What is Construction Management?
Construction management is a vital discipline in the construction industry that involves coordinating, planning, and overseeing projects from start to finish. It plays a critical role in making sure that construction projects are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget. Construction managers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, which includes project planning, resource management, cost estimation, quality control, and safety compliance.
Difference between Construction Management versus Construction Engineering
Although both careers deal with construction, there are indicators that set them apart as two different professions. Have a look at the differences in the table below:
| Construction Management | Construction Engineering |
| Construction Management supervises and manages project planning, coordination, and execution, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and quality delivery. It collaborates with partners and puts emphasis on communication and leadership. Overall, it has more to do with management than the technical aspects. | Construction Engineering on other hand emphasizes on technical implementation and design, analysis on project requirements, and also ensuring structural integrity. Additionally, professionals must have skills in project scheduling, budgeting, and risk management as well. |
What degree is best for construction management?
There are several types of degrees that students can earn to start a career in construction management. The available degrees are associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree. An associate’s degree helps to introduce the core fundamentals of construction management. Likewise, a bachelor’s and a master’s degree will further help students to gain more knowledge on the subject and pursue better positions in their field of work.
Have a look at the available online accredited degree options for construction management:
| Degree | Credits (may vary) | Duration | General Admission Requirements (may vary by college) |
| Associate’s Degree | 60 credits | 2 years | GED/Meet GPA Requirements |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years | HSE/Official High School Transcripts/Minimum Required GPA |
| Master’s Degree | 30 credits | 2 years | A Bachelor’s degree in a related field. |
Online Accredited Associate’s Degree in Construction Management
1. University of Alaska – Anchorage
Program: AAS – Construction Management
Tuition: $234/credit hour (resident); $800/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the NWCCU.
Financial aid: available, with 92% of students receiving financial aid.
Through this associate’s degree, students will be prepared for entry-level positions across various construction management roles.
6 Online Accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management
1. University of Alaska – Anchorage
Program: BS – Construction Management
Tuition: $282/credit hour (resident); $848/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the NWCCU.
Ranking: the university is ranked #965 in Best Value Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 92% of students receiving financial aid.
The program has been developed with input from professionals which teaches students about construction processes and management from a business outlook.
2. Minnesota State University – Moorhead
Program: BS – Construction Management
Tuition: $294.59/credit hour (resident); $589.18/credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #25 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota.
Financial aid: available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
The online program offers fundamental coursework on construction work and business to prepare them for professional career in construction management.
3. Oregon State University
Program: BS – Construction Engineering Management
Tuition: $350/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the NWCCU.
Ranking: the university is ranked #1 in Best Online Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with % of students receiving financial aid.
A bachelor’s degree in construction management will help students to acquire skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage construction projects.
4. Louisiana State University
Program: BS – Construction Management
Tuition: $399/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #107 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The ACCE-accredited program in construction management equips students with skills and knowledge in business and construction work.
5. University of Southern Mississippi
Program: BS – Construction Management
Tuition: $401.59/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #3 in Colleges with the Best Professors in Mississippi.
Financial aid: available, with 92% of students receiving financial aid.
The program coursework includes a variety of subjects such as structural design, plumbing and mechanical systems, and building modelling to name a few.
6. Northern Arizona University
Program: BS – Construction Management
Tuition: $11,352/year
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #4 in Colleges with the Best Professors in Arizona.
Financial aid: available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The ACCE-accredited program will guide students to learn about coordination, supervision, business, accounting and construction management.
6 Online Accredited Master’s Degree in Construction Management
1. Texas A&M University – College Station
Program: MS – Construction Management
Tuition: $250/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #19 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial aid: available, with 74% of students receiving financial aid.
The master’s in construction management is a STEM-coded program equipped with coursework that teaches students to leverage technology to excel in the industry.
2. East Carolina University
Program: MS – Construction Management
Tuition: $289.55/credit hour (resident); $1,020.05/credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #96 in Best Big Colleges in America.
Financial aid: available, with 80% of students receiving financial aid.
The master’s degree in construction management prepares graduates for a rewarding career in overseeing construction projects.
3. Boise State University
Program: MBA – Construction Management
Tuition: $750/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the AACSB. The university is accredited by the NWCCU.
Ranking: the university is ranked #168 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial aid: available, with 93% of students receiving financial aid.
Graduates getting their master’s degree in construction management will gain the skill and credibility in both construction work and in business expertise.
4. Louisiana State University
Program: MS – Construction Management
Tuition: $814/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #2 in Top Public Universities in Louisiana.
Financial aid: available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The master’s degree in construction management consists of a comprehensive coursework designed to help graduates looking to pursue better positions in their line of work.
5. Wentworth Institute of Technology
Program: MS – Construction Management
Tuition: $1,235/credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the NECHE.
Ranking: the university is ranked #20 in Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts.
Financial aid: available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
The program provides a hands-on learning experience where students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to start a career in construction management.
6. Clemson University
Program: Master of Construction Science and Management
Tuition: (click here for tuition)
Accreditation: the program is accredited by the ACCE. The university is accredited by the SASCOC.
Ranking: the university is ranked #32 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial aid: available, with 85% of students receiving financial aid.
The MCSM program offers students a comprehensive knowledge base on service, research activities and education through their robust coursework.
Is Construction Management a good career?
Construction management is a rewarding career to pursue because of the opportunities that an individual will come across. The opportunities include a competitive salary, job stability, and taking up leadership roles to name a few.
Additionally, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a growth of 8% in construction management jobs is projected throughout 2021-2031. The 8% growth translates to about 41,500 job openings each year.
Have a look at the representation of growth projection in regard to construction management:
Also have a look at some of the highest paid jobs in construction management:
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
| Construction Project Director | $92,210 |
| General Contractor | $88,293 |
| Site Engineer | $87,953 |
| Construction Manager | $78,965 |
| Construction Superintendent | $77,703 |
Source: indeed.com
Is a construction management degree worth it?
Yes, pursuing a construction management degree is worth it as will introduce students to a dynamic coursework that involves a hands-on learning experience. Additionally, it will help place individuals in some of the most rewarding and highly paid career pathways across various companies and industries.
