Managers on construction sites oversee personnel and materials, and they act as the point of contact for clients. A manager's expertise impacts a project's success. Job titles for these professionals can include foreman, superintendent, and project manager. A degree in construction management provides the essential knowledge and skills these managers need.
Students with no previous college experience usually complete their construction management bachelor's program in four years. Associate degree-holders typically graduate within two years. Admission requirements generally include a high school diploma or the equivalent and standardized test scores.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for construction managers to increase 8% from 2019 to 2029, about double the average projected growth for all occupations. According to the BLS, construction managers earn a median annual salary of $95,260.
Top 10 Best Construction Management Degrees
What Can I Do With a Construction Management Degree?
Construction managers order materials, hire subcontractors, and oversee worksites. These professionals also create work schedules and act as an intermediary between onsite workers and clients. Construction managers often travel and work both outdoors and in office settings.
Successful construction managers possess skills in accounting, communication, and project and time management. Academic programs in the field often require cooperative education or internship experiences to help learners develop abilities in these areas. While working at a job site under a trained construction manager, degree-seekers gain practical experience and receive feedback.
Students should research education requirements for construction management careers. Certain positions require specific courses or professional experience. To prepare for specialized roles, learners in construction management programs can concentrate in an area such as land development, heavy construction, or residential construction. Students can work with career counselors to choose a concentration that aligns with their goals.
Accreditation for a Construction Management Degree
Students researching construction management programs should ensure that each prospective institution holds accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education charters six regional accreditation agencies to evaluate postsecondary schools. Regional accreditation is the oldest and most prestigious type of institutional accreditation. Many employers and graduate programs only recognize degrees from regionally accredited schools.
Schools that offer online programs should also possess national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC compares a school's online and on-campus programs to ensure that both types of learners receive the same high-quality education. DEAC accreditation demonstrates that an institution's online programs offer the same rigor and learning outcomes as its on-campus options.
Students can also look for construction management programs with field-specific accreditation. Private programmatic accreditation agencies each focus on a certain field or academic subject. Programmatic accreditation signifies that the program prepares learners to succeed in the discipline. The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) awards programmatic accreditation to the top construction management programs.
FAQ
What Are the Requirements for a Construction Management Degree?
Admission requirements for construction management bachelor's programs typically include a high school diploma or the equivalent. Applicants may need to submit FAFSA results to determine their eligibility for institutional financial aid.
Construction management students must typically maintain a minimum undergraduate GPA and meet their professors' expectations. Undergraduate learners in the field must usually complete an internship or cooperative education experience during their junior or senior year.
Courses in a Construction Management Program
Although curricula vary by construction management program, coursework helps learners develop skills necessary to succeed in the field. Students prepare to lead others on job sites, communicate with clients and stakeholders, and set short-term and long-term goals. Programs typically require major coursework and an internship experience. General education courses provide transferable skills and knowledge.
Many construction management programs include the five courses below. Since course titles and requirements vary by school, learners should contact their prospective institution for information about its construction management curriculum.
Principles of Accounting This class helps degree-seekers develop mathematical skills necessary to plan and follow project budgets. Course topics include fraud detection and investigation, the stock market, and earnings management. Students learn how to create and maintain a balance sheet, convey accounting principles to others, and produce memos for clients and stakeholders. Coursework covers common accounting terms and their implications.
Introduction to Construction and Facilities Management This course provides foundational knowledge learners can apply to upper-division courses and careers in the field. Enrollees analyze various types of documents that construction managers commonly encounter. Degree-seekers learn how to use building information modeling and mathematical skills. Learners develop an understanding of the construction process, from design to final product. Coursework typically includes homework, tests, and peer reviews.
Mechanical Systems Construction sites feature many types of mechanical systems, including pipes, drainage, and sanitation systems. Enrollees analyze how various systems interact during the construction process. Coursework also explores relevant local, state, and federal codes and regulations. Learners become familiar with above-ground systems, such as heaters and air conditioners, along with the electronics that control each. Students develop the skills necessary to lead and manage subcontractors.
Sustainable Construction Students learn about construction materials and methods that cause minimal environmental impacts. Degree-seekers analyze modern construction practices and the philosophy behind the sustainability movement. Coursework examines environmentally friendly structures and the methods that construction managers and planners used to create them. Most students take this course during their junior or senior year, and learners often create an original design project that proposes a small sustainable structure.
Construction Safety Management The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets regulations that all construction managers and workers must follow. These regulations ensure workers' safety on job sites. Learners examine the OSHA regulations that govern workers' duties and explore the role managers play in maintaining safe environments. Students review case studies and memorize relevant content. This class may require multiple prerequisites.
Certifications and Licensure for Construction Management Majors
Construction managers may need a state-issued license to practice, especially if they manage projects on public land. Additionally, managers can increase their employability and salary potential by earning a professional certification from a private organization. Certification requirements typically include a degree, professional experience, and passing exam scores.
Associate Constructor
Certified Construction Manager
State License
Professional Organizations for Construction Management Majors
Undergraduate students can join professional organizations for construction management majors. Student members can often access scholarship opportunities, mentorship programs, and career resources. Learners may also receive industry publications detailing the latest job trends and management best practices.
Associated General Contractors of America
AGC maintains more than 170 student chapters throughout the United States at postsecondary schools with ACCE-accredited programs. Membership benefits include discounts from construction materials suppliers, professional development programs, and networking opportunities. Members can use the organization's online career center to research local job opportunities.
American Institute of Contractors
Undergraduate members of the AIC can research construction management careers, network with experienced professionals, and receive construction-related publications. Student members can take advantage of discounted professional development courses and certification exam-preparation resources. Members also receive an invitation to the AIC Annual Forum.
Construction Management Association of America
Practicing construction managers and students in the field can join CMAA. Membership benefits include access to online courses and a private job board. Members can also pursue multiple paths to certification. The association provides free webinars on artificial intelligence and using drones in construction. CMAA offers free membership for students.
National Association of Home Builders
NAHB mentors the next generation of home builders through nationwide high school and college chapters. Student members receive the same benefits as professional members, including access to a membership savings program, exclusive scholarships, and virtual and in-person networking events. Degree-seekers can start an NAHB chapter at their school.
Scholarships for Construction Management Students
College students can minimize debt by taking advantage of their school's financial aid resources. Learners can also apply for private scholarships from nonprofits and businesses. Unlike loans, recipients do not repay scholarships. The list below includes a few of the scholarships available to construction management students. Learners should research each award's requirements and deadlines.
Chinese American Construction Professionals Scholarship
Who Can Apply: CACP awards this scholarship to Chinese American undergraduate learners who are studying architecture or a construction-related field. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and must submit two recommendation letters. Recipients must attend at least two CACP events, and students should apply by July 15.
Amount: $1,000-$3,000
The National Association of Women in Construction Founders Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Women in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year can apply. Candidates must be full-time students with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Candidates must apply by mail by February 28. Scholarship recipients can reapply the following year as long as they still meet all requirements.
Amount: $500-$2,500
Richard L. Brooks Memorial Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The American Galvanizers Association awards two scholarships each year to college students preparing for careers related to construction management. Applicants must submit an essay of 1,000-2,000 words. Candidates select from two prompts, both of which involve proposing a solution to a real-world construction problem.
Amount: $2,500
