An accredited construction management degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that with just a bachelor’s degree and minimal on-the-job training, you could easily be making over $85,000 a year or more as the lead on a construction site. That’s a fantastic return on investment.
What types of construction degrees are available?
Traditionally, many people working in construction management began as construction laborers or in the trades — carpenters, masons, plumbers, or electricians. The path for growth in the field was usually dependent on years of experience. However, as construction processes have become more complex, it’s increasingly important for individuals to have a degree to succeed in construction management. Numerous programs are available throughout the country.
Associate Degree Programs
More than 50 two-year colleges offer construction management or construction technology programs. An associate degree combined with work experience is usually enough for managers who supervise smaller projects and can help with your earning potential. While an associate degree in construction management is adequate to enter the field, most leadership positions require a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor Degree Programs
More than 100 colleges and universities offer accredited bachelor’s degree programs in construction management. A bachelor’s degree program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead others and oversee project activities on construction sites. This program covers the fundamentals of construction science, new technologies, and the industry’s business aspects. Students develop the vital communication and management skills necessary for administrative positions.
A bachelor’s degree is a smart investment if you know that you’d like to advance in the field of construction management. Employers and clients are increasingly making this a baseline requirement for management positions.
At Everglades University, our bachelor’s degree program also prepares graduates to sit for the LEED Green Associates exam to become a Certified LEED Green Associate, which indicates proficiency in today’s sustainable design, construction, and operations standards.
Master’s Degree and Ph.D. Programs
A few universities offer master’s degree and Ph.D. programs in construction management. In addition to advanced education in new and expanding construction programming, cost control, and project management, most programs offer specializations in areas such as green technology, entrepreneurship, or environmental law. They may also focus on a particular type of construction like residential or commercial. Master’s degree recipients, especially those with work experience in construction, typically become Construction Managers for government entities, consulting firms, construction companies, or private developers.
Online Degree Programs
Students are increasingly turning to these types of construction degrees to gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge at the same time. Everglades University is one of a few accredited schools to offer a top construction management degree online. The availability of hybrid on-campus and online coursework makes Everglades University an excellent option for working students.
How can I be more competitive for jobs?
Gaining real-world experience while you go to school gives you an edge in the job market.
Internships and Apprenticeships
Be sure to look for the types of construction degrees that offer internships or apprenticeships. If that’s not possible through your school, seek out part or full-time construction jobs while you attend. This valuable work experience provides first-hand knowledge of construction site operations and can give you an edge when competing for jobs. Construction management firms may provide training to prospective managers to prepare them for advancement opportunities, but this isn’t always the case. In the construction industry, the first-hand experience is vital.
Keep Learning
Stay on top of trends by joining the associations above, attending networking events, reading the latest construction management books, and following industry leaders. As noted above, take advantage of any opportunities for hands-on learning; this is critical in the construction management industry.
Where can I work with a construction degree?
Individuals with a construction management degree typically work for the following types of organizations:
- Specialty trade contractors, including plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning, and electrical contractors
- Engineering, architectural, and construction management services firms
- Local, state, or federal government
- Real estate developers
A large majority of Construction Managers are self-employed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What kinds of jobs can I get with a construction degree?
As a construction major, Your ability to be competitive for these positions will depend on your work experience, education level, and the company’s size or project. Over the next decade, the degree-holding applicant with experience will be best positioned to take advantage of these jobs and have upward mobility.
Positions may have overlapping names, so we’ve attempted to cluster them together or point out when the titles may be used differently. It often depends on the size of the company or project.
Construction Manager or Construction Superintendent or Construction Project Manager
Construction managers coordinate and supervise a wide variety of projects, including the building of all types of residential, commercial, and industrial structures, roads, bridges, power plants, schools, and hospitals. The construction superintendent and the construction project manager roles are often intertwined. When the same person fulfills the responsibilities of both positions, they are simply called construction managers. If the functions are separate, the superintendent usually works with the construction crew, while the project manager is often a member of the administrative management staff.
Project Coordinator or Assistant Project Manager or Project Engineer
Some firms hire project manager assistants to help them gain experience. Assistants give the Construction Manager more time to work on the big picture and get involved if necessary.
Construction Supervisor or Foreman
The foreman is a construction worker charged with organizing the overall construction of a project for a specific contractor. The pay is highly dependent on the type of construction and size of the project.
Construction or Building Inspector
Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
Cost Estimators
Cost estimators collect and analyze data to estimate the time, money, materials, and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building, or provide a service. They generally specialize in a particular product or industry.
Health & Safety Engineers
Health and safety engineers develop procedures and design systems to protect people from illness and injury and property from damage. They combine engineering and health and safety knowledge to make sure that chemicals, machinery, software, furniture, and other products will not cause harm to people or damage to property.
Construction Administrators
Construction administrators are often responsible for monitoring contracts, preparing progress reports, coordinating schedules, and processing invoices. Some administrators have additional project management duties; they may meet regularly with clients and supervise other staff members.
There are many types of construction degrees.
What is the job outlook for careers in construction management?
Construction managers’ employment is projected to grow 11 percent over the next ten years, faster than the average for all occupations. There are a few reasons for this trend.
- Population and business growth will result in new office buildings, retail outlets, homes, hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other structures. Also, upgrades to our national infrastructure may spur employment growth as roads, bridges, and sewer pipe systems are upgraded or replaced.
- A growing emphasis on retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient should create jobs for general contractors, who are more likely to manage the renovation and upgrading of buildings than oversee new large-scale construction projects; this creates an opening for those just entering the field.
- Construction processes and building technology are becoming more complex, requiring greater oversight and creating demand for specialized management personnel.
- Many construction managers (baby boomers) are expected to retire or leave the occupation over the next decade, resulting in further job openings.
How to get started in your construction management career
Now that you know more about the different types of construction majors, the next step is to apply to a program. Everglades University is a great option to begin an exciting career in construction management.
In-Campus and Online Learning Options
We offer both our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for in-person and online learning. Many of our students who choose online learning often have a job during the day and enjoy learning on their own time after work. Learning online also expands the overall reach of Everglades University to work with students all over the country.
Diverse Student Body
Our diverse student body includes both traditional and non-traditional students who are serious about their goals. You’ll find classmates who love to learn and gain some valued friendships no matter if you learn on campus or online.
Experienced Professors
Our team of professors also adds to Everglades University’s culture with their extensive knowledge in construction management. Every professor holds either a master’s or doctorate in construction management with plenty of experience.
Small Class Sizes
Small class sizes add to the value of education as students get to know their professors and have easy access to help when needed. Both online and in-person classes are small as students move into the main parts of their degree for better learning.
Flexible Schedule
Online classes start every month, meaning that you don’t have to wait until the next semester to begin your construction management degree. Students take one course at a time and can usually finish the class within a month to speed along their degree and help focus learning.
Excellent Support Staff and Services
All of the staff at Everglades University are excited to help you learn more about how to get started in a construction management career. There are plenty of friendly faces waiting to help you succeed, including:
- Our admissions office, who can help you through the application process
- Academic advisors, who can offer study tips and tricks
- Our financial services office helps students work out payments and financial aid.
Award-Winning Culture
Everglades University is proud to accept the many awards received in recent years. Other professional organizations have noticed the strong push that Everglades University has made to be an excellent choice for students. Just check out these recent awards for the construction management program:
- 2021 Awards
- #1 Construction Management Degree in Florida
- By Businessdegreecentral.com
- 25 Best Masters in Construction Management
- By GreatBusinessSchools.org
- #1 Best Fully Online College
- Top College in America for 50 Different Rankings by Stacker
- #1 Construction Management Degree in Florida
- 2020 Awards
- 2020 Best College List
- By Money Magazine
- Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program List
- From Study.com
- #2 in Best Online Masters in Construction Management
- By OnlineSchoolsReport.com
- 2020 Best College List
With a bright job outlook and rewarding day-to-day work, a degree in construction management is a substantial investment in your future. Contact Everglades University for more information about our accredited bachelor’s program.
