Job Options With A Construction Management Degree

Earning a Construction Management Degree: 11 Considerations

By Indeed Editorial Team

April 22, 2021

The construction industry offers a variety of projects, from houses and apartments to offices, bridges and high-rise buildings. Construction managers lead each of those projects through every stage of development, from planning to completion. Knowing about construction management higher education degrees and the pros and cons of earning one can help you explore this career path. In this article, we discover what a construction management degree is and 11 considerations to explore to help you determine if earning a construction management degree is right for you.

Read more: Learn About Being a Construction Manager

What is a construction management degree?

A construction management degree is a four-year undergraduate program. On average, the cost can range from $28,000 to over $100,000 for a bachelor's in construction and you can study with in-person classes or through online programs. You develop supervisory skills, learn construction laws and study project scheduling, estimating and planning throughout your construction management degree courses. Some construction management degrees may be available for two-year associate degrees at a lower cost.

You learn the various aspects of construction management, from initial concept phases to completion. Other courses cover topics like:

Principles of management
Construction cost and budget management
Workforce management
Contract management
Facilities management
Safety management
Environmental law
Sustainable construction
Estimating
Scheduling
Accounting
Electrical, mechanical and construction systems and materials
Blueprint reading and rendering

Construction management deals directly with materials, techniques, engineering and building, often working on-site. You can oversee a variety of projects with this degree, from houses to highways or bridges and tunnels. Here are some examples of job sites a construction manager works on:

Residential buildings
Commercial buildings
Urban development and city planning
Restoration or renovation projects
Specialty structures or monuments
Civil engineering projects like roadways, dams, bridges and tunnels

Related: Construction Management: Functions and Phases

11 things to consider before getting a construction management degree

Determining what to study in college is an important step at the start of your career. Here are 11 things to consider before getting a construction management degree:

Employers prefer a degree

On-the-job experience is important, though many employers look for construction managers to have a higher education degree. It can help keep you competitive in the job market, command a higher salary and help you advance in the construction management field. A degree in construction management can also generate consumer confidence and company reputation if you start your own construction business.

Related: How To Become a Construction Manager

A degree can increase your experience

Learning systems, techniques, project management and other aspects of construction management can help you gain valuable skills rather than learning over time through trial and error on the job. You can often employ the skills you learn in college immediately through internships or if you are working while earning a degree.

College can offer connections

Through meeting professors, fellow students or industry colleagues through an internship, the college experience offers many opportunities for building your professional network of contacts. This can be helpful for future job opportunities, project bidding, developing best practices as a professional or for hiring on your own team.

Practical experience is more useful

A construction management degree is an expensive investment, particularly if you already have construction experience. If you established yourself in the business, a formal degree program may not offer enough additional skill and knowledge to offset the cost of the credential. Consider mentoring with fellow construction business owners, doing a two-year associate degree or investing in business management courses and certifications specifically for areas you want to improve on if you already have extensive construction experience or background.

Related: Construction Skills: Definition and Examples

A degree takes time

Earning your construction management bachelor's degree takes several years, typically four if you are a full-time student and longer if you go part time. While it is common to be employed while also earning a degree, this requires good time management skills and a healthy work-life balance for both your schoolwork and your job. You may have to prioritize your education over other activities, like hobbies or social outings. An associate degree typically takes two years.

A college degree costs money

College degrees are a professional investment, though the cost is an important consideration. Prices can vary based on location, degree, public or private universities, online or in-person classes and whether you have financial aid or scholarships. Construction management degrees can range from $28,000 to over $100,000 for tuition. Additional costs include room and board, books, transportation and personal expenses.

Construction management is a specialized degree

Highly specialized degrees are great for professional advancement within a certain field, though it can be more challenging to move to other areas of interest in your career outside of the industry. Consider if construction management is right for you and talk to other professionals to learn more about the degree and the positions you can attain after earning it. Some other related majors to study in college as an alternative can include construction science, engineering, engineering technology, civil engineering or architecture.

Construction management requires additional certifications and licenses

As a construction manager, you likely still need certification and licensing depending on the state you live or work in. To gain these certifications, you often need a degree, professional experience and a passing score. Holding these certifications and licenses can also advance your career and salary. Here are some examples of certifications and licenses:

American Institute of Constructors (AIC): This organization offers an associate constructor certification.
Construction Management Association of America: This association offers a certified construction manager certification.
State licensing: This license depends on where you live or work and can also vary based on the project type or cost. Be sure to research your specific state for licensing fees and requirements.

A master's degree can advance your career

Some in construction management may consider earning a master's degree to further advance their career, earn promotions or work on high-cost and high-profile projects. Earning a bachelor's degree in construction management or a related field is a requirement to enroll in a master's program, so it is worth considering your long-term career interests to help determine your educational plan.

A degree commands higher salaries

With a degree in construction management, you can often command a higher salary and competitive wages. The national average salary of a construction manager is $78,395 per year. Salaries can vary based on region, work experience, project scope, and other considerations, though it is a well-paid and growing career path. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an 8% growth in the field from 2019 to 2029, which is higher than all other job averages.

Construction management offers job satisfaction

Because construction managers work on buildings and projects that serve people and communities, you often enjoy a high rate of job satisfaction throughout your career. Combining training, education and skills with creativity, leadership and a passion for the industry is often rewarding.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Posted by: robertohoseheesg.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/construction-management-degree

Roberto Hosehe