Best Construction Management Degree

Today, most successful construction management job applications have at least a four-year degree; many have their master’s degree in construction management or a related field. Construction management education isn’t something that employers take lightly, especially since the job market is flooded with unemployed workers looking for positions. On-the-job training and experience in the contraction field are not enough for an upper-level position anymore.

Going to school can be expensive, though. Many students qualify for scholarships based on high school grades and SAT scores, and you can also find student loans through state and federal programs, which you don’t have to repay until after you graduate and have time to find a job. Don’t overlook the third option for paying for higher education, though. Construction management college grants can fund part of your schooling, making it possible for you to earn your degree and find a higher-paying job. Don’t confuse grants with scholarships, which are both forms of money for education that you don’t have to repay. Scholarships are typically based on merit, while grants are given based on need.

Most grants for students, no matter what the field, come from the state or federal government, although organizations and foundations can also offer grants. A great place to start your hunt for construction management college grants is at Grants.gov, a free search website that is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Remember, you should never have to pay for access to grant information, so avoid websites that try to sell you a membership.

Be creative when searching for construction management college grants. Grants don’t always directly apply to your career path. Check out all grants relating to the building industry, as some of them may apply to you as well. Already working for a construction company? In some cases, your employer can apply for a grant, which they use to send you to school for free. Most employers are happy to sign the paperwork if you do all the legwork in finding and filling out the application.

Some organizations also give out construction management grants. Your state’s Contractors State License Board may have grant opportunities available, for example. If you are of Native American descent, you can also check out the Native American Construction Management Endowment, which provide scholarships to students attending certain schools. New grant opportunities are available every year, so you can also check with organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders, the Construction Management Student Organization, and the Construction Management Association of America to learn about other college grants that are available.

The application process for a grant can be a bit daunting. Finances are a major concern here, so be prepared to attach all of your personal banking information, along with a detailed list of how you’ll use the money, should you be awarded it. Grants require details about every project to determine where the money should be allocated in any given year. Don’t let that stop you from applying though. A few construction management grants can entirely pay for your degree, making it possible for you to climb the corporate construction ladder.

Top Construction Management Degree Programs

For those seeking a construction management degree, several online options exist, and in many levels: associate's, bachelor's, and even upper-level master's degree programs are available to aspiring construction managers.

Most Popular Construction Management Degrees

	Everglades University — The bachelor's degree in construction management from Everglades University is the top online construction management degree in the U.S. This particular online program from Everglads allows busy students with jobs to learn on their own schedules.
	San Joaquin Valley College — The associate's degree in construction management from San Joaquin Valley College is perfect for those who want to learn the basics of managerial and technical skills needed for a job in construction management quickly, since this is only a two-year program.
	South University — South University's bachelor's degree in construction management is designed to give students a flexible and affordable option for obtaining the management and technical skills required to succeed in the construction industry.
	Drexel University — The master's degree in construction management from Drexel University focuses on training graduate students to successfully meet the increasing owner demands, shorter delivery times, and tougher regulatory standards by equipping them with the leadership skills necessary for any construction manager.

Other Popular Management Degrees

	Capella University — Capella University offers an online MBA in project management that is based on the knowledge areas established by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is an ideal degree choice for anyone pursuing a well-rounded business education focused on management.
	Colorado Technical University — CTU Online offers a BSBA in Project Management that should serve as a good educational experience for anyone pursuing a career in project or construction management. The program is accredited by the Project Management Institute's Global Accreditation Center.
	American InterContinental University — The Bachelor of Business Administration in operations management program from AIU Online allows students to earn their degree at their own pace while advancing their current careers. This degree will quickly prepare a student for a management job in the construction industry.
	Eastern Kentucky University — The Master of Science in safety, security, and emergency management degree program from EKU is a quality option for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree and want to enter into higher leadership or upper management positions within the construction industry.
	Sullivan University — The bachelor's degree in construction management from Sullivan University is a flexible and affordable online program that gives students the skills and tools necessary to have a successful management career in the construction industry.
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