Why This Matters
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JOBS ARE GROWING FASTER THAN AVERAGE
As overall construction activity expands with population and business growth, the demand for construction managers is expected to grow at a rate of 8% from 2021 to 2031.
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CHOOSE FROM SEVERAL CHALLENGING, YET REWARDING, CAREER PATHS
There are numerous career paths you can take with a construction management degree, such as civil engineering construction, residential building construction, nonresidential building construction, specialty trade contractor, and more.
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LAND A HIGH-PAYING POSITION WITH A DEGREE
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for construction managers is $98,890. Those with at least a bachelor’s degree will have the most job prospects.
Our Research
This list features some of the best construction management degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are accredited by agencies like the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), a reputable organization that assesses construction management programs for educational excellence and commitment to quality education.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of construction management degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The Top 50 Construction Management Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
There are many paths to becoming a construction manager; however, it’s increasingly important to have a bachelor’s degree in construction management or a similar field such as architecture, engineering, or construction science. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field, plus construction experience, will have the best job prospects. New construction managers are usually trained under the guidance of an experienced manager and advance through experience or by obtaining additional education.
Although not required to enter the field, certification is beneficial as it demonstrates skills and knowledge essential to managing complex construction projects from start to finish. There are several professional credentials for construction managers. These include the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) and the Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) from the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). These credentials signify to clients knowledge and experience that meet established principles and practices of construction management. An exam is typically part of the certification process.
Some states require construction managers to have a license, while others do not. You should contact your state licensing board to determine whether or not you need a state-issued license.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching construction management programs:
- How long does it take to complete this degree? How long it takes to complete a degree in construction management varies by school and program. Full-time students can usually earn an associate’s degree in two years or a bachelor’s degree in four years. A master’s degree typically takes one to two years to complete. You should check the program’s specific requirements to determine how long it will take to earn your degree.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? There are usually two different course delivery options for online programs. Synchronous courses meet in real-time, but students attend virtually. Asynchronous courses don’t require students to meet at a designated time. Instead, students access online lessons on their own schedule.
When researching programs, you should review admissions requirements, including what materials you need to submit with your application, and take note of application deadlines. Admissions requirements and application deadlines vary by program, so check the school’s website or contact their admissions department for additional information.
You should also research how to finance your education. Common sources of funding include financial aid, scholarships, loans, grants, and employer-sponsored tuition benefits.