Concrete Industry Management (CIM)

DEGREE PROGRAM FOR CAREERS IN CONCRETE

The objective of the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Program is to produce graduates grounded in the basics of concrete’s production techniques and its use in a multitude of construction applications. In addition to their CIM major, graduates acquire a minor in business administration which includes the study of personnel management, systems integration, marketing, sales and promotion as they relate to concrete products and services. The CIM core curriculum includes typical college level general study requirements, general business, and concrete related introductory course work that include manufacturing and construction techniques. Advanced level courses and internships broaden the students’ understanding of the workings of the concrete industry. A CIM degree is designed to provide the graduate with a broad array of initial opportunities within the industry that include sales, operations, technical services, project, production and concrete construction management. The program’s goal is to provide the industry with ideal candidates to develop into future managers and leaders.

CIM is a joint initiative of a growing number of universities supported by networks of local, state and regional concrete industry producers, suppliers and contractors organized as 501c(3) entities and titled CIM Patron Groups. These patron groups pledge their time, talent and treasure to support the development of each universities’ CIM program. Currently, there are five universities designated as schools with CIM programs, including the flagship program at Middle Tennessee State University as well as programs at New Jersey Institute of Technology, Arizona State University, Texas State University and California State University, Chico. A National Steering Committee (NSC) works in collaboration with the patron groups to provide funding for each university and oversight and direction for the overall CIM program. Organizations that support and participate at the NSC level include the American Concrete Pipe Association, American Society of Concrete Contractors’ Education Foundation, National Concrete Masonry Association’s Foundation, National Precast Concrete Association, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute’s Foundation, Portland Cement Association and the RMC Research & Education Foundation.