Is an Online Construction Management Degree for You?
What is an online construction management degree?
A construction management degree allows its holder to pursue a career as a construction manager, which involves the planning, direction, and coordination of construction projects such as the building of private and public structures and making sure everything gets done on time and on budget.
Although in the recent past, construction managers didn’t need advanced academic credentials, employers are now increasingly requiring their construction managers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in construction management or related discipline.
What types of online construction management degrees are available?
Online construction management degrees are available at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Doctorate degrees in construction management may also be available for those who wish to pursue an academic career.
Currently certification as a construction manager is not required, although there is movement in the direction of required such licensure in the future.
What are online construction management degree programs like?
Online construction management degree programs can last for two or four years depending on the school and may include coursework in:
- Architectural Sciences
- Building Codes and Standards
- Business and Financial Management
- Construction Methods and Materials
- Cost Estimating
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Inspection Procedures
- Mathematics
- Project Control and Development
- Safety
- Scheduling
- Site Planning
- Value Analysis
Master’s degree programs in construction management go further in depth in these and other subjects and often qualify the degree holder to manage very large construction products or construction companies.
What do construction managers do?
Construction managers, often simply called “project managers,” may be self-employed or salaried and are responsible for the planning, coordination, and supervision of construction projects from conception to fruition.
Specific job duties of construction managers include but are not limited to:
- Organizing projects into workable, effective steps;
- Figuring out the most cost and time effective ways to complete projects;
- Arranging for delivery of materials;
- Overseeing the selection, dismissal, and performance of contractors, subcontractors, and workers;
- Ensuring site and worker safety, including compliance with codes and regulations;
- Obtaining required permits and licenses.
As the final word on construction projects, construction managers must be available 24 hours a day in case of any problems, delays, or emergencies on-site.
What qualities should construction managers have?
Above all, construction managers are leaders, so they must be organized and able to handle multiple tasks at once, work well under pressure, and command respect from those around them. They should also be reliable, flexible, and have excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Construction managers should also have some familiarity with computers in order to handle tasks like estimating, costing, and scheduling that may require the use of specialized software; a working knowledge of Spanish also wouldn’t hurt as many construction workers speak Spanish as a first language.
What is the salary and job outlook for construction managers?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual earnings of construction managers were $73,700 in May 2006, although salaries vary widely depending on size and type of projects, location, and economic conditions.
Job prospects are expected to be excellent for construction managers through 2016 as there are consistently more open position than qualified candidates.
As those with bachelor degrees in construction management, construction science, or civil engineering plus experience in the field will continue to enjoy the best opportunities in construction management, online construction management degree programs are a great way to get started in this fast-growing industry.
