A bachelor’s degree in construction management prepares students to work in management or supervisory positions for construction projects. They learn the technical, interpersonal, and practical skills needed to manage and guide construction projects from start to finish. Graduates are hired for positions such as construction manager, construction estimator, land planner, facilities manager, and site engineer.
The national median annual wage for construction managers is $101,480. Wages depend largely on the industry, location, and the applicant’s education and experience. Heavy and civil engineering construction has the highest annual median wage ($104,600), while residential building construction has the lowest annual median wage ($82,860).
Earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management takes students between three and four years of full-time study, with required credits ranging from 120 to 187, depending on the institution. The cost of a program will vary based on the school and program, housing requirements, and supplies needed. The average annual cost for a bachelor’s degree is $16,618. Students who require room and board can expect to pay an average of $12,415 more annually.
How to Choose a Construction Management Program
Choose your area of study
When choosing your area of study, consider your career and educational goals. A bachelor’s degree in construction management lays the groundwork for entering the workforce or continuing your studies with a master’s degree in construction management. Take into account the industry you’d like to work in, any specializations you feel drawn to, and whether you’d like to continue your studies once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree.
Nearly all construction management degrees are offered as a Bachelor of Science, which delves into the logical, quantitative, research-based, and mathematical skills students will need in their future careers. Students can enter specializations like project management, construction technology, sustainable building, and urban development. If you need help determining what area of study is best suited to your career goals, speak with an academic advisor to help narrow down your choices and find the best fit.
Research schools and programs
When researching schools and programs, only consider accredited institutions. Attending a regionally accredited institution provides better opportunities for transferring credits, applying for financial aid, and earning government grants. Many employers and licensing programs won’t accept applicants with a degree from an unaccredited university, as they don’t meet the quality standards required for accreditation.
Look for construction management programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET or the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). This accreditation verifies that the program curriculum meets the quality standards that will allow you to succeed in your profession.
Plan for your lifestyle and logistical needs when choosing a school and program. Consider the following when making your choice:
- Will you be studying in-person or online?
- Are you applying as a full-time or part-time student?
- Do you prefer synchronous or asynchronous courses?
- What’s the school culture like?
- What extracurriculars are available?
- How strong is the alumni association?
- Does the school offer job placement assistance?
Visit the school in person, browse the school and program websites, and speak with a representative to help you decide whether a program is right for you.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements for a bachelor’s degree in construction management typically include your most recent transcripts, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Depending on the institution, you may also be required to submit test scores, such as your SAT or ACT results. International students, or those with English as a second language, must also complete an English language proficiency test.
The application process and requirements vary by school, so it’s important to speak with an admission counselor to confirm that you’ve gathered the correct documents. Keep an eye on the admission deadline, and submit it before the cut-off date.
Select your program
If you’ve been accepted to multiple programs, decide which option is best for your career goals, lifestyle, and logistical needs. Consider the program length, costs, housing options, specialization options, and extracurriculars offered. Choose the program that you feel will help you achieve your future goals and set you up for success.
If you need assistance in narrowing down your options, speak with an academic advisor. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and guide you toward the best fit.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To determine whether you’ll need financial assistance to pay for your degree, create a budget that outlines all of the costs you’ll incur with your program. Include tuition, fees, supplies, housing, transportation, and living expenses.
Submit the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) to determine the amount of federal financial aid you’re eligible to receive. Talk to your chosen school’s financial aid officer to learn about other financial aid options, such as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study funds. Talk to your employer about any tuition assistance programs the company offers.
The Top 50 Construction Management Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best construction management degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education. The programs on our list are accredited by agencies like the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), a reputable organization that assesses construction management programs for educational excellence.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for on-campus students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of construction management degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a Construction Management Program?
A construction management degree equips students with the practical tools and knowledge they need to manage construction projects from conception to completion. Coursework delves into the on-site facets of construction projects, including how to manage teams, organize projects, implement methods, create cost plans, and understand codes, blueprints, and legal issues.
As a full-time student, you can complete the program in four years, during which you will take both required and elective courses that cover the fundamentals and advanced topics you’ll need to succeed in the industry. During your degree program, you’ll engage in a variety of learning methods, including readings, laboratory exercises, 3D models, and site visits.
Potential courses you’ll take in a construction management degree program
- Construction Safety. This course introduces students to the OSHA-certified safety practices of the construction industry and how to implement them. They will learn the role of these practices, the procedures used, and the theories behind them.
- Construction Financial Management. Students will learn to utilize accounting and financial principles in the construction industry, including calculating the financial needs of projects and how accounting systems work. Topics include cash flow, budgeting, and labor costs.
- IT Project Management. This course covers the resources and tools used to schedule, track, and measure productivity. Students will learn to plan, organize, and manage information systems to guide the success of a project.
- Construction Management Integrated Laboratory. Students will complete the construction of a mockup building, including the fabrication, assembly, documentation, team organization, and quality control of a building project.
Construction Management Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a construction management degree program?
To begin your application process, visit the school’s website and locate the application page for your chosen program. Through this link, you’ll be able to fill out an application form and submit all the required documents. These may include your most recent transcriptions, letters of recommendation, test scores, and personal statement or essay. Before submitting your application, speak with an admissions counselor to ensure you meet the requirements and submit the correct documents.
How much does a construction management degree cost?
The average tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree is $16,618 per year. The total cost of your construction management degree will depend on the institution you choose, the degree requirements, whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student, and whether you attend classes in person or online. When budgeting for your program, consider the additional costs you’ll incur, including housing, food, transportation, supplies, and extracurriculars. A financial aid counselor at your chosen school can provide a more detailed cost breakdown for your program.
How long does it take to earn a construction management degree?
A degree in construction management generally takes four years of full-time study to complete. Programs may vary in length depending on the institution, but most programs require between 120 and 187 credits. Online programs are available in both synchronous and asynchronous styles, meaning you can choose a structured class schedule or work toward your degree at your own speed. Most in-person students will follow a synchronous schedule, but you can ask an advisor about any asynchronous options available.