Construction managers have a wide variety of job duties. They oversee construction projects, manage job site materials and employees, and bid on projects. They work on the business side of construction as well as the physical side. This requires a knowledge of construction, management, and business. Construction management positions are expected to grow 8% over the next decade, which is faster than the national average. Construction managers with a Bachelor’s Construction Management degree make an average of $87,000 a year.
What Does it Take to Be a Construction Manager?
First, being a successful construction manager requires a personality suited to the job. It’s a demanding and dynamic career. You will need analytical and decision-making skills, leadership ability, and effective communication. You will need to work with customers as well as employees. It also requires self-motivation. Construction managers have a “go-getter” personality. They manage their time effectively. They are excellent planners, but they are also comfortable dealing with the unexpected.
When it comes to getting a construction management degree, you can start with an Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or obtain your Master’s degree. High-level construction management jobs require a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
However, you can start in the field with an Associate’s degree. Both methods have their advantages. Focusing on education first and getting a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management will allow you to land a well-paying job when you graduate.
You can also get an Associate’s degree then begin working in the field. If you choose to continue education and get your Bachelor’s degree, you will have relevant job experience and education.
Getting a Master’s degree in Construction Management opens up a new level of opportunities, and many people choose to work full time while they pursue their Master’s degree.
We will look at the best schools to get a Construction Management degree, broken down into Associates, Bachelors, and Masters programs. You’ll learn what type of job you can get with each degree as well as which schools to consider.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon |
| 2 | Dakota Technical College | Rosemount, Minnesota |
| 3 | Mesa Community College | Mesa, Arizona |
| 4 | San Joaquin Valley College | Visalia, California |
Associate’s Construction Management Degree
An Associate’s Construction Management degree may be the best place to begin a career in construction management. The program usually takes 2 years to complete, and gives you a solid educational foundation. Most in-person or online construction management degree programs allow you to transfer your credits to a 4-year institution if you wish to pursue your Bachelor’s degree.
An Associate’s degree may qualify you for entry-level jobs including:
- Supervisor
- Coordinator
- Estimator
- Quantity surveyor
Portland Community College
Portland Community College offers an Associate Construction Management degree. The program is taught from the perspective of a general contractor. Students will learn bid preparation and job costing techniques. They will learn how to manage construction management projects including scheduling. Students will learn about today’s building techniques and sustainable construction practices. Students are also prepared to pursue LEED and Earth Advantage.
The college offers classes in evenings for students who are working while pursuing their degree. Some core courses may be taken online or at partner campuses. Full-time attendance is not required. Full-time students graduate in 2 -2.5 years depending on their course load. Students may also transfer to a four-year Oregon University to pursue their Bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
School Overview
Dakota Technical College
Dakota Technical College offers an Associate of Science Construction Management degree and an Associate of Applied Science Construction Management degree. Both programs require 60 credits. The college has an articulation agreement with Minnesota State University for the Bachelor’s of Applied Science degree and the Bachelors in Science degree, so students can transfer seamlessly after graduation. Students will take courses in applied management, engineering, design, and business. The program prepares students for supervisory and management positions.
School Overview
Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science Construction Management degree. Students will learn general management skills and skills needed for the construction industry. This includes Osha 30, construction planning, and design. Students will also learn construction management ethics, estimating, and how to prepare contracts.
Graduates are prepared to take the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Associate’s Exam to become LEED certified. The program is 63-73 credits, and satisfies most requirements for an Associate of Arts degree. Students may transfer to a 4-year University upon completion of the program.
School Overview
San Joaquin Valley College
San Joaquin Valley College offers an Associate’s Online Construction Management degree as well as an on-campus program. Students can earn an Associate of Science degree in 14 months with full-time attendance. Courses include Computer Applications in Construction Management, Scheduling and Control, and Estimating and Bidding for Commercial Projects. Students will obtain the OSHA 30 Hour Construction Outreach Completion Card.
School Overview
Bachelor’s Construction Management Degree
A Bachelor’s degree is required for many construction management positions. These positions may require you to oversee construction, including employees and scheduling. Many positions require excellent customer service skills, because you will be communicating with clients about the status of the project and negotiating contracts. You may supervise and manage subcontractors, and solve problems related to delays.
Careers available with a Bachelor’s Construction Management Degree include:
- Site engineer
- Construction manager
- Sustainability consultant
- Project manager
- Construction business owner
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota offers a Bachelors Construction Management degree. The program requires 120 credit hours, with 87-89 hours within the Major. All students will take the same general education and core major courses. They will choose between four concentration tracks.
The Commercial track requires AutoCad for Construction Management as a predatory course. Environmental Health and Safety Track requires Construction Safety and Loss Control and Building Energy Systems. The Highway Heavy/Civil Works Track requires AutoCad for Construction Managers preparatory course. The Residential Track requires AutoCad for Construction Managers and Materials and Structures as preparatory courses. The Facility Management Track requires Management and Human Resource Practices and Facility Programing and Design as preparatory courses
School Overview
California State University Northridge
California State University Northridge offer a Bachelor of Science Construction Management degree. The program provides a strong foundation in building science, construction management, and business. Students will learn how to understand, design, and bid on contracts, how to plan construction projects, how to manage materials and personnel, and applicable laws and regulations in the field.
The program includes 48 hours of general education requirements. However, 27 of these are met by courses in the Major. In total, students will complete 21 general education hours outside their Major, and 103-104 credit hours in their Major. Courses include Computer Applications in Construction Management, Construction Contract Administration, Real Estate Law, and Business Accounting.
School Overview
Arizona State University
Arizona State University provides a Bachelor of Science Construction Management and Technology Degree. Students will learn to organize, manage, and lead throughout the building process. Benefits of the program include strong ties with the construction industry which provides internship opportunities and professional student organizations. The program prepares students for positions as project managers, estimators, project engineers, facility managers, and construction business owners.
The program has five areas of emphasis. These are commercial building, heavy construction, specialty construction, residential construction, and concrete industry. Two summer internships are required as part of the program. One is field work and one is managerial. This gives students real world experience in all aspects of construction management. The program is 60% engineering based and 40% business based to provide the knowledge needed in all areas.
School Overview
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University offers a Bachelors Construction and Facilities Management degree. The program requires 120 credit hours, with 85 credit hours in the Construction and Facilities Management major. Students will learn problem-solving, principles of project and company management, and how to communicate with employees and customers. Students will also learn construction ethics and teamwork skills.
Students must complete 300 hours of approved fieldwork. Courses include Accounting, General Physics, Economics, Real Estate, Virtual Design and Construction, and Construction Modeling.
School Overview
Everglades University
Everglades University offers a Bachelor’s Online Construction Management degree. Students may attend courses completely online, in person, or both. Students will learn construction planning, design, and safety. Students will be qualified for positions as a project manager, construction manager, and property manager. It also prepares students to sit for the LEED exam for LEED certification.
The program is 123 hours, with 30 hours in general education requirements. It is usually completed in 41 months with full-time enrollment. Courses include Construction Documents, Mechanical/Electrical Systems, Accounting Principles, and Construction Layout Planning.
School Overview
Masters Construction Management Degree
A Master’s Construction Management degree will prepare you for a high level position in the construction field.
Potential careers with a Master’s degree in Construction Management include:
- Estimator
- Contracts Manager
- Construction Project Manager
- Construction Business Owner
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech has two master’s programs that focus on construction: a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a Master of Science in Building Construction Science and Management. Both of these programs share a core curriculum.
The Industry Track is designed for students interested in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction careers. Electives allow students to concentrate on their particular field of interest while gaining valuable knowledge of the construction industry and business management. Internships and executive shadowing experiences are also part of the program. This gives students real-world experience in addition to education.
The Research Track is designed for those who want to approach the problems facing the industry and search for solutions. It’s also ideal for those who want to pursue their P.h.D after obtaining their Master’s. Students will take core courses and choose electives in their field of interest. Students will participate in a one-semester project or a two-semester thesis working closely with faculty. They will choose a 3 person faculty committee to aid them with research in an area of interest. They will also participate in internships and work with companies to complete their research project.
School Overview
Clemson University
Clemson University is accredited to offer its Online Construction Management Master’s degree. The program is recognized by the Associated General Contractors of America and the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Graduates of the program are eligible for Clemson’s PhD in Planning, Design, and the Built Environment.
The program has a thesis and non-thesis option. The thesis option requires 21 credit hours of coursework and 9 credit hours of thesis work. The thesis must be completed on an approved topic relating to the construction industry. Students must complete an oral examination of the thesis study and program study.
The non thesis option requires 30 credit hours, and a comprehensive written exam on the program of study. If the written exam is not passed, the student must pass an oral exam on the program of study.
School Overview
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State offers Masters Online Construction Management degree. The program is 36 course hours. Students learn leadership, building information modeling, sustainability, project management, and decision-making skills. The program offers flexibility with 6 seven week courses that can be completed in 6 months to 1 year. The program is completely online, which gives students the freedom to maintain a full-time job while pursuing their degree.
There is an 18 credit hour certification program that prepares students to sit for the Associate Constructor Level 1 exam. The program combines business management with the knowledge needed for the construction industry, so students are prepared for all aspects of construction management.
School Overview
How We Rank Schools
We use a wide variety of factors to rank schools offering a construction management degree program. These include retention rate, student to teacher ratio, student outcomes, and the reputation of the program. Tuition is considered in terms of overall value, which means a higher quality school with higher tuition may rank above a program with lower tuition. Accessibility is also considered. Schools that offer online degrees or evening classes are favored because they offer greater accessibility to nontraditional students.
Notice a Mistake?
If you are affiliated with one of the schools on our list and notice a mistake, please notify us so we can make the correction. We strive to offer accurate and up to date information to provide students with the information they need to choose the best school for their needs.
