The MEng Emphasis in Construction Management prepares you to lead and innovate in the dynamic field of construction. This specialization provides a comprehensive understanding of critical topics such as project safety, quality control, productivity, risk management, and emerging trends like decarbonization, digitization, and automation. Students will gain hands-on experience with advanced tools such as digital twinning, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and robotics, while exploring the transformative potential of AI in construction. Through close collaboration with industry leaders and exposure to real-world projects, graduates develop the strategic and technical skills needed to manage complex construction initiatives and drive sustainable urban development. The program also delves into best practices for managing construction companies and understanding the impact of public policy on industry competitiveness. Whether you aim to excel in large-scale infrastructure projects, enhance technological innovation, or contribute to building smarter, more sustainable cities, this program provides the expertise and knowledge required to advance your career in an evolving industry.
Meet your Instructors
Daeho Kim
Assistant ProfessorConstruction Management: 3D reconstruction and digital twin of ongoing construction projects
Tamer El-Diraby
ProfessorConstruction Project Management: Informatics and knowledge management (socio-semantic analytics)
Requirements
The Emphasis in Construction Management is an optional component of the Master of Engineering (MEng) in Civil & Mineral Engineering
To complete the emphasis you must complete 6 courses (3.0 FCE) from the list of core courses.
- Other courses may be considered but would require approval from the Emphasis Coordinator
- With approval, one or two courses may be replaced by an MEng Project: CIV1001H (0.5 FCE) or CIV1002Y (1.0 FCE)
Explore course descriptions and timetables
Note that not all courses will be offered every year.
Featured Courses
CIV580H1 - Engineering and Management of Large Projects
Instructor: Daeho Kim
In today's complex construction landscape, managing large urban projects requires more than just technical know-how; it demands strategic planning, risk management, and an understanding of emerging technologies. CIV580 brings together leaders from the construction industry to share real-world insights on the challenges and best practices involved in large-scale project management. Throughout the course, you'll explore the intricacies of project planning and approval processes, examine various delivery methods such as public-private partnerships (PPP), and delve into the critical aspects of safety management and risk analysis. You'll evaluate the effectiveness of project management tools and discover how new technologies enhance productivity, quality, and safety on site. By the end of the course, you'll have a deeper understanding of the multifaceted approach needed to successfully manage and deliver large infrastructure projects.
CIV1299H - Virtualization and Analytics in Construction
Instructor: Tamer El-Diraby
In an era of rapid technological advancement, this course explores how smart hardware—such as virtual reality, robotics, and IoT—along with advanced data analytics and machine learning are transforming construction management. You'll examine the integration of these technologies into construction processes, from virtualization and 3D printing to BIM-based systems that enhance safety, energy modeling, and project management. Through critical analysis, you'll explore how data models and emerging trends like digital twins are shaping the industry, while mapping the growing role of machine learning in process automation and generative design. By the end of the course, you'll gain a foundational understanding of these paradigm shifts in construction, positioning you to effectively navigate the evolving landscape of data-driven, technology-enhanced projects.
Sample Projects
MEng students have the option of tackling real-world engineering challenges and applying their coursework knowledge by engaging in a project under the guidance of a CivMin professor. A project offers the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with experts and develop innovative solutions, enhancing a student's technical competence and preparing them for the complexities of future engineering careers. Additionally, the project can serve as a cornerstone for building a professional portfolio and showcasing capabilities to potential employers.
A CivMin MEng project is a dynamic experiential learning opportunity providing hands-on experience that can significantly boost employability and confidence as students transition into the engineering workforce. For more details, please refer to the MEng program requirements.
Explore examples of past and potential future projects below, and envision how an MEng project could be a transformative experience in your engineering education and career. Current opportunities can be found on the MEng Project Opportunities page.
Robotics in Construction
Supervisor: Daeho Kim
Digitization and automation are key to addressing the challenges of stagnant productivity and an aging workforce in the construction industry. This project invited MEng students to explore the potential of construction-specific visual AIs, a critical component of robotic intelligence. Research opportunities included, but were not limited to: (1) utilizing extended reality (AR, VR) for enhanced onsite monitoring and management, (2) developing virtual training data and training deep neural networks, (3) integrating generative AI, such as ChatGPT, with construction management platforms. This field represented a vast and innovative area with the potential to transform construction practices. Students were encouraged to bring their groundbreaking ideas to advance this emerging and impactful domain.
Analytics in Construction
Supervisor: Tamer El-Diraby
This project utilized machine learning to support the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ontario (MOI) in predicting the deterioration of assets within institutional buildings, such as government facilities. The research involved developing models to estimate the costs associated with repairing or replacing critical systems, including building envelopes, roofs, and HVAC systems. The project encompassed data cleaning, anomaly and outlier detection, and the evaluation of various machine-learning algorithms for accuracy and relevance. The final models were validated to ensure their effectiveness in aiding asset management and maintenance decisions.
Social BIM
Supervisor: Tamer El-Diraby
This project engaged high school students in assessing the energy performance of their school and exploring rehabilitation alternatives to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. Using a Facebook-like BIM (Building Information Modeling) platform, students visualized, discussed, and debated project objectives, ideas, and budgets. The research focused on analyzing social and semantic networks formed through student interactions on the platform, providing insights into decision-making processes and the impact of collaborative tools on project outcomes.
Career Outlook
A CivMin MEng from the #1 Civil Engineering program in Canada can open up a world of opportunities and supercharge your career. The University of Toronto is ranked #12 globally for graduate employability by Times Higher Education, and our alumni have secured exciting roles at a wide variety of top companies including Hatch, WSP, Aecon, Kiewit and Metrolinx.
An MEng degree from U of T places you at the centre of an immense and invaluable alumni network. Combined with our strong industry connections and esteemed reputation, a CivMin MEng offers you almost infinite opportunities for support, professional growth and advancement throughout your career.
Graduates of the MEng who have specialized in Construction Management are well-prepared to make an impact in a variety of prominent roles across the construction industry. Alumni have secured positions at leading firms such as EllisDon, PCL Construction, Bird Construction, Walsh Group, Graham Construction, and Ledcor Group. With a robust foundation in both technical skills and project management, our graduates excel in diverse areas including project management, construction planning, site supervision, and consultancy. The comprehensive training and real-world experience gained through our program enables graduates to tackle complex projects, drive innovation, and effectively lead teams.
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