Top Accredited Construction Management Degree Programs

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were about 487,000 construction managers in 2006, and over half of these were self-employed. This job field is expected to grow by 16% by 2016, which is faster than growth expected in most other industries. How can you get your foot in the door when it comes to construction management? Although practical experience is necessary to find a job, construction mangers also need degrees to be competitive in today’s job market.

The top construction management degree you can get is a master’s in construction management or master’s in construction sciences. There are currently about 60 colleges and universities that offer such programs, which allow you to compete for jobs at major construction companies. Before delving into a master’s degree program, however, you must first receive a 4-year bachelor’s degree.

Although many technical colleges offer 2-year degrees in construction-related fields, most employers today are looking for at least a bachelor’s degree when it comes to choosing candidates for a construction management position. At one time, construction companies hired high school graduates with tech school training and rewarded work ethic with higher-level positions. Today, this happens less and less, as employees want to see education on paper, starting with a bachelor’s degree.

Luckily, over 100 schools in the United States alone offer degree programs in fields such as construction engineering and building sciences. Leading up to entrance into a construction management master’s degree program, your bachelor’s degree education will teach you skills in accounting, safety, business, engineering, mathematics, cost estimating, project development, site planning, construction materials, building codes, inspections, architecture, methods, information technology, scheduling and more. Along the way, you may also choose to participate in internship programs for real-world construction experience, which is often invaluable on your resume. From there, the best of the best are accepted into master’s degree programs, so it is important to keep your grades high during your bachelor’s degree education.

Although the master’s degree program is the highest-level construction management program currently available, you can also choose to go a different route as well. After receiving your four-year degree in a construction field, you can get your master’s degree in business administration to learn more about starting your own business. MBA candidates can also consider even higher degrees by completing doctorate-level programs. Career options expand when you have a doctorate degree, enabling you to become a construction management professor or work for a government agency in a research job. For most job hunters, however, a master’s in construction management will serve them well.

Remember, education never ends. After you’ve secured a job in the construction management field, consider continuing education classes to learn more about all aspects of construction and business. The more training you have, both on-the-job and in the classroom, the more job stability you’ll have in the future.

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. Degrees in business management, project management, and operations management are also relevent.

	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. Request Information about San Joaquin Valley College
	Penn Foster College's construction technology program gives you the opportunity to learn the basics one will need to have a successful career in the future. The program teaches you the theory and knowledge behind construction management and building. Courses include construction technology, materials and methods, technical drawings, planning and control, and more. Request Information about Penn Foster College
	Ashworth's associate of science degree in construction management is a flexible online program that will allow for future advancement. The program requires a combination of general education, elective, and core courses, essential for a successful future in construction. Principal concepts include construction methods, planning, estimating and scheduling. Request Information about Ashworth College