About Us

The Mission of the Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development is to offer a comprehensive program of construction education, with scholarly and service activities, consistent with the mission of Clemson University and the College of Architecture, Art and Construction, to improve the quality of the construction industry and thus the built environment.

To realize this mission, the department has the following major goals:
1. Excel in the education of undergraduate and graduate students alike through a vigorous program of academic learning designed to produce motivated, well-educated, responsible citizens with the management and technical skills required for leadership positions in the construction, development and planning industries.

2. Foster Clemson University’s service mission by providing outreach activities for the construction industry and public, both nationally and internationally.

3. Assist in attaining Clemson University’s funded research goals by conducting and disseminating the results of research and development and/or providing other educational opportunities for the construction industry.

Our CSM undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. 

ACCE Accreditation – Public Disclosures

2023-2024 Quality/Outcome Assessment Plan

The Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development sponsors a variety of extracurricular activities, such as field trips to construction sites and company offices; attendance at local, regional and national meetings of construction associations; and participation in seminars and presentations by experts in the industry. In addition, the students, coached by the department faculty and practicing construction professionals, participate in regional and national student construction management competitions.

The umbrella student organization that most majors join is the Constructors Guild. Within the Guild, there are a series of student chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, Design-Build Institute and the National Association of Home Builders. The Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development is also affiliated with the American Institute of Constructors, the professional organization of individual construction/project managers, and the Chartered Institute of Builders, an international professional organization. Finally, the department has a chapter of Sigma Lambda Chi, the national construction education honorary society. More information about each of these organizations is noted below.

Constructors Guild

This organization serves as the umbrella for all student chapters of trade and professional associations. The organization's officers coordinate the major activities of the student chapters and conduct monthly meetings and social events for the guild members. As a member of the guild, you can attend many excellent educational programs, field trips, and social events. In addition, you may be considered for a wide range of departmental student awards and scholarships. Many of these awards and scholarships are sponsored by national trade and professional associations with which the department affiliates.

Associated Builders and Contractors Student Chapter (ABC)

ABC is a national trade association representing more than 19,000 contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and related firms from across the country and from all specialties in the construction industry. ABC is the only national association devoted exclusively to the merit shop philosophy, which aims to provide the best management techniques, the finest craftsmanship, and the most competitive bidding and pricing strategies in the industry, regardless of labor affiliation. As a member of the ABC student chapter, you can participate in the Carolinas Chapter functions, attend the national convention and job fair, and receive information and communications from ABC. In addition, you are eligible to apply for ABC student scholarships and participate in many of their activities at reduced costs. (https://abc.org)

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Student Chapter

AGC is a major construction trade association that represents general construction companies. The association also has an associate membership classification for subcontractors and others in the construction industry. AGC was founded to serve as the negotiating body for management in collective bargaining with labor through unions. However, now that more than 70 percent of all construction work is completed by non-union employees, many AGC companies are non-union contractors. As a member of the AGC student chapter, you may attend many events sponsored by the Carolinas Chapter of AGC and the national office. You may apply for AGC-sponsored scholarships and receive communications and information from the association. You may also be considered to receive one of the two AGC-sponsored departmental awards. (https://agc.org)

Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Student Chapter

DBIA is a relatively young association of firms involved in the design-build project delivery process. The organization is establishing student chapters throughout the United States, including one at Clemson. If you want to help establish a new chapter, whether you are interested in the design-build project procurement method or you are an architecture student, you should join this organization. Benefits include receiving the organization's regular publications, having access to the DBIA national membership and having opportunities to attend local, regional and national meetings of the association. (https://dbia.org)

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Chapter

NAHB is the major trade association for construction companies involved in the home-building, multi-residential and light commercial sectors of the construction industry. Students interested in a career in residential construction should join the NAHB student chapter. As a member, you receive information and communication from the association and have the opportunity to attend the organization's local, regional and national meetings. In addition, you are eligible for NAHB-sponsored scholarships and an opportunity to participate in the national student NAHB competition. (https://nahb.org)

American Institute of Constructors (AIC)

AIC is the professional body that represents practicing constructors, construction educators, and students. Unlike many of the other major construction trade associations, members are individuals and not companies. 

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

CIOB is the international voice of professional managers in the construction and allied industries and other professionals in the management of the total construction process. It has an international membership of 35,000 drawn from the top ranks of construction skilled project managers, construction professionals, educators, and students worldwide. Students can join CIOB for two years at no cost. (https://ciob.org)

Sigma Lambda Chi (SLC)

SLC is the national honor society for construction education. Students are invited to join this society based on academic performance. To be considered, juniors and seniors must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25, and graduate students must be in the upper third of their class. In addition, students must have been involved in Nieri Family Department of Construction Science and Management extracurricular activities for at least one semester and must receive a positive vote from the majority of current SLC members. 

Support the Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development with your annual gift to Clemson. Learn more about the available funds below prior to making your contribution.

CSM Corporate Partners
Corporate Partner Program contributions to support our student & faculty initiatives as needed - minimum $5,000 contribution suggested

Nieri Family Construction Science and Management Fund
General Department Support fund to support all operations of the department. 

Endowment
The interest from the endowment supports student and faculty initiatives consistent with the mission of the department programs

IAB Operating Account
Industry Advisory Board Member Contributions to be used for on-going IAB expenses as they promote fundraising activities of the Department – minimum $100 contribution suggested.

It is critical that the Department continue to provide a quality education and environment for its students, faculty, and staff. This requires not only adequate funding but also a collaborative relationship with the construction industry. Therefore, ways to give back to the department are through regular annual monetary contributions to the department, serving as guest speakers, sponsoring field trips, participating in department activities such as its annual golf tournament and other ways.

In an environment of shrinking state support, the most critical need is regular funding to support students and faculty activities and events. If you are not already doing so, please make a manageable annual donation to the Clemson University Fund earmarked for the Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development. You may make a secure online gift or by phone at 864-656-5896. Any amount is appreciated and will help the department offset these future budget cuts as well as count in the University's continuing fundraising efforts.

If you are interested in being a guest speaker, sponsoring a field trip, becoming a member of the Industry Advisory Board and Corporate Partner Program and/or participating in other department activities, please contact Leslie Armstrong, Program Coordinator at armstr3@clemson.edu or Mike Jackson, Chair and Professor at nmjacks@clemson.edu.

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