David C. Worley

2018 Graduate, Master of Science in Construction Management

David Worley started his engineering design and contracting business after a 20-year career in the public sector. He decided to enroll in the online master of science in construction management program at UTEP to get more in-depth knowledge of construction management. 

He and his family live in the City of Fulshear, west of Houston, TX. David graduated in Spring 2018.

Why he enrolled in the program:

(I enrolled) to develop my professional acumen in the field of Construction Management. My work history involves spending over 20 years in the public sector -- Assistant Public Works Director/City Traffic Engineer for the City of Sugar Land for 8 years, Assistant Public Works Director for the City of Houston for 7 years and 5 years with the City of Rio Rancho, New Mexico as Project Engineer. After starting my own company, the need to increase my knowledge in construction management became apparent. I have public sector experience when it comes to construction management but none in the private side. The program offers courses in project scheduling, LEED or sustainability construction, and Construction Cost Analysis and Bidding just to name a few that were appealing to me. Even though I had some exposure I did not have a thorough education on many of the courses offered.

His experience with online learning:

Several years ago, I pursued a Masters Degree in Military History with a concentration on (the) American Revolution with the American Military University. I completed 12 credits with the program and had a great experience with distance learning. I have had a great experience with UTEP’s online courses, professors, and fellow students. Currently, I own an engineering design and contracting business, which allows for more flexibility for me personally to complete the program as a distance learner and participant.

On the support available to him as an online student:

The professors were very responsive and available. The ancillary departments (IT) were also readily available when challenges came up with Blackboard.

On whether or not he has found the program useful:

Yes, the MSCM program exposes you to several aspects of construction management that you may not possibly (experience) in a career position or owning your own company. Developing and increasing certain skill sets within the program have carried over to many of the decisions I have made over the past several months. 

What he would say to a prospective online student:

The program does require discipline to be successful. While a lot of autonomy is given, the student has to create a disciplined study schedule to complete the course work. Also, with the shorter class lengths, often the course work can be heavy which requires an even more structured approach to getting the work done in time.