Best Construction Management Degree

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.

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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