College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
6-2026
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Thomas Kommer, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
The California Polytechnic State University Construction Management (CM) program is designed to prepare students for the managerial responsibilities of the construction industry. However, construction projects involve a broad range of legal considerations that extend beyond traditional contract administration. While the CM curriculum currently includes a course focused on construction contract law, there is limited exposure to other legal disciplines that frequently affect construction professionals throughout the project lifecycle. This research explores the potential value of expanding construction law education in the CM curriculum by implementing an additional topics course as an elective for students. To determine which legal subjects would provide the greatest benefit to CM students, research was conducted through a combination of industry surveys and qualitative interviews with construction attorneys, legal professionals, as well as construction industry professionals. Following the identification of key topic areas, an extensive literature review was conducted to examine the legal principles, industry relevance, and educational value of each discipline. This paper evaluates the significance of several areas of construction law: real property law; contractor licensing and entitlement law; tort law with respect to negligence and interference; labor and employment law; environmental law; and criminal law, within the context of construction management practice.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/1005
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