McWhorter School of Building Science

J. Mark Taylor, PhD, JD, LEED AP

McWhorter School of Building Science

• One of Oldest Construction Programs in US– Established 1945– Housed in College of Architecture, Design &

Construction• Large undergraduate program– B.S. in Building Construction– Graduate 120 students a year

McWhorter School of Building Science

• Strong Industry Support– Industry Advisory Council– Alabama Contractors License/Construction

Industry Fund– Atlanta BSCI Alumni Group– BIM Users Group

• Center for Construction Innovation and Collaboration– Product development with Industrial Design

McWhorter School of Building Science

• Study Abroad– 50% student participation– 3 Programs in 2013– Student Exchange Programs

McWhorter School of Building Science

• Student Competitions– ASC Regionals - Southeast– AGC National - Varies– ABC National - Varies– ASC National – Reno

McWhorter School of Building Science

• The Gorrie Center– LEED Gold Building

• Diverse Faculty– Academic & Industry

Experience– Multinational

• Peer 7– Texas A&M, Virginia

Tech, Florida, Arizona State, Purdue, Colorado State

WHAT IS BUILDING SCIENCE?• Roots in Architecture & Engineering• Building Construction began at Auburn in 1945• Building Science is a modern change• Construction Management– Sciences

• Math, Physics – Design Sciences, Surveying

– Management• Construction processes

– Estimating– Scheduling– Accounting– Supervision

JOBS WITH A BUILDING SCIENCE DEGREE?

• Project Management– Project Engineer

• Construction Superintendent• Estimating• Owners Representative• Internships & Co-op opportunities

PAY SCALE FOR THOSE WITH A BUILDING SCIENCE DEGREE?

• Job Outlook (from Bureau of Labor Statistics)– Employment of construction managers is

expected to grow 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities will be best for candidates with work experience and a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field.

PAY SCALE FOR THOSE WITH A BUILDING SCIENCE DEGREE?

• Average Starting Pay for Auburn Grads – Spring 2012– Approx. $54,000

• Salaries rise quickly, bonuses are common• Competition for

employees with experience

• Willingness to re-locate

Sources of Info - Sustainability

• U.S. Green Building Council – http://www.usgbc.org

Sources of Info - Sustainability

• Environmental Design and Construction – http://www.edcmag.com

Sources of Info - Sustainability

• Sustainability – http://www.sustainability.com

Sources of Info - Sustainability

• EPA – http://www.epa.gov/sustainability/