Twenty-eight students are currently enrolled in the Spring 2026 semester of the Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM) program.
This represents an increase of more than 800% over enrollment during the program’s first semester in Fall 2024, when just three students had registered.
“Enrollment has grown steadily,” confirms Charles Chen, MSCM assistant professor and program chair. “Fall 2024 began with three students, Spring 2025 had 11, Fall 2025 increased to 18 and Spring 2026 stands at 28.
“This growth reflects the program’s unique positioning, strong organizational support and clear industry demand,” he says.
Fall 2026 Program Update
The MSCM program is the only Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)-approved program in Hawai‘i that offers a master’s degree in construction management without first requiring an engineering degree.
Since the program’s 10-course structure is WSCUC-approved, Chen says, there are no structural changes to MSCM courses next fall.
However, next fall the program will no longer offer a business administration concentration. “Moving forward, Project Management will serve as the default pathway in alignment with industry manager feedback,” Chen says.
Spring 2026 Highlights
An executive vice president and human resources manager at Layton Construction, a Hawai‘i general contractor, led an information session for program students on Feb. 25.
“Layton is recognized for its expertise across healthcare facilities, data centers and retail projects and for its collaborative ‘Two in a Box’ operational model,” Chen says. “The company offers structured internships that often lead to full-time employment and is exploring integration with our practicum and capstone courses.”
Atlas Insurance also reached out this spring. “Their executive vice president presented on risk management in construction, emphasizing proactive strategies for managing cost overruns, delays, design errors and liability exposure,” Chen says. “The session addressed General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Builder’s Risk insurance and surety bonding as mechanisms for risk transfer and contractor performance assurance. The presentation reinforced how integrated risk management strengthens trust, credibility and successful project delivery.”
For more HPU MSCM Program information, go to hpu.edu/cob/mscmgt.html.
