Understanding Construction Management and Available Degree Programs

Construction management plays a vital role in the successful completion of construction projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. If you are interested in pursuing a career in construction management, it's important to understand the field and the educational paths available to you. 

In this article, we will explore the definition of construction management, discuss its significance, and outline the various degree programs you can pursue to enter this field.

What is Construction Management? 

Construction management involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of a construction project, from its initial planning and design phase to its execution and completion. 

Construction managers are responsible for coordinating different teams, including engineers, architects, subcontractors, and construction workers, to ensure that projects are completed efficiently and meet all relevant regulations and safety standards. Their duties include creating cost estimates, managing budgets, resolving work delays, scheduling subcontractors, and ensuring compliance with building codes.

Construction Manager Salary and Growth Rate

Construction management offers favorable career prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for construction managers was $101,480 as of May 2022. Moreover, the field is expected to experience an 8% growth rate from 2021 to 2031, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations. These statistics indicate a strong demand for skilled construction managers in the coming years.

Degrees in Construction Management

To pursue a career in construction management, several educational pathways are available. Here are some of the common degree programs in construction management:

1. Associate in Construction Management

An associate degree in construction management typically requires around 90 credits and takes approximately two years to complete. The program provides foundational knowledge in construction management and covers subjects such as accounting, architectural CAD, engineering graphics, and 3-D graphics. 

Graduates of this program can explore careers as construction contractors, project managers, cost estimators, field superintendents, or land developers.

2. Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

A bachelor's degree in construction management is a four-year program comprising around 120 credits. Along with general education requirements, students study construction safety, surveying, mechanical systems, electrical construction fundamentals, construction estimating, structural design, construction planning and scheduling, construction project management, and accounting and financial analysis.

Graduates can pursue careers as construction managers, project managers, estimators, field engineers, superintendents, or project schedulers.

3. Master of Science in Construction Management

A master's degree in construction management typically requires 30 credits and takes one to three years to complete. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in construction management or a related field. 

The program covers advanced topics such as construction procurement systems, accounting and finance for construction, energy infrastructure and the environment, design and construction law, statistical fundamentals for construction, and more. Graduates can pursue roles as project engineers, construction project managers, senior construction managers, cost estimators, schedulers, project managers, or field engineers.

4. MBA in Construction Management

 An MBA in construction management is a 30 to 36 credit program that takes one to two years to complete. This degree combines core business administration courses with specialized construction management courses. 

Students study subjects such as construction scheduling and planning, strategic management of construction organizations, legal aspects in construction, advanced construction estimating, project quality management, value engineering, and more. Graduates can explore careers as construction managers, construction project directors, construction superintendents, or subcontractor managers.

5. Ph.D. in Construction Management

A Ph.D. in construction management is a research-focused program that typically requires 54 credits and takes three to five years to complete. Applicants must hold a master's degree in construction management or a related field. 

The program includes courses in research methods, statistical techniques, construction electives, and dissertation research hours. This degree prepares graduates for careers in research, academia, governmental organizations, or industries related to construction management.

Conclusion

Construction management is a critical field that ensures the successful completion of construction projects. By pursuing a degree in construction management, you can develop the necessary skills and knowledge to oversee projects, manage budgets, and coordinate teams effectively. 

Whether you choose an associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, MBA, or Ph.D., each educational pathway offers unique opportunities for career growth and advancement in the field of construction management.

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