Concrete Industry Management

A student wearing safety glasses examines a piece of concrete inside the concrete lab on campus.

Insight

The Concrete Industry Management program at California State University, Chico is one of the only five CIM programs in the United States. This program—the only one of its kind on the West Coast—was created with the financial support of concrete industry executives, who are eager to employ its interns and graduates. The program at Chico State combines concrete technology with business administration to prepare men and women for a wide variety of professional careers in the concrete industry.

Experience

More than 50 national and local companies support the program, which has received more than $7 million in donations from its industry supporters. This degree program is truly a joint initiative between industry and academia. Concrete companies and professional organizations are active, ongoing partners. Industry supplies students and faculty with advice, feedback, monetary donations, scholarships, equipment, supplies, training, and funded research.

Each year the program offers more than $100,000 in scholarships for eligible students based on academic performance, improvement, leadership potential, and/or financial need. For more information regarding CIMT scholarships, visit the Concrete Industry Management website. In addition, CIM majors have had success in receiving scholarships from related organizations, colleges, and the University.

Outlook

This professional degree program addresses an identified need for technical and business professionals in the concrete industry. The career opportunities for CIM graduates are excellent. Examples of entry-level positions available immediately upon graduation include:

Production and project management

  • Ready-mixed concrete plants
  • Concrete project managers
  • Concrete subcontracting
  • Precast/prestressed plants
  • Quarry/mining operations

Sales and marketing

  • Concrete and concrete products
  • Cement and admixtures
  • Equipment
  • Contracting services

Other areas

  • Concrete specialist
  • Field engineer
  • Quality control technician

Programs

Undergraduate

Bachelor's