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What is Construction Management?

Construction management is the area of study and practice responsible for the upkeep and organization of construction sites, including building, negotiating cost estimates, resource management, establish timetables, maintaining a construction budget, work alongside architects, and ensure the safety and accurately communicating progress on a given project.  Individuals in this position supervise a team of trade professionals who are capable and qualified to complete specific construction jobs.

Given the breadth of skills required of a construction manager, it is easy to see how this vocation blends trade-knowledge of the construction industry with engineering and business.  A construction manager must have a solid grasp on construction materials, reading blueprints, design, safety management, business moxie, project management, and a host of engineering fundamentals.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$99,510

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

62.75%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

249,650

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Construction Management Degree

A renowned private research university in New York, Columbia holds the highest standard in bringing the country the best research outputs, alumni, and discovery. It has an astounding graduation rate of 95.49% and student to faculty ratio of 6:1.  At the start of the year 2021, Columbia University through the initiative of Master of Science in Construction Administration Programs and School of Professional Studies’ faculty and Global Infrastructure Hub have made a discussion on the future of mega-projects. Showcasing Columbia’s utmost respect and investment on the field of infrastructures and construction. The program for M.S. Construction Administration welcomes a community of builders and managers to foresee and lead the future of infrastructures and building.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

In terms of higher education and famous research contributions, the University of Southern California is one of the top universities in each state. It has two main campuses in the Los Angeles area.  The University of Southern California offers and offers a master's degree in construction management for students who want to register for construction courses. It covers most theories and practices to prepare students for a comprehensive career as a construction manager for future projects. Moreover, the USC’s Master programs for Construction Management is both offered by an on-campus course and online course.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The New York University is a non-sectarian private research institute with an advocacy to become a global center for high-quality research and teaching. New York University is known for its long history. It was established by bankers, merchants and businessmen in 1831. This is a movement to provide young people with the right to education.

The Tandon School of Engineering is NYU’s provider of several courses and programs to students of engineering, construction, and building management. It offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Construction Management program, which requires a 30-credit course as part of its main requirements. For applicants to be admitted to the program, they must have a bachelor's degree in any relevant field from an accredited university or school, and a solid university mathematics background. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

It is named as America’s first and The earliest technical university was established in 1830 specifically for mechanical engineering. It becomes a training ground for students with distinctive engineering skills and knowledge, redefining the face of invention, construction, and engineering throughout its history.  For a renowned technical university with strong focus in engineering, Steven Institute of Technology’s through its Schaefer School of Engineering and Science offers an MS degree in Construction Management. This course is outlined to prepare students to become adept and excellent in handling mega projects and achieve business acumen and wit in construction. As of Fall 2020, last year, the institution decided to close its application to incoming first years and transfer students of the program.

Acceptance Rate

39.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of Miami is Florida’s leader in research and excellent higher education with more than 17000 students across the globe. It has 11 schools and colleges, offering more than 180 majors and courses, all dedicated to discovery and diverse learning based on students.  At the University of Miami, students are prepared for a variety of employment opportunities through their highly regarded Masters degree in Construction Management. This is an interdisciplinary course with participation from other postgraduate courses offered by the institution. The mission of the entire course is to become an entry level for all individuals who wish to pursue a career in construction management through extensive and rigorous education.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

California State Polytechnic University-San Luis Obispo is one of the two leading polytechnics in California. It is a public university organized into six different colleges with offerings ranging from 39 Master’s programs and 65 Bachelor’s programs in all.  At CSPU’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design, students can avail a Bachelor program in Construction Management. In this academic program, students are expected to achieve 25 comprehensive learning outcomes to build their career and portfolio to become a highly competent individual. As an admission requirement, every applicant must have a 2.0 GPA.

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The Clemson University, at the onset, started as a donation made by Thomas Green Clemson in 1889 upon his death in hopes to establish a scientific agricultural and mechanical institution. Today, Clemson University has become the premier public land grant research institution, ranking second in the entire state of South Carolina. 

Clemson University offers a bachelor's degree in construction science and management for any student who aspires to become a leader in people and processes. The Department of Architecture Science and Management is full of unique individuals and hardworking teachers who consistently provide high-quality architecture education. Students can expect to master the basics of architectural science through laboratory activities, classroom lectures and 800 hours of internship programs.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

With its distinctive educational methods and world-renowned research center, the University of Washington consists of three main campuses, three of which are Seattle campuses. UW has 18 different schools and colleges and is marked as the world’s 14th best school in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.  The University of Washington proudly showcases its highly competitive architecture department in its School of Built Environment. The department offers two undergraduate courses and four courses, advanced and certificate courses related to construction management. The requirement for each course or program varies depending on the program and whether or not a student is an international individual applying to access UW’s programs.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities is hailed as Minnesota System’s flagship university with a focus on cultivating new knowledge and discovery. The institution is the nation’s leader in law, veterinary medicine, medical agriculture, and engineering school.  Through the University’s College of Continuing and Professional Studies, students can apply for a construction management degree. It gives training opportunities for both full-time and part-time students to develop and acquire skills related and useful in the field of construction. The Bachelor program in Construction Management teaches the students to design, estimate, manage, measure, and ensure quality. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Denver is a private research university located in the state of Colorado. As an institution the University of Denver believes that advancement in learning is found in students’ scholarly inquiry, creative and critical thinking.

Franklin L. Burns' School offers a comprehensive undergraduate course in construction management. Students in this course combine innovative technical construction practical knowledge and business management to lead a huge project. At the University of Denver, its construction management courses include a solid foundation of construction engineering, engineering courses and management courses.

Acceptance Rate

58.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a land-grant, research institution holding the 44th place in the country for its research programs. It focuses on transforming education through the integration of technology and basic education in the higher education system.  As a top research university specializing in advanced and modern technology, VPI has launched its own top rated degree in construction engineering and management. This is an undergraduate program designed to develop the critical technical, professional, and managerial knowledge of its students. In addition, this course prepares students to pass and pass the qualifications to enter the construction industry and graduate courses.

Acceptance Rate

70.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Pratt Institute is a private institution located in New York with campuses all over and in other parts of Manhattan in the state. It is considered as a leader of higher education with a focus in the school of arts.

Pratt College's School of Construction Management offer a highly regarded bachelor’s degree programs. It requires students to complete a total of 121 credits, focusing on the technical aspects of construction and business management. Most importantly, if students want a different internship schedule or part-time students for the course, students can choose a flexible schedule.

Acceptance Rate

55.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Brigham Young University is the property of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is unique. It is an accredited institution with a primary goal to assist individuals to their personal quest of perfection and eternal life as guided by the Church’s teachings.  BYU offers a robust program in Construction and Facilities Management degree. The program is completed in a four-year period of study and training, granting its graduate students a Bachelor of Science degree at the peak of its research. BYU’s construction management follows an open-enrollment format.

Acceptance Rate

67.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Ohio Northern University is known for its unique association with the United Methodist Church. It provides more than 60 courses with more than five universities in different regions and fields.

ONU offers courses in construction management in its School of Science, Technology and Mathematics, Arts and Sciences. Students who have a natural desire for architecture and project management are welcome to become majors in their communities. Its courses focus on architectural design and comprehensive and in-depth hands-on learning.

Acceptance Rate

70.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

At SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, They prioritize merit, knowledge and dedication to quality education opportunities. To be admitted to the university, applicants must submit the required documents and pass the institution’s qualifications.  The institution offers a well-rounded course in construction management. The curriculum centers on construction materials and processes and involves out of the classroom activities to ignite the students’ knowledge and focus on the construction industry. At the end of the program, students are expected to achieve ten specific learning outcomes which the university believes will equip them to become competent in the field.

Acceptance Rate

69.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Wentworth Institute of Technology is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the fields of technology and engineering.  The institution prides itself for a robust community of builders, hands-on learners, and focused individuals.  As a leader in construction and engineering degrees, Wentworth Institute of Technology also offers degrees and courses in construction management. The program is excellent for building a bright and solid career for students in the construction industry and management. The course specifically includes 134 credits, including two semesters of student cooperation experience in different semesters.

Acceptance Rate

68.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Milwaukee School of Engineering is a top-ranking engineering university operating privately in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in 1903 by Oscar Werwarth, he is now responsible for advanced, technical and engineering courses.   Students who are eager to learn the process of building, managing, and running mega construction projects will find a haven of learning at MSE’s department for construction. It provides a powerful education for people who are interested in leading and building the construction industry. The core courses of the program involve estimation, construction materials, methods, schedule and project management.

Acceptance Rate

61.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

It is a world-class university located in the heart of Mississippi; the Mississippi State University is a premiere institution in the pursuit of solid higher education. The institution provides unlimited academic opportunities for students and faculty to realize its mission of building a lifelong community.   At MSU, bursary students have the opportunity to become leaders in the field of architecture through their architectural sciences. The program is accredited and approved by the American Council for Construction Education and is distinctive for its studio-based approach. It has a stable employment rate of 99%.

Acceptance Rate

53.86

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Manhattan College is a first-class private Catholic university that focuses on liberal arts education. It provides students with excellent career opportunities through courses and academic courses.

Whether a student wants to delve into the world of construction management or pursue personal professional development, Manhattan College houses programs in the construction industry which seeks to develop students’ potentials and skills through its stand-alone master program in construction management. This is a 33-credit master's program for students in engineering, science or business fields. It guarantees different learning outcomes, including cost analysis, project control, building system design, plans and plans, contracts and specifications, construction methods, construction quality and safety, etc.

Acceptance Rate

73.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Dordt University is a private Christian Institution with multiple distinctions and an assortment of programs ready to build a brighter community for scholars and students. In addition, in Dordt, the application process takes only 20 minutes, and all people deemed qualified can participate for free.  A business administration student can upgrade their educational portfolio by applying for a construction management position at Dordt University. Moreover, for students of BS. For them, engineering is an opportunity to gain the focus of a construction management course. The course option can give students multiple paths to take in the top rated construction management degree that includes risk management for construction and construction materials and methods.

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Founded in 1885, the Michigan Technology University is a public four-year research university. It has opened and launched a number of courses and degrees at different levels to expand learning opportunities for its students.  MTU has a strict construction management course. It gives an edge to students by giving them the advantage of working on real projects and internships through co-ops. Allow students to customize their degree and design their own course results and schedule.

Acceptance Rate

74.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

John Brown University is a famous Christian university. As a university with Christian influences, JBU seeks to put the heart of Christianity at the center of their system in developing individuals intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives.  JBU values high-performance and high-quality education hence, they provide nothing but the best programs offered in Construction Management. Students will receive practical and hands-on experience coupled by unmatched guidance from its esteemed faculty. In addition, JBU not only ensures hands-on learning, they also hope to establish the development of critical thinking among construction management students.

Acceptance Rate

75.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

As the flagship university, Louisiana State University supports the community by funding marine and terrestrial research. The university expands to promote culture and unique academic opportunities for students and the community.  Through the Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management, LSU offers a comprehensive program at different levels. It hopes to help students establish a balance between engineering and business management. Louisiana State University's construction management graduates have the opportunity to connect with burgeoning employers in the industry.  The school’s alumni associate and career center are highly regarded with an intent to help current and former students link up with exceptional employers around the country.  

Acceptance Rate

74.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Founded by Anthony J. Drexel in 1891, it is now the leading comprehensive research university in Philadelphia. It inspires students to achieve excellence and become the next leader in their professional field. The university offers a wide range of courses in construction management. In this subject, it gives students the opportunity to have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of architecture and be proficient in management. It emulates a career-focused curriculum through its partnership with different agencies and companies in the workforce.

Acceptance Rate

74.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Appalachian State University is a public research university located in North Carolina. At Arizona State University, we encourage and guide students to pursue a more meaningful and purposeful life in order to achieve academic excellence.

 

ASU offers a Bachelor of Construction Management program for students who want to take courses in engineering, construction, and management. The plan focuses on the management and technical aspects of architecture and construction management. Overall, construction management students and their well-trained teachers and students will move towards a better future in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

76.81

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Construction Management Program

Soft skills such as communication and time management are essential skills for any construction manager. They work closely with architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, city planners, developers, mechanical engineers, electricians, painters, and plumbers to construct a variety of projects. From residential homes to commercial office buildings and schools to bridges, a construction manager helps ensure the project moves smoothly from start to finish on-time and on-budget by communicating with all relevant stakeholders.

Top Construction Management Degrees

There are a number of different types of college degrees you can explore within construction management. While a certificate is not the same as an associate's degree or bachelor's degree, it can lead you to a degree. The most common type of degree earned from an accredited college or university in construction management bachelor degree. However, there are select colleges that offer an Arch dual degree with a CM degree. The dual degree graduate program allows students to garner additional skills to be even more marketable in the workplace.

Specifically, more students earn a Bachelor's of Science (BS) in construction management than any other degree type. A BS degree combines business principles with construction and engineering instruction along with general education courses. An overview of four of the most common types of construction management degrees are:

Management: The management cluster includes the Construction Management degree program along with Construction and Construction Science Management tracks. Each of these degrees bend towards construction, business management, and project management principles.

Administration: The Construction Administration grouping is focused on providing students with more project management and work-site safety measures.

Building: The Building Construction set of programs emphasizes the technical aspects of constructing a building. These disciplines may vary depending on the program and trade association but generally focus on resource management, project planning, scheduling, building techniques, demolition, and drafting.

Engineering: The final grouping of degree focus on blending industrial and engineering methods of building construction necessary for large-scale, high-value projects.

What Do Colleges Teach Construction Managers?

Most employers currently require construction managers to have a bachelor's degree in construction management or construction science. The required education is a response to growing complexity in construction projects and the need for educated persons to be able to oversee such complexity. Individuals in a construction degree will study building codes, costs, construction methods, as well as managerial techniques and other related subjects.

A curriculum may include:

  • Resource and Operations
  • Managerial Techniques
  • Codes and Laws
  • Construction and Methods
  • Construction Technology

Individuals should seek out schools that explicitly provide education in construction management, as such programs may not be available at all schools. Specific program provides opportunities related to local, state and federal codes in addition to other applicable laws relevant to one's career and can assist greatly in getting an initial leg up. If programs are not readily available, students may work to create a degree program to provide a mixture of courses to emulate a construction management program through a more traditional management program.

Employment in Construction Management

Employment in this field is expected to increase steadily over the next decade. Solid growth is achieved through increase construction projects that will require educated and capable individuals in order to successfully be completed. Maintenance, retrofitting, and renovation are also responsible for continued work. As the industry for construction changes, individuals in this position should also be able to successfully navigate and organize crews in order to be more cost effective.

CM Student Resources

The Construction Managers Association of America is the only such organization dedicated solely to the interests of professional construction managers in the United State. The organization also promotes career development and research, as well as offer scholarships for students seeking an education in the field.

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