Online Construction Management Degree

What is construction management?
Construction management is a field that involves the planning, execution and management of various construction projects in a way that ensures achieving the pre-set targets. Construction management is a highly specialized field and involves the efficient management of personnel and resources in a way that maximizes productivity and efficiency. Construction managers work with top executives and corporate clients to set achievable and realistic targets and work in a manner that ensures the best quality of work and on-time completion of projects within the allotted budget. Construction managers can find work across a wide variety of projects, from mile-high skyscrapers to luxurious hotels with indoor pools to amusement parks. Often, construction managers work with general contracting companies which oversee all the construction activities of various projects. They may also be part of various firms specializing in activities such as construction, oil exploration and mining.

Available Programs:

What degrees are offered?
Colleges around the country are joining the increasing number of internet based colleges by offering students the chance to pursue an online construction management degree. The minimum level of education students need to obtain in order to land an entry level job is the bachelor’s degree. The 4 year Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree provides students the managerial skills and technical expertise need in today’s increasingly demanding and competitive construction industry. Students acquire vital inter-personal and communication skills which are necessary in order to maintain good working relations with senior management as well as workers alike. Courses include advanced math, construction design, architecture, accounting as well as the basics of the construction industry, property and use construction materials, legal aspects of construction, documentation of construction activities and engineering mechanics. Students are also taught construction labor relations, labor law, construction engineering, operations management and workplace health & safety. Fundamentals of project management such as time and cost management, quality management, resource & personnel management and presentation skills are also included in the course of an online construction management degree. 

For those who wish to expand their career prospects and climb up the corporate ladder, online colleges also offer Master of Science degrees in Construction Management (MSCM). This degree offers professionals the opportunity to develop the necessary multi-disciplinary skills and analytical & problem solving techniques required in the construction environment. Students enrolled in this online construction management degree also develop leadership and inter-personal skills vital in successfully managing construction operations. After the completion of an online construction management degree, students can take additional exams to acquire certification. While this certification is not required at this point, it has just recently been introduced and may soon become a requirement set by prospective employers. The certification exams are conducted by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) as well as the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). Upon successfully clearing an exam, students become Associate Constructors (AC) or Certified Professional Constructors (CPC). After completing certain work experience, this qualification is upgraded to Certified Construction Manager (CCM).

What are the career prospects?
Employment growth for construction managers is estimated to be 17% over the next decade, which is higher than the average growth for all other occupations. As the world recovers from a serious recession, construction activity will increase all over the world, especially in the developing countries. Population growth will also result in the new construction of residential buildings, offices, hospitals, schools, parks, recreation sites and roads & bridges. The new trend of improving current buildings against earthquakes and other natural disasters and the increasing inclination to make buildings more energy efficient will also spur growth in the construction industry. The increased use of technology and complex machinery in various building tasks now also requires construction managers to be present on construction sites and has made them a vital and indispensable part of the construction industry.