As populations and cities continue to grow, so does the construction industry. Applying to a construction management program is a great way to set yourself up for landing a perfect career, and both a bachelor’s and master’s degree can help students be successful in this exciting and growing field.
Construction management involves the overall activities of a construction site. Construction managers often wear many hats (pun intended!) and keep track of multiple sub-projects. A day in a construction manager’s life could include creating budgets, talking with government officials about permits, or making sure that the concrete truck doesn’t sit idle for too long.
Becoming a construction manager requires experience and extra knowledge. You’ll need to know all about how a construction site works and the detailed portions that can make or break the project. With these factors in mind, it is essential to make sure that you choose the right degree program. Learn more about what to look for in a construction management program to prepare you for a long and successful career as a construction manager.
What Makes a Good Construction Management Program?
This question is the same one that many students have every year as they consider their future career options. While many students know that they need formal education, they often don’t quite understand the qualities that create the best program.
1. Extensive Courses
A good construction management program understands that construction managers need to know a lot about different topics. While some of the courses are more general, a good construction management program will also dive deep into critical subjects for the future.
Everglades University offers a wide range of courses that help students ease into the world of construction management.
Lower Division Bachelor’s Degree Courses
Incoming students start their education by taking 30 credits of general education courses first. Those interested in construction management then take the following introductory courses.
- Building Construction Drawing
- Construction Estimating
- OSHA Standards
- Construction Documents
- Introduction to Construction Techniques
- Introduction to Sustainability
Interdisciplinary Study Courses
These 21 credit hours of classes can be a mixture of prior relevant work experience or these selected courses to help build confidence in the area.
- Macroeconomics
- Mechanical/Electrical Systems
- MEP Plans and Specifications
- Building Construction Plans
- Managing a Construction Business
- Project Management for Construction
- Accounting Principles I
Upper-Division Courses
The central part of a quality construction management program should include these in-depth courses vital to a future construction manager’s overall success.
- Codes and Standards
- Soil Mechanics for Construction
- Construction Ethics
- Mechanical and Electrical Systems
- Construction Contracts
- Construction Cost Estimating
- Managing a Construction Project
- Construction Techniques of Superstructures
- Mechanical Systems: Heating and Cooling
- Construction Scheduling
- Construction Layout Planning
- Construction Safety
- LEED Certification and Green Sustainability
- Statics and Strengths of Materials
- Construction Law
- Concrete Masonry Design in Construction
- Financial Control of Construction Organizations
- Construction Management Capstone Course
Advanced Master’s Degree Courses
Schools like Everglades University that offer another education level in construction management are also a good sign of a quality program. There are enough staff and students who want to extend their learning when a master’s degree program is available. Everglades University students who are pursuing their master’s degree in construction management take the following courses:
- Advanced Construction Estimating
- Construction Scheduling and Planning Strategy
- Legal Aspects in Construction
- Strategic Management of Construction Organizations
- Construction Cost Analysis & Financial Control
- Construction Productivity
- Construction Claims
- Decision & Risk Analysis in Construction
- Developments in Construction Technologies
- Alternative Project Delivery Methods
- Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management/Leadership
- Graduate Construction Management Capstone Course
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2. Skilled Professors & Staff
One of the essential staples to a good construction management program is the professors and teaching staff’s quality. Everglades University professors are not only familiar with the construction industry, but they also hold master’s and doctorate level degrees in the field. Our professors know the issues that current construction managers face and have a particular desire to continue learning.
The teaching and support staff of a construction management program are also crucial. You want a program that has enough support staff available to help when you have a question. Support staff often are the backbone of a program as the team keeps the daily events and schedules going so that you never miss a beat while earning your degree.
3. Small Class Sizes
It is essential to ensure that your chosen construction management program has smaller class sizes once you get into the program’s central part. While most general studies classes will be larger, you’ll want smaller classes when it counts. Not only does this help you get to know your professor, but it also helps your professor get to know you on a personal level. You’ll feel more comfortable asking questions to a professor you know and trust rather than just being a face in the crowd.
Everglades University offers many small classes that emphasize learning and close relationships within the classroom. Smaller classes also mean that you will get to know your classmates better, which can significantly help in study-groups and projects.
4. Flexible Schedule
Our world continues to change rapidly, making it hard to find time to travel to campus for class. A quality construction management program should offer both in-person and online courses to reach a broader range of diverse students. Everglades University provides both of these learning options that help students who are far away from campus or need to learn from home earn their degree without a problem.
The flexible online learning option also helps non-traditional students working part-time or full time earn their degree on their schedule. Online learning is an excellent option for someone already working on the construction site who wants to further their construction industry career.
Everglades University also has a unique class scheduling system that allows students to take one class at a time, often completing it in one month. This system makes learning more comfortable as you can focus on just one topic along with your busy schedule.
5. Accreditation
Another aspect of finding a good construction management program is to make sure that the school is accredited. Accreditation creates value to your education and shows future employers that you received a high-quality education. Everglades University has accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Both bachelor’s and master’s degrees are accredited for students at EU.
Everglades University is an excellent fit for students who are looking for a great construction management program. Both online and in-person classes allow students to learn in their best environment that works for their schedule. A wide range of courses and seasoned professors also add to students’ overall knowledge within the construction management program. Learn more about how you can start your career in construction management by contacting our admissions office today!
