Ontario Construction News staff writer
George Brown College will become George Brown Polytechnic and launch what it says is Canada’s first Master of Construction Management program.
The school announced the name change and new graduate program in October, calling the move part of a broader effort to expand applied education and meet demand for senior managers in the construction sector.
“This transformation is not just a name change,” president Gervan Fearon said in a statement. “The Master of Construction Management program reflects our dedication to equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry and bolster Canada’s productivity.”
The one-year program will run over three semesters and offer evening, weekend and online classes geared toward working professionals. The curriculum will cover systems thinking, legal issues, strategic management and productivity improvement, and is benchmarked against similar programs overseas, the school said.
The announcement follows provincial approval of the master’s degree. Colleges in Ontario have only recently been granted permission to offer stand-alone graduate programs — a role traditionally limited to universities.
What sets this program apart is its emphasis on career readiness, preparing graduates for senior management roles and enabling them to lead business transformation and strategic growth. MCM graduates will be able to bridge the gap between technical expertise and executive-level management skills, establishing themselves as leaders in advanced, industry-driven graduate education. Our curriculum is benchmarked against leading global programs from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia, ensuring that our graduates excel in a competitive landscape.
“I have had the privilege of collaborating with George Brown Polytechnic on the waterfront campus, and I can attest to its outstanding education,” said Geoff Smith, Chancellor of George Brown Polytechnic and former CEO of EllisDon. “They produce job-ready graduates, including 200 in Toronto alone leading critical EllisDon projects. The master’s program will enhance the institution’s ability to train high-caliber talent. We all benefit.”
George Brown said it will continue to offer certificates, diplomas and degrees alongside the new master’s program. The transition to “polytechnic” branding comes as several Canadian colleges look to elevate their applied research and advanced-credential status amid skilled-labour shortages in construction and other sectors.
“This transformation is not just a name change; it signifies our commitment to advancing education and workforce readiness,” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown Polytechnic. “The Master of Construction Management program reflects our dedication to equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry and bolster Canada’s productivity.”
The one-year, three-semester program offers flexible delivery options, including evening, weekend, and online classes, making it accessible for working professionals. Students will participate in practical learning covering systems thinking, legal issues, strategic management, and productivity improvement. With this program, we proudly remain an accessible post-secondary institution, offering certificates and diplomas that lead to degree programs, including master’s degrees.
“Our government has an ambitious plan to build the Ontario of tomorrow; but in order to achieve it, we need the highly skilled workforce to get the job done,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “George Brown Polytechnic’s Master of Construction Management program will ensure Ontario students gain the practical skills they need to lead major construction projects in communities across Ontario, ensuring our province can keep moving and growing, no matter what we may face.”
For more information visit georgebrown.ca/construction-engineering-technologies
