A high school diploma may be the highest level of education for some construction managers—especially older ones with many years of work experience. While this may have been an acceptable route in the past, these workers are often better suited as general contractors in today’s world. As the building and construction trade becomes more complex and technical, degree programs are becoming more of a necessary and expected route of entry for the profession.
However, there are budding opportunities in non-traditional high schools and career technical programs that offer young people exposure to multiple facets of the construction management world. Courses in building trades, engineering, electrical, and other subjects are a great option for those interested in construction management.
There are two common academic pathways to becoming a construction manager at this stage:
More than 50 two-year colleges offer associate degree programs in construction management and construction technology degree programs. This path combined with work experience is often typical for construction workers on smaller projects.
The online construction management program at Ashworth College offers the opportunity to continue working while earning an associate degree. Tuition fees include textbooks, academic support, a mobile app for learning on the go, a student portal for access to lessons and support, online libraries and labs, digital access to research and our resources, and an active online community of fellow students, staff, and alumni.
Many construction managers enter the field through different avenues. However, it is becoming more common—and even necessary—for these professionals to have specific degrees in the field. According to the BLS (2020), more than 100 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs in construction and building sciences and construction engineering.
Courses may include project control and management, design, methods and materials, cost estimation building codes, and standards and contract administration. Classes in business, statistics, mathematics, and architecture are also relevant.
This bachelor of science (BS) degree in construction management is available online or on-campus. The 123-credit program typically takes students 41 months to complete if pursued full-time. Courses include construction law, cost estimating, and OSHA standards, to name a few. Students are prepared to sit for the LEED Green Associates exam which offers certification in sustainable design, construction, and operation.
Indiana State University offers a bachelor of science degree in construction management at their Terre Haute, Indiana campus and online. The program features a management-oriented focus, with special emphasis on the environmental impact. Students welcome hands-on experience through internships, and extracurricular activities are encouraged including competitions, a construction club, and Sigma Lambda Chi (the construction honorary society).
University of Minnesota (On-campus)
The University of Minnesota offers a bachelor’s degree in construction management with four available tracks: commercial construction, facility management, highway heavy and civil works, and residential construction.
The program is especially known for its internship program which boasts a 75 percent success rate in full-time jobs garnered. Students may also have an opportunity to study abroad through the program. The school offers many resources for mentoring, tutoring, and campus and community activities, and a strong alumni association provides great opportunities for networking.
Rowan University’s online bachelor of arts degree in construction management provides those with an associate degree (or a minimum of 60 college credits) the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in this growing field. Nearly 100 years old, Rowan University has received endorsements by various building trade unions.
The program offers credit for prior work experience and courses completed at other accredited colleges and universities. It is also known for its fully online seven-week accelerated courses in the major.
A handful of universities offer online master’s degree programs in construction management.
Clemson University offers both a certificate program and a master’s degree in construction science and management (MCSM). Accredited by the American Council for Construction Education, the MCSM program was launched in 1986 and the online version of the program was launched in 1992.
Recognized by many national construction organizations including the Associated Contractors of America and the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the program has a thesis and non-thesis option and those graduating from it are eligible to apply to Clemson’s doctorate program in planning, design, and the built environment (PDBE).
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Engineering offers a graduate degree in construction management to qualified working professionals who have completed an accredited undergraduate degree from an American college or university. The 30-hour degree can be completed in 12 to 19 months online and all students pay in-state tuition. The GRE and GMAT are not required for students applying for admission with qualifying bachelor’s degrees.
Norwich University offers an online master of business administration with a concentration in construction management. Highly ranked by the U.S. News & World Report, the program offers four start-dates with no GRE or GMAT requirement. Coursework includes project finance and accounting, project scheduling, strategic resource management, and effective communication. The convenient online platform allows completion in as few as 18 months.
American Institute of Constructors
The AIC is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) which is responsible for national guidelines strengthening the U.S. market while ensuring health and safety for consumers, workers, and the environment. AIC offers two certifications:
The Associate Constructor (AC) is the first level of certification typically pursued by recent graduates of four-year degree programs in construction management or those transitioning into construction management from other industries. Each AC must agree to follow the AIC Code of Ethics and is provided with marketing resources to promote the certification.
The Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) is the top level of certification by AIC’s Constructor Certification Program and is designed for established constructors. Consumers, businesses, and other organizations often look for this level of certification to assure the highest level of professionalism and experience in construction work.
The Construction Management Association of America
The CMAA is also accredited by the ANSI, and the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) designation allows clients to know that the professional they are hiring is knowledgeable about the latest in construction management techniques. Quality and ethics are highlighted throughout the program while also focusing on controlling time, cost, and quality.
CMAA also offers a Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT) program which allows aspiring construction management experts to launch and further their careers by taking coursework through CMAA’s capstone course “An Introduction to the CM Profession.” The course is designed to complement education and work experience but also focus on information that may not have been obtained through formal academic training or experience. Perhaps even more importantly, the program allows budding construction management professionals to connect and work closely with CCM mentors to create and manage development plans.
With the focus on sustainability and lowering environmental impact in today’s world, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the leading green building certification worldwide focusing on energy and material efficiency. Not only can projects and buildings be certified by LEED, but professionals may seek a LEED certification. A LEED credential shows proficiency in the leading sustainable design, construction, and operations standards. Both LEED Green Associate and LEED AP with Specialty are optional certifications.
| Featured Engineering Management Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Construction Management and Technology (MS) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Engineering Management (BSE) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Engineering: Engineering Management (MEng) | Visit Site |
| University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) | Online MSE - Engineering Management | Visit Site |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online BS - Operations Management | Visit Site |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online BS - Technical Management | Visit Site |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online MBA - Engineering Management | Visit Site |
| Texas State University | MS - Construction Management | Visit Site |
| Texas State University | MS - Engineering Management: Industrial Mgmt | Visit Site |
| Texas State University | MS - Engineering Management: Manufacturing | Visit Site |
| Ohio University | Engineering Leadership Certificate | Visit Site |
| Ohio University | Online MEM - Engineering Management | Visit Site |
| Ohio University | Online MSCE - Construction Engineering Management | Visit Site |
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Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about a wide range of engineering disciplines, with a particular focus on the potential impacts of major technological breakthroughs. His work largely centers around conversations with engineeri...
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