ACCE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
- Chip Mansfield
- Nov 12
- 4 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
As part of our continued communication effort, we are highlighting specific accredited programs within the ACCE system. These are randomly selected schools, professional development programs, and workforce initiatives. Hopefully, this will help the ACCE community develop an even greater appreciation for the efforts made in accreditation, reaccreditation, and certification.
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Northern Arizona University
Building Futures in the High Country: Construction Management at Northern Arizona University
Nestled among the towering pines of Flagstaff, Arizona, Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers students something few other universities can match — a blend of historic charm, hands-on innovation, and a mountain-town spirit that inspires learning. At an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, NAU’s campus is one of the highest in the nation, with crisp alpine air and panoramic views of the San Francisco Peaks. It’s a fitting location for a program dedicated to building the physical world — NAU’s Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.
A Legacy of Growth and Discovery
NAU’s story begins in 1899, when it opened as the Northern Arizona Normal School with just 23 students and a single professor. Back then, classes were focused on preparing teachers for the Arizona Territory’s growing population. Over the decades, the school expanded its mission. It evolved through several names — Arizona State College at Flagstaff, then Northern Arizona University in 1966 — reflecting its growth into a comprehensive research institution.
Today, NAU is a university with high research activity and a student body drawn from across the nation and world. The Lumberjack spirit remains strong — “Louie the Lumberjack,” NAU’s beloved mascot, still rallies students and alumni alike. The university’s history is deeply rooted in the rugged, can-do attitude of the American Southwest, making it the perfect backdrop for a program like Construction Management, which embodies both tradition and innovation.
The Construction Management Program
At NAU, the Construction Management program is housed within the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering, under the Department of Civil Engineering, Construction Management, and Environmental Engineering. The degree prepares students to become leaders in the construction industry — professionals who understand not just how to build, but how to plan, manage, and deliver complex projects safely and efficiently.
Students in the program engage with a curriculum that balances the technical, managerial, and practical aspects of construction. Coursework includes studies in estimating, project scheduling, structural systems, safety management, and construction law. Laboratory experiences bring these concepts to life — in classes like Construction Management Integrated Laboratory, students design, fabricate, and assemble real-world components, learning teamwork, documentation, and project tracking in a hands-on environment.
NAU’s approach is holistic: it recognizes that today’s construction leaders must blend technical skill with business acumen, environmental awareness, and communication abilities. By the time students graduate, they’re equipped not only to interpret blueprints and manage budgets but also to lead diverse teams and deliver sustainable, efficient projects.
A Mark of Quality: ACCE Accreditation
One of the defining strengths of NAU’s Construction Management program is its accreditation by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). This accreditation is not just a credential — it’s a seal of excellence recognized throughout the construction industry.
ACCE evaluates programs across the country to ensure they meet rigorous standards in curriculum design, faculty expertise, student outcomes, and industry relevance. For NAU, this accreditation means the program’s coursework and teaching methods align closely with what employers expect from top-tier construction professionals.
For students, graduating from an ACCE-accredited program provides a competitive advantage in the job market. Employers know that ACCE programs emphasize real-world readiness — that graduates can estimate accurately, manage schedules effectively, communicate clearly, and uphold the ethical and safety standards critical in modern construction. It also demonstrates NAU’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, as accreditation requires regular reviews and updates to stay ahead of industry trends.
A Program Shaped by Its Environment
The Flagstaff setting adds something special to the NAU Construction Management experience. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and historic Route 66 architecture, the region offers a living laboratory of construction challenges — from sustainable building practices in sensitive mountain ecosystems to infrastructure designed for snow, wind, and elevation.
Students often remark that the campus itself feels like a microcosm of construction diversity: traditional brick halls, cutting-edge engineering facilities, and a community that values environmental stewardship. The result is a learning environment where innovation meets responsibility — where building better means building smarter and greener.
Preparing Tomorrow’s Construction Leaders
Graduates of NAU’s Construction Management program step into the workforce ready to take on roles such as project engineer, estimator, scheduler, safety manager, and more. Many find opportunities with major contractors and public agencies across Arizona and the greater Southwest, while others branch into specialty fields such as green building or infrastructure development.
The combination of ACCE accreditation, a hands-on curriculum, and the unique Flagstaff experience makes this program stand out among construction management degrees nationwide. It’s a place where students learn to see construction not just as a trade, but as a profession — one that shapes communities, economies, and the landscapes of the future.
Northern Arizona University’s Construction Management program reflects the university’s own evolution: rooted in history but driven by progress. From its beginnings as a small teacher’s college to its role today as a hub for technical education and research, NAU continues to build — not only structures, but opportunities.
For students who love both the technical and creative sides of construction, who want an education grounded in real-world experience and accredited excellence, NAU offers an exceptional foundation. Here, among the pines and peaks, the next generation of builders learns to shape the world with integrity, skill, and a true Lumberjack spirit.
The ACCE proudly supports programs like Northern Arizona's that elevate the construction profession through excellence in education, innovation, and leadership.
That is all for now! More program highlights to come!!
Steve Nellis
President / CEO American Council for Construction Education Steve.Nellis@ACCE-HQ.org www.acce-hq.org
