Elective* 3
XXXX University-wide Graduate Elective 3
BSCI 7980 Capstone Project 3

*The following courses are offered as construction electives: Mechanical, Electrical,

and Plumbing Systems; Lean Construction; Labor and Productivity Issues;
Construction Safety; Building Great Structures; Sustainable Construction; Advanced
IT for Construction; International Construction Management; Best Construction
Practices; Planning and Decision-Making in Construction; and Cultures and
Environments Abroad.

Professional Fee Charged

CAPSTONE PROJECT
The purpose of the Capstone Project is to demonstrate the student’s
ability to independently research a topic of interest and successfully
communicate the information in a professional and academically
rigorous format. The capstone course allows students to gain an
in-depth knowledge of the chosen topic. A committee typically
consisting of a major professor and two committee members
mentors the student throughout the period of research. At the
conclusion of the capstone course, students are required to submit a
written report and deliver an oral presentation to the faculty.
7
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

Graduate students have the opportunity to participate

in the study abroad programs which are offered every
Spring and Summer semesters.

Graduate students can enroll in one or

two Construction Electives while traveling
abroad. While specific course functions
are completed and many construction-
related activities are carried out, students
also participate in many cultural events
such as operas, concerts, ballets, and
musicals. We feel as though studying
abroad is an invaluable experience: a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live
in a foreign country, to experience its
customs and culture, and to adapt to
new surroundings. Studying abroad
will introduce Building Construction
students to new environments through
which knowledge can be gained
from experiential learning. Through
international education, we hope to
become a more diversified, culturally
aware, and understanding world. The
future study abroad programs will
be offered in Europe, Asia, and South
America. For more details, please visit our
website at aub.ie/bscistudyabroad .

8
ADMISSIONS

Admission to MBC is based on consideration of the applicant's

proven ability to perform academic work at a superior level,
leadership qualities, and overall accomplishments.

Admission requirements include:

Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent

from an accredited college or
university; a 3.0 GPA of the last two
years of undergraduate education
or a cumulative GPS of 2.75 is desired

Completion of the Graduate Record

Exam (GRE) General Test, composed
of verbal, quantitative, and
analytical writing sections

Providing acceptable letters of

recommendation

Official statement of financing

(for international students only)

Provisional admission may be

offered to borderline students
contingent to their performance in
the first graduate semester. Please
contact the Graduate Program Chair
to discuss your credentials and
eligibility. The Dean of the Graduate
School is the only person at Auburn
University authorized to admit
students, refuse admission, or waive
any requirement.

9
ADMISSION PROCEDURES

1. Visit the Graduate School Website at 5. Provide letters of recommendation Items 5-7 should be submitted online
grad.auburn.edu and click Apply from three references to the along with your admission application.
Online . Under the Applicants McWhorter School of Building Science Please prepare these items before
section of Application Instructions, according to the instructions on the starting the online application.
select Apply Online once more. You online admissions page. Please visit the Graduate School Future
will be redirected to Apply Yourself, Students webpage to learn more about
6. Submit a statement of purpose admission requirements, Auburn
the University’s online system. You
(1500 words or less) explaining your University, and the Auburn community:
will need to select Create Account
motivation for seeking a graduate grad.auburn.edu/prospective-students .
and create a username and pin.
degree in Building Construction at
Once you log in, you will be asked to International students are advised
Auburn University.
complete several sections. Please to visit the International Admissions
select the correct term for which 7. Submit your current resumé outlining Assistance webpage before submitting
you are applying (Summer for non- their application:
your education, professional career,
construction undergraduates or Fall grad.auburn.edu/prospective-students/
and list of honors & awards received
international-instructions/.
for construction undergraduates) (if any).
and choose Building Science—
Construction from the drop down
menu as your program option. In MINIMUM TEST SCORES GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION (GRE)
addition to completing this online
application, be sure to read the VERBAL REASONING 147 OR BETTER
information provided in the link QUANTITATIVE REASONING 147 OR BETTER
entitled Admissions Requirements .
ANALYTICAL WRITING 3.5 OR BETTER
This link gives specific information
regarding documentation that TOTAL 294 OR BETTER
must be provided as part of the
application process. Borderline students can be considered. Please contact the Graduate Program
Chair to discuss your eligibility. If you have a copy of your test scores, you might
2. Request certified copies of transcripts want to send it to us before the official ones arrive. This way we have something
from all previously attended on file to look at until the official scores arrive.
educational institutions; send them
TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL) — INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY
directly to the Graduate School:
TOEFL (internet-based) [IBT]: Overall Score: 79; Speaking Section Score: 23 or
106 Hargis Hall
higher. IELTS: Overall Score: 6.5 or higher; Speaking Section Score of 7 or higher.
Auburn University
The English language proficiency requirements are waived if: (1) The Student has
Auburn, AL 36849
a degree from an accredited college/university in the United States; (2) English
If your transcript is from Auburn
is an official language of the applicant’s country of residence. Auburn University
University, the Graduate School
does not accept Duolingo or other English language tests for admission.
will acquire it for you. Official
electronic transcripts from
domestic institutions may be sent to
DEADLINES APPLICATION COST
[email protected] .

3. Request official copies of your INTERNATIONAL: JANUARY 31, 2024 DOMESTIC $60.00
apply for Summer 2024 INTERNATIONAL $70.00
GRE scores from the Educational
Testing Service (ETS) to be sent to the DOMESTIC: MARCH 15, 2024 Non-refundable after
Graduate School. Auburn University’s NON-CONSTRUCTION GRADUATES submission.
ETS Institution code is 1005. apply for Summer 2024
DOMESTIC: APRIL 15, 2024
4. For International Students Only:
CONSTRUCTION GRADUATES
Request an official copy of your
apply for Fall 2024
TOEFL or IELTS score to be sent to the
GraduateSchool. Auburn University’s
ETS Institution code is 1005.
10
PROGRAM COST

TUITION PROFESSIONAL FEE

The estimated tuition per Professional programs are inherently The Master of Building Construction
semester (2023–2024) is $5,913 (9 more expensive to run than non- students pay professional fee for two
or more credit hours) for in-state professional programs. They require semesters. A professional fee charge
students and $15,993 (9 or more more space, more personnel, a lower of $2,160 is tied to enrollment in
credit hours) for out-of-state student-to-teacher ratio, access to a the following two courses: (1) BSCI
and international students. In higher level of technology than most 7060: Research Methods in Building
addition, students have to pay disciplines, and incur significant Science; and (2) BSCI 7980: Capstone
an $916 registration and service costs associated with research. As a Project. Through the professional
fee per semester ($758 for GTA/ result, the College of Architecture, fees, the CADC continues to provide
GRA). The estimated total cost Design and Construction charges a our students with rigorous and
for one year (2023–2024) for professional fee to partially defray relevant academic experiences,
international students (tuition, the difference between state funding which contribute to our programs
room/board, books, personal, and tuition and the actual costs of being recognized as among the best
and transportation) is $68,727. our professional programs. in the nation.
For more details, please visit
the Student Financial Services
webpage at auburn.edu/sfs .

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Each academic year, the McWhorter School of Building Science offers

several Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships to graduate
students with excellent academic and professional credentials.

Awards are based collectively on While employed by the McWhorter assistants play in supporting the
the applicant’s overall GPA, test School of Building Science as a university’s research and teaching
scores, construction experience, Graduate Teaching or Research missions, Auburn University provides
and research or teaching expertise. Assistant, the student must follow the full or partial tuition support to
Assistantships may be from one policies and procedures for Graduate its graduate assistants. The school
to four semesters in length but Assistants as outlined in the typically decides about type of
are typically offered for Fall and Graduate Assistant Handbook and graduate assistantship and the level
Spring semesters only. Students on published on the Graduate School of tuition support during the first
assistantship for two consecutive website. As a demonstration of its summer semester.
semesters pay an in-state tuition fee commitment to graduate education
for the third semester. and to the critical role that graduate

11
GRADUATE STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE

The graduate teaching or research

assistants are automatically enrolled
in the Graduate Student Health
Insurance Plan. The total annual
cost is approximately $2,028, which
is billed in two installments. You
can read more about the plan at the
following URL: aub.ie/graduatehealth.
If you already have health insurance,
you may opt out of the Graduate
Student Health Insurance plan by
completing a “Waiver Request” found
at the above URL and providing proof
of current insurance.

JOB PLACEMENT

According to the Department of Labor,

construction graduates enjoyed
the best prospect for employment,
accounting for approximately 32% all
workers in the US, with a projected
increase to approximately 34% in
2021. Likewise the median salary of
construction professionals is $95,260,
ranging from $71,900 to $149,920.
Most importantly, according to the
National Association of Colleges and
Employers, individuals with degrees
in building construction receive job
offers averaging $67,800 per year.

The McWhorter School of Building

Science has a very close relationship
with a large number of companies
located all over the country, as well
as internationally. Companies come
to interview in the Building Science
facility on campus for full-time
positions and internships every
semester. If you have any questions
about interviewing or job placement,
contact Joline Landry at 334-844-
5315 or [email protected].

12
FACULTY

SALMAN AZHAR, PhD

WILLIAM A. HUNT ENDOWED PROFESSOR AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS CHAIR
Ph.D., Civil Engineering, Florida International University
M.S., Structural Engineering, Asian Institute of Technology
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Construction Informatics, Building
Information Modeling, Risk Management, Construction Safety,
Concrete Technology
OFFICE #216
PHONE (334) 844-5383
EMAIL [email protected]

ALAN BUGG, P.E., PMP, DBIA

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
M.S., Building Construction, Auburn University
M.B.A., Auburn University
B.S., Agricultural Engineering, Auburn University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Safety and Safety Management, Construction Quality
Management, Sediment and Erosion Control, Design-Build, Project
Management
OFFICE #326
PHONE (334) 844-5374
EMAIL [email protected]

RICHARD BURT
McWHORTER ENDOWED CHAIR AND SCHOOL HEAD
Ph.D., Architecture, Texas A&M University
M.S., Construction Management, Texas A&M University
University Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, London, England
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Sustainable Construction, Earth Building Construction,
Construction Education, Construction Activity
during Wartime, Preservation of buildings on WWII Battlefields
OFFICE #118-J
PHONE (334) 844-4518
EMAIL [email protected]

WESLEY COLLINS
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Ph.D., Construction Management, Arizona State University
M.B.A., Bowling Green State University
B.S., Construction Management, East Carolina University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Project Planning, Preconstruction Services,
Project Management, Project Delivery Methods
OFFICE #316
PHONE (334) 844-5987
EMAIL [email protected]

13
FACULTY

JAKE ELBRECHT
VISITING ASSISTANT RESEARCH PROFESSOR
M.S. in Architecture, Auburn University
B.S. in Architecture, Auburn University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Mass Timber Construction, Low-Carbon Architecture
Sustainable Forestry Practices
OFFICE 201 M. Miller Gorrie Center
EMAIL [email protected]

BEN FARROW
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Ph.D., Education, Auburn University
M.B.A., Vanderbilt University
M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Texas
B.S., Civil Engineering, Duke University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Structures, Business Management, Lean Construction
OFFICE 202 Dudley Commons
PHONE (334) 844-4285
EMAIL [email protected]

PAUL HOLLEY
PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR, CCIC
Ph.D., Education, Auburn University
MDP Certificate, Harvard University Graduate School of Education
M.B.A., University of Alabama at Birmingham
B.S., Building Construction, Auburn University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Integrated Delivery, Field Operations Management, Project
Management, Construction Surveying, Real Estate Development
OFFICE #324
PHONE (334) 844-5377
EMAIL [email protected]

JEFF KIM
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
M.S., Building Construction and Facility Management, Georgia Institute of Technology
B.S., Building Construction, Auburn University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Preconstruction Services, Contract Negotiation and
Construction, Subcontracting Construction Project, Delivery Project Management and
Project Controls, Effective Communication Construction, Information Technology,
Construction Sequencing and Scheduling, Innovative Materials and Methods for
Construction, Cost Management and Cost Forecasting, Building Information Modeling
(BIM), Facility Management, Transitional Activities Program Management, Real Estate
Development, Special Problems in Construction Workforce Readiness
OFFICE #214
PHONE (334) 844-5375
EMAIL [email protected]

14
FACULTY

SCOTT KRAMER
J.E. WILBORN ENDOWED PROFESSOR
Ph.D., Educational Technology, Purdue University
M.S., Civil Engineering, Auburn University
B.S., Civil Engineering, Auburn University
Pre-Engineering, Pennsylvania State University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Labor Productivity, International Construction, Project Management
OFFICE #332
PHONE (334) 844-5376
EMAIL [email protected]

TOM LEATHEM
J.E. WILBORN ENDOWED ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Ph.D., Curriculum & Instruction, Mississippi State University
M.S., Integrated Design & Construction, Auburn University
B.S., Construction Management, Western Illinois University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Construction Education and Assessment, Project Delivery,
Collaborative Education in the Built Environment, Innovation in Construction Education
OFFICE #328
PHONE (334) 844-5378
EMAIL [email protected]

JUNSHAN LIU
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
M.S., Building Construction, Auburn University
B.S., Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiaotong University
B. Management in Technological Economy, Shanghai Jiaotong University, China
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Construction Technology, Building Information Modeling (BIM),
International Education
OFFICE #230
PHONE (334) 844-5387
EMAIL [email protected]

HUNTER McGONAGILL
SENIOR LECTURER
M.S., Building Construction, Auburn University
B.S., Civil Engineering University of Mississippi
AREAS OF SPECIALTY International Construction Management, with a
focus in US Federal overseas construction and Foreign Military Sales
OFFICE #118
PHONE (334) 844-4518
EMAIL [email protected]

15
FACULTY

BOB MUIR
SENIOR LECTURER
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Drexel University
M.A. in Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech
B.S. in Construction Management, Drexel University
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE), Delaware
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Lean Design and Construction, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
Design for Manufacturing and Assembly and Industrialized Construction, Project Complexity,
Action Research in Project Performance, Leadership and Organizational Dynamics
OFFICE #118
PHONE (334) 844-4518
EMAIL [email protected]

DARREN OLSEN
ATLANTA AUBURN BSCI ALUMNI COMMITTEE ENDOWED ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
J.D., University of Mississippi
B.S., Building Construction, University of Florida
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Project Management, Construction Law, Sustainable Construction
OFFICE #228
PHONE (334) 844-4186
EMAIL [email protected]

KEITH RAHN
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
M.A., Industrial Education, Ball State University
B.A., Industrial Education, Ball State University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Building Systems, International Construction Management
OFFICE #222
PHONE (334) 844-8261
EMAIL [email protected]

LAUREN WYBENGA REDDEN

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
M.S., Building Construction, Auburn University
B.S., Building Construction, Auburn University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Estimating & Pre-Construction Services, Subcontractor Relationships,
Construction in the Public Sector, Construction History, Renovation & Improvements
OFFICE #234
PHONE (334) 844-5341
EMAIL [email protected]

16
FACULTY

AMNA SALMAN
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Ph.D. in Building Construction, Auburn University (ABD)
M.C.P., Auburn University
M.P.A., Auburn University
B.Arch, University of Engineering and Technology
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Structural Systems, Sustainability, Green Building
OFFICE #201
PHONE (334) 333-1970
EMAIL [email protected]

KENNETH SANDS
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning, Virginia Tech, 2014
M.S., Florida International University, 2010
B.S., Florida International University, 2008
A.A., College of the Bahamas, 2006
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Innovation in Construction Safety & Health, Workforce Development in
Construction, Underrepresented Groups in Construction, Micro credentialing in Construction
Education, Recycled Crushed Concrete as Aggregate Material
OFFICE #201
PHONE (334) 844-5380
EMAIL [email protected]

ANOOP SATTINENI
WILLIAM A. HUNT ENDOWED PROFESSOR AND DISTANCE GRADUATE PROGRAM CHAIR
Ph.D., University of Salford, Manchester
M.S., Civil Engineering, Auburn University
B.E., Civil Engineering, Osmania University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Information and Communication Technologies in Construction, Structures
OFFICE #330
PHONE (334) 844-5385
EMAIL [email protected]

MARK TATUM
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
M.S., Electrical Engineering, Auburn University
B.S., Electrical Engineering, Auburn University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Mechanical & Electrical Systems, Control Systems, Building Design & Modeling
OFFICE #219
PHONE (334) 844-5426
EMAIL [email protected]

17
FACULTY

J. MARK TAYLOR
BOB ADERHOLDT ENDOWED PROFESSOR AND CHAIR, BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
J.D., University of Alabama
Ph.D., Civil Engineering/Construction Engineering Systems, Texas A&M University
M.S., Building Construction, University of Florida
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Construction Law, Conceptual Estimating, Project Management,
Sustainable Construction, Building Information Modeling
OFFICE #232
PHONE (334) 844-5305
EMAIL [email protected]

ERIC WETZEL
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Ph.D., Environmental Design and Planning, Virginia Tech
M.S., Building Construction, Auburn University
B.S., Construction Management, Western Kentucky University
AREAS OF SPECIALTY Building Information Modeling, Safety, Facilities Management,
Construction Technologies
OFFICE #334
PHONE (334) 844-5431
EMAIL [email protected]

18
ALUMNI

KAMAL AHMED '17

DOUGLAS
ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER
MARTIN '17
STEWART PERRY, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
PROJECT
After receiving an undergraduate degree in civil engineering ENGINEER,
from Pakistan, I worked as a project engineer at a shopping GILBANE
mall project. During this time, I heard that Auburn offered one BUILDING
of the best construction programs in the USA and enrolled in COMPANY

the MBC program. The program has faculty members from

The MBC program at Auburn University
different fields of engineering and construction. Another
is known throughout the industry as one
positive factor was that Auburn has strong industry connections
of the top programs in the country. The
which gives students the opportunity to make and establish
program equipped me with the necessary
industry links even before they graduate.
skills to succeed in a competitive industry.
Through the program, I was able to
CARL VINCENT LYNESS IV '16 integrate my business knowledge with the
VDC (VIRTUAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION) ENGINEER, construction curriculum. The educational
THE WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY resources available to students in the MBC
At Whiting-Turner, my job is to support project coordination program are far and above the best in the
and design review and ensure a smooth work flow. I also country. There are many opportunities to
perform research and learn and develop new technologies and work closely with the faculty who are
processes to help the construction industry. I chose the MBC constantly attempting to provide
program because I wanted a more intimate knowledge of the comprehensive educational and
construction industry from a management level. Working professional development opportunities.
with the professors in this program was one of the most
rewarding aspects of the program. All the knowledge and
technologies that they have at their disposal makes them a
great resource to work with. MARK A.
FROEHLICH '14
SENIOR VIRTUAL
MAJOR SEAN COLLEY '14 BUILDING
PROJECT MANAGER, ENGINEER,
UNITED STATES ARMY HEALTH FACILITY PLANNING THE BECK GROUP
AGENCY
I work on proposals, modeling, drone
As a manager, I work directly with the customer, the contractor,
data, point clouds, and laser scanning
and the Army Corps of Engineers on medical facilities and
and provide support to multiple projects
support projects like parking garages, clinics, and hospitals.
throughout the country. Coming from
The Auburn MBC program combines management, critical
an Architecture background, the MBC
thinking, budget monitoring, planning, and real world profit
program allowed me to expand my breadth
opportunities. We used the latest software to analyze
of knowledge of building construction. It
projects. The unique aspect of the program is that from day
gave me the opportunity to research and
one on the job, I was able to use what I had learned. In the
focus primarily on technology within
world of construction, I have used scheduling, the critical
the construction industry. Auburn fosters
path, and management skills. One of the best opportunities
a highly collaborative learning environment
in the program is meeting and working directly with senior
and is dedicated to industry-driven
leadership in construction companies.
research. The program gave me the skills
and knowledge to be successful in the
Virtual Design and Construction field.

19
ALUMNI

JENNA GARRISON '11

SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEER
HOLDER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
GAMZE
TANFENER '10 My interest in the built environment started in college where
SENIOR I received a B.S. in Interior Design. The realization that I
ARCHITECT, preferred the construction aspect versus designing led me
YDA, TURKEY to apply for the Masters of Building Construction program
at Auburn University. I chose Auburn to continue my studies
The group I work with is responsible for
since there was a strong Building Science presence on
Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
campus, the majority of professors within the McWhorter
Hospital projects initiated in various
School of Building Science had years of construction
cities across Turkey. We are tasked
experience, and the school itself had a great relationship
with controlling application projects,
with construction companies active in the industry. The
transmitting them to the field, and
MBC program coursework developed my critical thinking
coordinating site implementation
skills specific to the construction industry and exposed me
projects. As a student of architecture, I
to common industry issues. My decision to attend Auburn
had studied design and thought that the
University’s Master of Building Construction Program is the
MBC program would complement my
reason that I am here today, and I would recommend it to
professional work. The MBC program
anyone with a passion for Construction Management.
at Auburn University offers a more
vocational and professional education
than other similar programs. It is a very TODD SMITHERMAN '12
comprehensive and intensive program PROJECT MANAGER,
that prepares students for their ROBINS & MORTON
professional life with examples from real I received my bachelors in Political Science and continued at

business life, where current topics are Auburn to get my masters in Building Construction. My time

taught with current technologies. at Auburn taught me the basic understandings of the tools
used in the construction field. These included scheduling,
3-D modeling, construction finance, and overall project
management. The reputation of a Building Construction
degree from Auburn made me marketable and has given
my boss a higher level of trust in me than other new hires.
My boss described his view of my education as a more
professional face for our organization and gave us the
marketability of having similarly-educated managers as that
of our customers—general contractors. The assistantship
helped financially, and the program wasn’t too inconvenient of
a time frame.

20
ALUMNI

MAULIK LUKKAD '10

ARCHITECT AND ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER,
DR. D.Y. PATIL DESIGN CELL, INDIA
JIM TEEL '10
I transitioned from architecture to building construction REGIONAL VICE
when I was introduced to the challenges faced in the PRESIDENT,
architectural practice, making me understand how the GOODWYN, MILLS
materialization of those aesthetics and functions occur AND CAWOOD
when proper management of construction, design, and
I work in the Business Development division
structures is done. It turned out to be the most challenging and
of Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, a nationally
rewarding experience of my life. I was fascinated to see the
recognized Architecture and Engineering Firm.
transformation of a paper/computer-based design into reality.
During the completion of my undergraduate
The MBC program at Auburn University helped me develop
degree in Business Marketing I took several
the knowledge and skills required by tomorrow’s leaders,
electives in Architecture and Building
providing the management expertise necessary for delivering
Science. Through these electives, I realized
successful projects right from inception to completion along
my passion for the construction industry and I
with the much needed international exposure in a business
selected the Auburn MBC program due to its
environment.
national reputation for academic excellence
and industry preparation. The Auburn MBC
XINGLI PENG '10 program challenged and developed my ability
CONTRACTS MANAGER, to combine technical construction knowledge
PUDONGXIN DISTRICT, SHANGHAI, CHINA with problem solving and presentation skills —
After working in construction industry in China for three years, I this is “real-world” education!
decided to go for a Master’s degree in Building Construction at
Auburn University. Three factors helped me make my decision to
join the MBC program. The curriculum provided by MBC program
is very helpful to find a job in construction. When I began to work,
I felt very comfortable with what I was doing because I gained the
necessary skills at school. Additionally, the timeline of a 15-month
program was very appealing. Although it is intensive, and time is
of the essence, the students make the most of the time given and
learn the material with high efficiency. Thirdly, I was awarded a
teaching and research assistantship to help me pay for the cost.
The professors and staff are so nice to students; I will always call it
my home.

21
ABOUT AUBURN UNIVERSITY

PAST AND PRESENT RANKINGS

Auburn University was established Auburn has traditionally been rated
in 1856 as the East Alabama Male highly by academic ranking services
College, 20 years after the city of and has been listed as one of the top 50
Auburn’s founding. In 1872, under the public universities for 30 consecutive
Morrill Act, the school became the years. The 2022 edition of U.S. News and
first land-grant college in the South World Reports ranks Auburn as the 97th
and was renamed the Agricultural university in the nation among public
and Mechanical College of Alabama. and private schools and 42nd among
In 1899 the name again was changed, public universities.
to the Alabama Polytechnic Institute.
Finally, in 1960 the name of the school
CAMPUS
was changed to Auburn University, a
The Auburn University campus is
title more in keeping with its location,
beautiful and alive with activities 12
and expressing the varied academic
months a year. There are 47 chapters of
programs and larger curriculum of
Greek organizations and hundreds of
a major university. Today, Auburn is
professional, recreational, and service
one of the few universities to carry the
organizations which meet most student
torch as a land, sea, and space grant
interest areas. Graduate students can
university. Our Fall 2023 semester
participate in all university-sponsored
enrollment was 31,764. Our students
activities and have full access to all
can choose from more than 140 degree
campus facilities. These facilities
options in 13 schools and colleges at
include: a state-of-the-art Student
the undergraduate, graduate and
Activities Center, complete with weight
professional levels.
rooms, a rock-climbing wall, basketball
Auburn University has developed into and volleyball courts, three Olympic
one of the largest universities in the quality pools, and racquetball courts;
South, remaining in the educational recreations and game centers; four
forefront with its traditional blend of libraries; cafeterias and bakeries;
arts and applied science and changing tennis courts; and a student program
with the needs of today while living council which provides free movies,
with a respect for the traditions and live concert and outdoor recreational
spirit that are Auburn. activities.

22
COMMUNITY LIVING

Auburn/Opelika is a twin cities

community located in the southeast
section of Alabama, midway between
Atlanta, GA and Montgomery, AL.
The community has a combined
population of more than 163,000
people and is rapidly growing. Each
year, new manufacturing and service
industries are finding their home in
the area. Many families choose to
live in the Auburn/Opelika area and
commute to work in the nearby cities
of Montgomery and Columbus, GA
because of the excellent reputation
of the local schools. A wide variety of
family services are available through
the parks and recreation departments
and local private businesses.

College students will also find a wide

variety of entertainment and social
activity in this college town. Both
downtown areas feature restaurants
and evening entertainment businesses
that attract crowds every night of
the week with live music, games,
and quality food. Auburn University
students who enjoy the outdoor life
will find ready access to hiking, lake
and river activities, mountain bike
trails, and camping facilities at the
numerous state parks in the vicinity
including the Tuskegee National
Forest, Chewacla State Park, and
Calloway Gardens and Resort.

For those students who are avid

sports fans, there is no shortage of
opportunities. In addition to a myriad
of University sporting events and
intramural activities, Auburn/Opelika
is home to 6 different public and
private golf clubs including the Robert
Trent Jones Grand National Resort.
There is also a water amusement
park, megaplex movie theatre, and
an indoor shopping mall. For those
who desire big city life, Auburn is
only 90 minutes from downtown
Atlanta and two hours from downtown
Birmingham.

23
CONTACT US

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT AUBURN'S BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

PROGRAM OR WOULD LIKE TO VISIT, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US.

DR. SALMAN AZHAR

WILLIAM A. HUNT ENDOWED PROFESSOR AND GRAUDATE PROGRAMS CHAIR
OFFICE: 216 M. Miller Gorrie Center
PHONE: (334) 844-5383
FAX: (334) 844-5386
EMAIL: [email protected]

JOLINE LANDRY
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SPECIALIST, GRADUATE PROGRAMS
OFFICE: 102 M. Miller Gorrie Center
PHONE: (334) 844-5308
FAX: (334) 844-5386
EMAIL: [email protected]

STREET ADDRESS
M. Miller Gorrie Center
270 West Samford Ave.
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama 36849-5315
PHONE: (334) 844-4518
FAX: (334) 844-5386

IMPORTANT URL'S
MBC PROGRAM
www.cadc.auburn.edu/mbc

McWHORTER SCHOOL OF BUILDING SCIENCE

www.cadc.auburn.edu/construction

UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL

www.grad.auburn.edu

STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES

www.auburn.edu/sfs

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS

www.auburn.edu/academic/international/isss

AUBURN UNIVERSITY
www.auburn.edu

aub.ie/MBC

Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer. 24