The fastest online Construction Management degree programs offer a flexible path for working professionals to earn an advanced degree. Many construction professionals want to earn a master’s in Construction Management.
While a master’s in project management is a similar career path. However, a specialized construction management degree is a better fit for the construction business. As the need for qualified candidates in this field grows, so does the demand for affordable and accelerated programs.
Working professionals want to earn a master’s degree, but they need more than just a program that’s online. They need flexible and affordable programs that fit around their professional obligations. Additionally, they need programs that provide them with a firm timeline so they can graduate in two years or less.
Featured Schools:
Methodology for Ranking Online Construction Management Master’s Degree Accelerated Programs
Online students want their affordable master’s in construction management to pay off and help them reach their career goals. So the Fast Online Masters editors found and ranked accredited, reputable colleges and universities. We used the average tuition cost and IPEDS data.
1. University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso offers an MS in Construction Management program. All students pay the same tuition rate whether they are in-state or out-of-state residents. UT’s affordable online master’s in construction management degree requires degree candidates to complete thirty semester units to graduate. Additionally, UTEP’s program prepares students for American Institute of Constructors certification by requiring a relevant internship at an approved government agency or construction business.
The University of Texas at El Paso opened in 1914 and is a member school of the state’s university system. UTEP generates the most Hispanic engineers who hold a graduate degree. The school’s stadium is home to the Sun Bowl each year. The University of Texas at El Paso’s campus overlooks the Rio Grande River and serves approximately 15,050 students.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
2. University of Washington
The University of Washington’s Continuum College offers an MS in Construction Management that is available 100% online. This affordable online master’s in construction management degree program offer different enrollment options.. Full-time students can complete this degree in twelve months, while part-time students can take up to three years. Coursework for the University of Washington affordable online construction management master’s degree includes 42 credit units. Classes include Energy Infrastructure, Cost Analysis, Environmental Regulations, and also Construction Procurement Systems.
Founded before Washington became a state, the UW operates as a space and sea-grant, flagship school. The student enrollment is over 16,000 and more than two dozen libraries on the school’s campus. The University of Washington maintains several campuses and is one of the oldest schools in the American West.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
3. University of New Mexico
Degree candidates enrolled in the University of New Mexico’s affordable online construction management master’s degree program that mandates degree candidates to complete a minimum of thirty semester credits at the graduate level. Classes include construction materials, engineering project management, and the global history of construction, among others.
Founded in the late-1880s, the University of New Mexico (UNM) now operates with the main campus in Albuquerque. And it has additional campuses in Los Lunas, Tao, Los Alamos, Gallup, and also Rio Rancho. The school’s campuses cover more than 600 acres and serve approximately 26,050 students. The University of New Mexico was founded by the legislature of the New Mexico territory.
4. Purdue University
Purdue University offers an MS in Construction Management program that is considered among the top & most affordable online construction management masters degree programs according to BestMastersPrograms.org. Students graduate from Purdue University’s affordable online masters in construction management degree program and enter the workforce as building inspectors, project managers, construction consultants, and construction foremen, to name a few. Classes for this graduate construction degree include 33 credit hours in risk management, construction operations, and managing construction quality and production, to name a few.
Established by the General Assembly in 1869, Purdue University is a land, sea, and space-grant school that serves approximately 45,750 students vying for nearly 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Purdue University is organized into thirteen academic colleges/schools.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
5. Eastern Kentucky University
The Business and Technology College at Eastern Kentucky University offers an MS in Technology Management with an academic concentration in Construction Management that is among Kentucky’s most affordable online construction management masters degree programs. Recent graduates of Eastern Kentucky University’s affordable online masters in construction management degree program have been employed by Ashland, Messer Construction, and Lockheed Martin, to name a few. Classes for the construction management program include economics for lean operations, LEED principles, statistical methods for business, and construction portfolio management, among others.
Founded in the mid-1870s as a public institution of higher education, Eastern Kentucky University now operates as a space-grant school with multiple campuses in Richmond, Manchester, Hazard, Corbin, and Lancaster that serves nearly 16,100 students. US News ranks Eastern Kentucky University among the top colleges for veterans and among the top regional southern universities.
Degree: MS in Technology Management – Construction Management
6. East Carolina University
The Construction Management Department within East Carolina University offers a stem-related MS in Construction Management (MSCM) program that is one of North Carolina’s affordable online masters in construction management degree programs. Core coursework for Eastern Carolina’s affordable online construction management masters degree program includes risk analysis in construction, global management of construction, green building, residential project risk management, legal implications of design/construction, and advanced cost estimating, to name a few.
East Carolina University opened in 1907 as a teacher’s training institute. Today it is a member of the UNC university system with multiple campuses that cover more than 1,500 acres and serves around 30,000 students. Additionally, East Carolina University maintains an academic facility internationally in Italy. East Carolina University also operates a coastal studies operation in New Holland that supports the coastal studies and biology degree programs.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
7. Florida International University
Florida International University’s Moss Construction Department offers an MS in Construction Management that ranks among the Sunshine State’s most affordable online masters in construction management degree programs. Students enrolled in Florida International University’s affordable online construction management masters degree program have the option of completing the program as a hybrid-delivered graduate degree. Florida International University requires 36 semester credits, completed through an independent study or thesis option.
Established in the mid-1960s as a research institution of higher education, Florida International University (Florida International) is a member school of the Florida’s university system and a space-grant school. The school has an estimated yearly economic impact on the state of more than $3.1 billion. Florida International University’s campus in University Park was once the Tamiami Airport and used for general aviation activities.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
8. Pittsburgh State University
Pittsburgh State University offers a Master of Engineering Technology in Construction Management that requires students to complete 33 semester credits at the graduate level. PSU’s affordable online construction management masters degree program includes classes in value engineering, integrated design, systems engineering, collaborative projects, to name a few. Additionally, Pittsburgh State University’s affordable online masters in construction management degree program requires degree candidates to select twelve hours from either research and development or the technical specialty curriculum.
It opened in the early 1900s as a normal school for teachers. But, Pittsburgh State University now operates as a space-grant higher learning institution with a student enrollment of approximately 6,550 students. The university has four colleges that offer academic degrees in education, technology, arts & sciences, and business (AACSB accredited).
Degree: MET in Construction Management
9. Arizona State University
ASU’s MS in Construction Management & Technology is among the most affordable online masters in construction management degree programs. Arizona State University’s affordable online construction management masters degree program requires students to complete ten classes for thirty graduate semester credits. Classes for ASU’s construction management graduate degree include trenchless construction methods, construction productivity, and also facilities operations and maintenance.
Arizona State University (ASU) is a space-grant and multiple-campus institution of higher education with a student enrollment of more than 146,000. Furthermore, ASU is among the largest public schools in the nation. It offers more than 300 programs from its seventeen colleges. Arizona State University’s faculty includes more than 4,600 academic scholars that include MacArthur Fellows and Pulitzer Prize winners, among others.
10. Western Carolina University
The Engineering & Technology College at Western Carolina University offers a 30-credit Master of Construction Management (MCM), which is one of the most affordable online masters in construction management degree programs in North Carolina. Additionally, Best College Reviews recognizes WCU’s affordable online construction management masters degree program among the best in the nation. Classes for Western Carolina University’s graduate degree in construction management include construction estimating and scheduling, sustainability in construction, advanced construction fiancé, and construction operations and safety, to name a few.
Founded as Cullowhee Academy in the late 1880s, Western Carolina University now operates as a member of the state’s university system. More than 12,150 students attend classes online and on the school’s campus. Western Carolina University is the fifth oldest school within the University of NC system.
11. University of Wisconsin Stout
The University of Wisconsin – Stout offers an MS in Construction Management degree program (MSCM) that is ranked among Best College Reviews top and most affordable online masters in construction management degree programs. Degree candidates enrolled in the University of Wisconsin must complete a minimum of thirty semester credits across ten classes. The classes for the University of Wisconsin’s affordable online construction management masters degree programs can be completed in two to three years, depending on the student’s time commitment.
The Stout campus at the University of Wisconsin was established in the early-1890s and named to honor a lumber magnate JH Stout. The University of Wisconsin is recognized as the state’s polytechnic school with a student enrollment that exceeds 8,150 students online and the school’s rural campus. The University of Wisconsin in Stout offers students more than 70 academic undergraduate and graduate degree programs delivered online, as hybrid programs, and on-campus.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
12. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers a MS in Engineering in Construction Management that is one of the most affordable online masters in construction management degree programs in Wisconsin. Classes for the University of Tennessee’s affordable online construction management masters degree program include sustainability and LEED building, strategic bidding & estimating, lean construction, and construction law, to name a few.
Established in 1886 as Chattanooga University, the University of Tennessee is the space-grant school and a member of the state’s university system with a student body that exceeds 11,050 students vying for degrees online and on the Chattanooga campus. The University of Tennessee opened a 180,000 square ft. library in 2015. The University of Tennessee is best known for its business degree programs that are nationally ranked, which are offered among the more than 135 undergraduate options.
Degree: MEng Construction Management
13. North Dakota State University
The MS in Construction Management at North Dakota State University requires 31 credit. This degree program is one of the most affordable online construction management masters degree programs in North Dakota. The NDSU degree program includes classes in scheduling & project control, cost estimating, construction management, technology & equipment, support operations, and also a master’s thesis.
Founded in 1890, North Dakota State University (North Dakota) is recognized to be one of North Dakota’s largest higher learning institutions. It operates nearly 20,000 acres of extension academic extensions throughout the state. North Dakota State University is the state’s flagship and space-grant school that is also a member of North Dakota’s university system. The university is North Dakota’s land-grant school established under the Morrill Land Grant Act.
14. University of Florida
The University of Florida’s Rinker Construction Management School offers a Master of International Construction Management (ICM) degree program that is ranked among Florida’s best and most affordable online construction management masters degree programs. Students enrolled in the University of Florida’s affordable online masters in construction management degree program complete classes in the principles of international sustainable construction, high-performance green building, construction ecology, value management, and cost control, to name a few.
Established in the mid-1850s, the University of Florida is now a senior member school in Florida’s state university system. The University of Florida is ranked among the top ten best public universities according to US News and is also a sea and space-grant institution of higher education with a student enrollment of approximately 56,450 students. The University of Florida’s student enrollment is the third largest in the Sunshine State.
Degree: Master of International Construction Management (MICM)
15. Louisiana State University
Students can complete the MS in Construction Management at Louisiana State University entirely online. LSU’s affordable online masters in construction management degree requires 36 graduate semester credits. In addition, the program has accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
Louisiana State University was founded as a seminary and military training academy in the mid-1850s and now operates as a sea, space, and land-grant institution of higher education. More than 34,250 students attend classes online and the Baton Rouge, Louisiana vying for degrees offered by the university’s fourteen colleges/schools. Louisiana State University operates as the flagship campus of the Louisiana state system of universities.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
16. University of Houston
The University of Houston offers an MS in Construction Management that is available entirely online. UH’s affordable online masters in construction management degree program requires degree candidates to complete at least 31 semester units at the graduate level. The UH online construction management masters degree program includes coursework in project management principles, experimental design, cost analysis, decision making, and also computer applications in construction management.
The University of Houston opened in the late-1920s as a junior college. But it now operates as a research institution of higher learning with a student enrollment that exceeds 46,050 students. The university offers students nearly 300 academic degree and certificate programs through its fourteen colleges.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
17. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering Management concentration that is ranked among most affordable online masters in construction management degree programs. UAB’s affordable online construction management masters degree program can be completed in as little as nineteen months. The University of Alabama’s graduate degree in construction management is ranked among the best in the nation by several ranking services.
The University of Alabama (UA) was established in the early-1820s and is recognized as the state’s oldest institution of higher learning. The school is also the largest university in Alabama, with a student enrollment that exceeds 31,550 students. The University of Alabama operates the only law school in the state. The University of Alabama is nicknamed the Capstone and operates one of the nation’s most successful football programs that began in 1892.
Degree: Master of Engineering with a Construction Engineering Management Concentration
18. Clemson University
Clemson University’s Construction Science & Management Department offers a Master of Construction Management degree program that is available 100% online. Students enrolled in Clemson University’s affordable online masters in construction management degree program have six years during which the degree plan must be completed. This affordable online construction management masters degree from Clemson University requires degree candidates to finish a minimum of 30 graduate semester credits to graduate.
Clemson University started under the Morrill Land Grant Act in 1889 and is a research school with a student body that nearly 26,000 students. The university has seven colleges in the areas of forestry, agriculture, architecture, humanities, business, education, applied science, and engineering, among others. While Clemson University became a civilian coed school in 1955, but it still has an active military presence on-campus.
19. University of Southern California
The Viterbi Engineering School at the University of Southern California offers an MS in Construction Management. This degree program is one of the most affordable online masters in construction management degree programs in the Golden State.
Full-time students enrolled in USC’s affordable online construction management masters degree complete the degree, on average, in 1eighteen to twenty-four months, with part-time construction management students completing the degree in 2.5 to 3 years.
Established in the early-1880s, the University of Southern California is now a comprehensive research university and one of the top schools across the country. This space and sea-grant school serves nearly 49,000 students. The University of Southern California holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher education in the state of California.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
20. Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University offers a Master of Construction Engineering Management (MCEM). The program is entirely online and takes eighteen months to complete.
This affordable online master’s program in construction management degree program requires students to complete a minimum of 30 semester units to graduate. Core classes for this affordable online construction management masters degree from Lawrence Technological University includes construction accounting & finance, construction law, principles of design, and techniques of project planning & control, to name a few.
Lawrence Technological University (Lawrence Tech) opened as a technology institute in the early 1930s. More than 4,050 students attend classes online and on the metro Detroit campus, vying for the more than 100 programs offered by Lawrence Technological University’s four colleges/schools. Lawrence Technological University’s famous alumni, includes John DeLorean, who founded the DeLorean Motor Corp after a career as a General Motors Executive.
Why Should You Earn a Master’s in Construction Management Online?
Earning a master’s in Construction Management online is a great way to further your career if you plan on working in the construction field. Individuals who have started in the construction field at an entry-level position can begin to advance their careers by pursuing an online degree program.
Online programs offer a level of flexibility that traditional classroom degrees do not. Not only do they allow you to continue your education, online courses offer you an opportunity to explore new challenges while you are still in school. New challenges can encourage you to broaden your horizons and take additional courses that may benefit your career.
An online master’s in Construction Management is a great way to complete your education so that you can continue to move upwards in the ranks of management. Attending class online allows the student to complete their courses while they are working.
With some construction jobs, employees are required to travel for their jobs. With an online degree program, traveling for work is possible because they can take their courses with them. Convenience and flexibility make online degree programs popular with individuals who are already working full-time.
What are the Admission Requirements for a Construction Management Master’s Degree?
All applicants must have an accredited bachelor’s degree. Additionally, it should be from an institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or an international equivalent. Many schools prefer the undergraduate degree to be a bachelor of science in construction management over other degrees.
- Transcripts: Applicants typically need to submit official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In some cases, completed graduate classes may be accepted as transfer credits and count as electives.
- Work experience: Some schools require applicants to have at least two years’ full time construction experience or related real-world work experience.
- English proficiency: Applicants may need to provide proof of English proficiency through the TOEFL or IELTS tests.
- Test scores: Most construction management programs require applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores.
- Essay: Applicants usually need to submit a personal statement essay that stands out to admissions officers.
- Letters of recommendation: Many schools require two or three letters of academic or professional recommendation. They should be from a faculty member, supervisor, or other professional.
- Resume: A current resume should include past education, experience, and certifications and showcase your leadership skills.
- Interview: Most institutions require an in-person or video interview with the admissions committee.
- Students who need financial aid should apply for it using the FAFSA at the earliest convenience.
Construction Management Degree Accreditation
Making sure your school is regionally accredited can help give you the assurance that the program you’ve chosen has met educational standards. Schools earn their regional accreditation from one of the below independent boards.
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Additionally, construction management programs have programmatic accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
How Do You Choose an Online Construction Management Master’s?
It is important to choose the right online construction management master’s degree program. So you should first research options that are available to you and where you would like your career to go. It’s important to look at several degree programs before you finally choose the one that best fits your individual needs.
Construction is a very diverse field. So you need to know what direction you plan to go as you continue to pursue your education. If you already work in the construction field, explore what type of employment opportunities you may have in different areas.
For some, including an MBA with a Construction Management master’s is a great way to take their career in a new direction. A dual degree program gives you what you need for the construction aspect of your career. But the MBA also gives you the business skills you need to be an effective manager.
With an MBA, you can capitalize on your construction management master’s. These degrees combined qualify graduates for management opportunities in the construction field. Dual degree programs can be completed online and will allow you to continue to pursue new opportunities in either field.
Is a Master’s in Construction Management Worth It?
Working in the field of construction can become a very lucrative career that will last for several years. Earning a Master’s in Construction Management will take your career to a new level. The management skills you receive will allow you to move up the ladder and take on more responsibilities.
You will learn about new technology and state of the art concepts that you can use to further your career. Taking courses online will allow you to accept new employment opportunities while you are still in school. The value you place on your education goes far beyond the money you pay for it. The real reward is the career you can build once you have graduated and found your niche.
As you continue to pursue your education online, opportunities for advancement will continue to appear. Working while attending school gives you a chance to explore areas where you could possibly take on more responsibilities. More responsibilities will also mean an increase in your earning potential.
Earning your degree online will allow you to continue to gain the experience you need to apply for management positions within the construction industry. If your passion is construction, you can build a career you will be proud of by pursuing your degree online.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Construction Management?
There are several things you can do with a Master’s in Construction Management. With this type of degree, graduates can manage teams of construction workers and also entire construction companies.
Having the opportunity to manage large construction projects is both challenging and rewarding, especially when the job is completed and you can stand back and look at what you have helped build. With a Master’s in Construction Management degree, you can work on projects from start to finish.
Another avenue to consider is building your own construction company. Being self-employed as an independent contractor can be a very lucrative and productive career. Working for yourself means new opportunities that you choose to pursue.
You can choose the jobs you want to take on and you can enjoy the benefits of owning your own company. By working for yourself, you are the one that is in control of your future. With a Master’s in Construction Management, your future is up to you.
What are the Career Options with a Master’s in Construction Management?
- Construction Manager
- Assistant Project Manager
- Construction Company Owner
- Vice President of Construction
- Construction Estimator
- Vice President of Project Management
- Senior Claims Analyst
- Construction Superintendent
- Civil Engineer
- Building Inspector
- Construction Contracts Manager
- General Laborer
- Construction Foreman
What is the Job Outlook for Construction Managers?
Overall construction activity is increasing from population and business growth. And as the world grows, we need new homes, apartments, schools, office buildings, retail outlets, hospitals, restaurants, and other structures. Additionally, the need to improve our national infrastructure is increasing demand for construction managers. We need professionals to oversee the repair or replacement of our roads, bridges, sewers, and water systems.
In addition, retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient creates jobs for general contractors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reports the the job outlook for Construction Managers is positive and should grow by 8% from 2020 to 2031. And below are the the states with the highest concentration of jobs for Construction Managers.
| State | Employment | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 20,660 | $111,450 |
| Hawaii | 2,560 | $118,430 |
| Colorado | 11,050 | $111,000 |
| Alaska | 1,020 | $165,010 |
| Alabama | 6,460 | $101,210 |
How Much Can You Earn in Construction Management?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the current median salary for construction managers is $101,480. And the salary range is from $60,000 for entry-level professionals to around $165,000 for senior-level positions. Professionals in this field will find positions that run the gamut from entry-level to C-level positions. This range also accounts for positions that require additional certification or education as well as positions in the private and public sector, and also nonprofit positions.
Below are the median annual wages for construction managers in the top industries in which they work. In addition to salary, many construction managers also earn bonuses based on the amount of business they generate.
| Industry | Salary |
|---|---|
| Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction | $100,310 |
| Nonresidential Building Construction | $100,260 |
| Specialty Trade Contractors | $96,600 |
| Residential Building Construction | $84,810 |
What are the Various Disciplines of Construction Management?
Construction management is generally a field that falls under the discipline of civil engineering. It focuses on the actual construction aspects of a building. It is also an incredibly diverse and complex field. Students of construction management focus on a variety of disciplines in the field.
- construction finance, estimations, and budgeting
- contracts and the law
- construction technology
- facility management
- business management and business administration
- construction project management
- occupational safety management
- structure, architecture, construction planning
Specializations in one or more of these areas exist and will encourage professionals to focus on that cognate area. However, each sub-discipline is important in the overall scheme of the field.
Your Career in Construction Management
No matter where you are in your career, you can find a program that fits your needs. A high school graduate can find an associate degree at a community college and learn fundamentals of construction like electrical systems. Then they can enroll in an online bachelor degree program in construction management. These program prepare graduate for leadership roles and also to enter a graduate program.
Construction is a big part of how infrastructure works in this country. Without the fine men and women who dedicate their entire careers to this field, the country would be bereft of hospitals, schools, office buildings, and so much more. That’s why accelerated online master’s in Construction Management degrees are important for professionals in this field.
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