Responsible for planning, budgeting, and supervising, construction managers are involved in construction projects from beginning to end. Making crucial choices about day-to-day operations, managers are often out in the field working long hours to make sure deadlines are met to the highest standard. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction management careers are expected to grow by 8% by 2029, with a current median salary of $95,260 per year.
What Skills Do Construction Managers Need?
Qualities important in a construction manager (also known as general contractors or project managers) include analytical skills, leadership skills, and technical skills. Managers must be able to take the initiative to sell their abilities to a client, then follow through by demonstrating good time-management, decision-making, and problem-solving.
As a leader, they must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with clients as well as those they supervise. Technical skills involved with project management include the ability to understand technical drawings and contracts as well as general construction technology and methods.
What Education Does A Construction Manager Need?
Most clients and construction companies prefer project managers with at least a bachelor’s degree in a related major such as construction management, construction science, or engineering. Prior work experience is always a plus, but master’s degree programs are becoming increasingly available to help accelerate individuals promotability into management jobs. More schools are offering online masters degrees in construction management and professional certificates. Some even offer bachelor’s degrees fully online.
Want to learn more about online education for management careers? Check out our degree-finding articles and tools!
What Is The Best Online Construction Management Degree?
We ranked a list of schools from across the U.S. offering construction management degrees and certificates online. Our criteria included estimated semesterly tuition, average class size, and number of program types available. Many of the programs below are for graduate-level students, but there are some for undergraduate students as well.
20 Best Online Construction Management Degrees
1. Eastern Kentucky University – Master & Certificates – 88 Points
Eastern Kentucky University offers online Master of Science degrees and graduate certificates in construction management. The master’s degree program is 30 credit-hours long. Students may enroll without a bachelor’s degree if they have 3 or more years of industry experience. The graduate certificate program is 12 credit hours long.
- Tuition: $6,600 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
2. Colorado State University Pueblo – Bachelor & Certificates – 84 Points
For those seeking an online undergrad program, Colorado State University Pueblo offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. While typically a 4-year degree, students are offered the flexibility of full or part time classes throughout the year to work at their own pace. The school also presents an 11 credit professional certificate for those looking to specialize their existing career. The program is offered at a flat tuition rate, regardless of residency.
- Tuition: $7,574 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
3. North Dakota State University – Master & Certificates – 82 Points
North Dakota State University awards a Master of Construction Management degree as well as a graduate certificate program. The MCM degree consists of 30 credits which may be completed within 12 months. Students in this program will also be able to take the Associate Constructor Exam. The certificate program provides a core foundation of construction management skills and is 9 credits long.
- Tuition: $2,975 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
4. NewSchool of Architecture & Design – Master – 79 Points
The Master of Construction Management program at NewSchool of Architecture & Design was created with working professionals in mind, offering courses for full or part-time students. The program can be completed in 12 months, but the schedule is flexible to accommodate busy schedules. Domestic and international students are welcomed, and there are ample opportunities for students to network with each other, faculty, and alumni.
- Tuition: $8,244 per quarter
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
5. National University – Bachelor – 77 Points
National University offers classes all year long with monthly starts, allowing students to take as many classes as they prefer to finish their program at their own pace. The school provides a Bachelor of Science degree consisting of 180 quarter units. Each credit-bearing class lasts about four weeks. While the degree can be completed 100% online, students are also able to take classes at any of the university’s 20 campuses across California and Nevada.
- Tuition: $5,304 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
6. Everglades University – Bachelor & Master – 66 Points
The Bachelor of Science degree at Everglades University is 123 credit hours long and takes an estimated 41 months to complete. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the LEED Green Associates certification exam. The Master of Science program is 36 credit hours long, taking approximately 12 months to complete. Students may complete either program earlier if they have appropriate transferable credits.
- Tuition: $8,760 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
7. University of Wisconsin Stout – Master – 65 Points
The University of Wisconsin – Stout offers a Master of Science degree in alignment with the American Council of Construction Education’s program requirements. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credits. Schedules are flexible to accommodate working students. Students are expected to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a construction field, but special consideration may be offered by the program director.
- Tuition: $602 per credit (~$1,806 per course)*
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
*It is the same rate for in-state and out-of-state students.
8. Norwich University – Master – 61 Points
Norwich University features a Master of Civil Engineering with a concentration in Construction Management. While the program is offered entirely online, there is a 1 week residency visit on campus where students and faculty can meet face-to-face. Awards ceremonies and commencement take place during the residency. The program is 36 credit hours long.
- Tuition: $9,696 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
9. Drexel University – Master & Certificates – 60 Points
Drexel’s online Master’s in Construction Management degree gives you the opportunity to develop the multidisciplinary skillset required of effective senior construction managers and supervisors. The program focuses on meeting the challenges of complex construction projects, challenging deadlines, and increasing regulation. The program focuses on the technical knowledge, practical business decision-making, and leadership skills relevant to successfully managing construction operations.
They also offer an 18-credit Construction Management certificate that includes the major-specific classes that can be applied to the B.S. in Construction Management or simply be used toward the standalone certificates.
- Tuition (per credit): $1,342
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
10. Lamar University – Master & Certificates – 56 Points
Lamar University awards a Master of Construction Project Management degree, which is a specialized form of their online MBA. The program is 48 credit hours in length. Credit requirements may be lessened depending on the student’s undergraduate degree major. The MBA Certificate in Construction Management is 15 credit hours long that can be completed within one year.
- Tuition: $10,349 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
11. Boise State University – Master – 55 Points
Boise State University offers a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in construction management. This 49 credit-hour degree may be completed on a full-time schedule within 12 months, but students may choose a schedule that fits their needs. Courses are 7 weeks long and start at six different times a year.
- Tuition: $9,000 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
11. University of Alabama at Birmingham – Master – 55 Points
The Master of Engineering program at The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a concentration in Construction Engineering Management. Students can earn this 30 credit degree in 19 months, and there is a 12-month accelerated option as well. This program does not require students to have completed engineering prerequisites, but they are required to have a bachelor’s degree in any field.
- Tuition: $6,408 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
13. Lawrence Technological University – Master – 53 Points
Ranked as #6 in Best Value Colleges in Michigan, the Southfield-based campus of Lawrence Technological University is an innovative institution that was founded in 1932. The Master of Construction Engineering Management degree is offered exclusively online with core courses in scheduling, sustainability, estimating and construction safety. Students may select from a wide list of electives, dependent on their interests, job experience and background. The program may be completed in an 18 month period and includes 30 credits overall. The deparment has received national recognition for housing one of the Best Civil Engineering Graduate Programs in the nation.
- Tuition: $18,750
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
14. Clemson University – Master – 51 Points
The Master of Construction Science Management program at Clemson University provides two degree options: Thesis and Non-Thesis. Students who choose to write a thesis may take up to nine semester hours of credit to writ about an approved construction-related topic, culminating in a final oral presentation. Taking the non-thesis option will require passing a writing exam and an additional 12 semester hours of approved coursework. Both degree options equal a total of 36 credit hours of work.
- Tuition: $10,368 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
15. Iowa State University – Master & Certificates – 48 Points
Iowa State University‘s Masters Degree in Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering program features a concentration in construction engineering and management. This option is a total of 30 credits. Students have an opportunity to earn a Master of Engineering with only coursework, or a Master of Science with a “Creative Component Option”. The graduate certificate for professional development is 12 credits.
- Tuition: $13,199 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
16. The University of Texas at El Paso – Master & Certificates – 46 Points
Offering instruction online, The University of Texas at El Paso‘s Master of Science in Construction Management is a 30 credit program. Local students may also participate in internships while earning this online degree. The certificate program is 15 credits long.
- Tuition: $782 per semester credit hour ($23,460 for 30 credit hours)
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
17. University of Washington – Master & Certificates – 44 Points
With classes starting in every quarter of the year, the University of Washington‘s online Master of Science in Construction Management can be earned within 1 year at full-time enrollment. Part-time students typically complete the program in 2-3 years. The professional certificate is designed for students with at least 5 years of experience and can be completed within 9 months.
- Tuition: $730 per credit hour
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
18. University of New Mexico – Master – 43 Points
The University of New Mexico awards a Master of Construction Management. A 30 credit program, classes typically last 8 weeks each. Students may take classes in any order. Full-tiem students can graduate within 12 months.
- Tuition: $12,361 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
18. East Carolina University – Master – 43 Points
East Carolina University features a Master of Science in Construction Management. Students are required to complete 30 credits to receive the degree. The program is designed for students with an undergrad degree in a construction field as well as mid-level experienced professionals who desire further elevation in their careers.
- Tuition: $10,716 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
20. Arizona State University – Master – 39 Points
Students in Arizona State University‘s Master of Science in Construction Management and Technology program will earn 30 credit hours over 10 total classes. Each class is between 7.5 to 15 weeks long.
- Tuition: $8,609 per semester
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
If you’re interested in finding more online construction management degree options in the construction management field, check out our degree finder tool and other educational resources.
Our Ranking Methodology
We ranked the above schools across three categories: tuition cost, average class size (student-faculty ratio), and the number of relevant program types. Tuition estimates were obtained directly from each school’s website. Semesterly estimates were based on an average of 12 credit hours per semester.
Program types included bachelor’s and master’s degree programs as well as certificates, which were also gathered directly from the school’s website. The average class size for each school was obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics. Tuition and class sizes are average estimates, specific amounts may vary.
The maximum point score was 100 points. Points were awarded across all categories as follows: 40% tuition, 40% class size, 20% program type.
Reporting Errors
Those who work for the above schools may reach out to us to report errors in the data presented. We will make corrections as soon as possible.
