Concrete Industry Management

Developed in close partnership with more than 50 of our industry partners, our nationally recognized CIM program combines the disciplines of concrete technology with business administration. Chico State is one of only five CIM programs in the United States.

The Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program combines business skills with specialized concrete industry training, giving students a career advantage with early industry experience. Coursework includes business, science, and concrete-specific classes focused on problem-solving, quality assurance, logistics, and manufacturing operations. Students gain real-world experience through hands-on labs, internships, and industry networking events.

Accreditation

The Concrete Industry Management degree is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) Board of Accreditation.

View the Concrete Industry Management Student Learning Objectives. 

CIM Student Today, Industry Leader Tomorrow!

Chico State’s CIM degree program teaches hands-on industry skills and business administration, preparing students to lead out in the field and in the boardroom thanks to the integration of business administration curriculum.

Some solid reasons a CIM degree is a concrete choice:

• Financial assistance opportunities for every student
• Hands-on learning in and out of the classroom
• Internships with real-life industry professionals

How it works: Networking and career planning begins the very first semester. Students are connected with concrete industry leaders thanks to CIM’s close-knit partnerships. CIM brings the industry opportunities to campus!

The Bottom Line: The CIM program at Chico State offers an incredible return on investment.

Chico State’s concrete industry management program sets up students for success with the tools, knowledge, and skills to step into leadership roles across all areas of the concrete industry.

How it Started

Recognizing the need for people with enhanced technical, communication and management skills, the CIM program was developed in 1996. The Concrete Industry Management (CIM)  program is the first of its kind in the U.S. – a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management. Originally founded in 1996, the CIM program enrolled its first two students at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The popularity of the program has taken off ever since, with more than 300 students pursuing degrees in CIM. To meet the vast interest of the program and recognizing the need to expand, the current program is offered not only at MTSU but also at California State University, Chico, Texas State University and New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Career Paths for CIM Graduates

There has yet to be a graduate of the Concrete Industry Management Program that did not have an exciting career opportunity in the industry waiting for him or her — how many other degree programs can boast that distinction? Graduates of the CIM Program are hired for management positions throughout the concrete industry including production, material supply, contracting and manufacturing. More than 825 students have graduated from CIM programs with starting salaries competitive with other high-tech industries.

Where can students find opportunities after graduation?

The industry's need for skilled graduates is high. Niches and employers are varied and include:

• Concrete producers
• Contractors
• Cement manufacturers
• Precast, pipe, and block producers
• Precast/ prestress producers
• Materials and equipment suppliers
• Software companies and associations

What positions are available?

Graduates of the CIM program are highly sought after and quickly rise to management positions such as (but not limited to):

• Project Management
• Sales and Marketing
• Business Development
• Quality Control Management
• Supply Chain and Logistics Management
• And so many more!