Key Takeaways
- Construction managers oversee all aspects of a construction project, including preparing cost estimates, drafting budgets, hiring subcontractors, tracking and reporting progress, communicating with stakeholders and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- You can earn a variety of construction management degrees at all academic levels.
- Undergraduate construction management degrees include associate and bachelor’s options.
- Graduate-level credentials in construction management include Master of Science degrees, M.B.A.s and doctorates.
Construction management is the management of a construction project from beginning to end. Construction projects entail a variety of activities with many moving parts. Construction managers oversee this process, ensuring projects are completed on time and on budget.
If you’re considering a construction management career, multiple educational pathways are available to help you achieve your goal. Read on to learn about the construction management field and the educational paths you can take to launch your career.
What Is Construction Management?
Construction management is essential for driving economic growth and development within communities. It plays a critical role in the successful completion of construction projects such as homes, commercial buildings, roads and bridges. Effective coordination among engineers, subcontractors, architects and teams is vital to achieving project completion.
Construction managers oversee preliminary aspects of projects, such as creating cost estimates and determining budgets. They also handle work delays, schedule subcontractors and ensure projects meet building and safety codes.
Construction Manager Salary and Growth Rate
The employment outlook for construction managers is favorable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction managers earned a median annual wage of $104,900 as of 2023. The BLS projects a 5% growth rate from 2022 to 2032, surpassing the average of 3% for all occupations.
Degrees in Construction Management
Below are some typical construction management degree programs.
Associate in Construction Management
An associate degree in construction management typically consists of about 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits and takes about two years to complete.
Typical admission requirements may include the following.
- Application
- High school diploma or GED®
- Transcripts
- English proficiency
Common courses include general education requirements and construction management courses, such as:
- Accounting
- Architectural computer-aided design (CAD)
- Engineering graphics
- 3-D graphics (AutoCAD or SolidWorks)
After earning your degree, potential careers paths include:
- Construction contractor
- Project manager
- Cost estimator
- On-site field superintendent
- Land developer
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
A bachelor of science in construction management typically consists of 120 credits and takes about four years to complete.
Typical admission requirements may include the following:
- Application
- High school diploma or GED
- Transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores
- Minimum GPA
- Essay
- Résumé
- English proficiency
Common courses include general education requirements and construction management courses, such as:
- Construction safety
- Surveying
- Mechanical systems
- Electrical construction fundamentals
- Construction estimating
- Structural design
- Construction planning and scheduling
- Construction project management
- Accounting and financial analysis
After earning your degree, potential careers options include:
- Construction manager
- Project manager
- Estimator
- Field engineer
- Superintendent
- Project scheduler
Master of Science in Construction Management
A Master of Science in construction management usually consists of 30 credits and takes one to three years to complete.
Typical admission requirements may include the following.
- Application
- Transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field
- Minimum GPA
- Résumé
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE test scores (may be optional)
- English language proficiency
Common courses may include:
- Construction procurement systems
- Accounting and finance for construction
- Energy infrastructure and the environment
- Design and construction law
- Statistical fundamentals for construction
- Heavy construction estimating
- Utility system construction
- Temporary structures
- Pavement construction
After earning your master’s degree, you can pursue the following careers:
- Project engineers
- Construction project managers
- Senior construction managers
- Cost estimator
- Scheduler
- Project manager
- Field engineer
M.B.A. in Construction Management
An M.B.A. in construction management usually consists of 30 to 36 credits and takes one or two years to complete.
Typical admission requirements may include the following.
- Application
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Academic transcripts
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Work experience
- English proficiency
- Prerequisite business coursework for applicants with non-business undergraduate degrees
Common courses typically include core courses in business administration and specialized construction management courses such as:
- Construction scheduling and planning
- Strategic management of construction organizations
- Legal aspects in construction
- Advanced construction estimating
- Project quality management
- Value engineering
- Purchasing and contracting for projects
- Case studies in project management
- Risk management in construction projects
After earning your M.B.A. in construction management, you can pursue careers such as:
- Construction manager
- Construction project director
- Construction superintendent
- Subcontractor manager
Ph.D. in Construction Management
A Ph.D. in construction management typically consists of about 54 credits and takes three to five years to complete.
Typical admission requirements may include the following.
- Application
- Minimum GPA
- Transcripts
- GRE scores
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Academic background in the construction management field
- Prerequisite construction management coursework
Common courses required for a Ph.D. in construction management may include:
- Research methods in construction management
- Statistical techniques or experimental statistics
- Construction elective courses
- Dissertation research hours
Earning your Ph.D. in construction management prepares you for a career in research, academia, governmental organizations or industries related to construction management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Construction Management
What degree is best for construction management?
Many construction manager jobs require a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience, but some employers may accept an associate degree and related work experience for certain positions. In some cases, employers may consider extensive work experience in lieu of a degree.
Is there a lot of math in construction management?
If you plan to work in construction management, solid knowledge of mathematical and accounting principles is necessary to prepare cost estimates, manage budgets and handle any other financial issues related to construction projects.
What do construction managers do?
Construction managers oversee the various stages of industrial, commercial and residential construction projects, including roads and bridges. They manage projects from beginning to end, including creating cost estimates, overseeing budgets, collaborating with architects and engineers, and scheduling subcontractor labor.
