Find your offline construction-management program in minutes!

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Why This Matters

  • THE U.S. NEEDS 40,400 MORE CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS BY 2029

    Population and business growth as well as improvements to the national infrastructure mean this field will grow much faster than most.

  • SPECIALISE IN LEED CERTIFICATION OR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES

    Work with architects on retrofitting older construction or building new, more environmentally-friendly structures designed for a changing world.

  • EARN $95,260 OR MORE FOR MANAGERIAL POSITIONS

    Whether self-employed, in civil engineering, or engaged as a specialty trade contractor, managers in the field average nearly $100K a year in pay, plus bonuses.

Our Research

Most people stop when they receive their bachelor’s degree in construction management — but there are benefits to continuing your education at the master’s level. Construction professionals with advanced degrees have the skills to manage large and complex building projects, interacting with architects, engineers, estimators, and workers in a range of building professions, including electricians, plumbers, and masons.

We reviewed programs that offer online, on-campus, and hybrid programs. We looked at those that are grounded in applied business theory and practice, teaching leadership skills that allow you to take the lead on building projects both large and small.

There are several accrediting agencies that certify the quality of these programs, including the Engineering Accreditation Commission, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, and the American Council on Construction Education. All the schools in our listing feature the appropriate accreditation for their region.

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 65 hours to write this article
  • 172 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 354 education programs we compared

The Top 40 Master’s in Construction Management Degree Programs

Best Master's in Construction Management Degree Programs
01
Intelligent Pick
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
01
Best Advisors
Kent State University
01
Best Ivy League Institution
Columbia University
01
Best Optionality
Thomas Jefferson University
01
Best for ESL Students
The University of Texas at El Paso
01
Best Hybrid Program
Wentworth Institute of Technology
01
Best Faculty
Eastern Michigan University
01
Best Master of Science Degree
Eastern Kentucky University
01
Best in the Southeast
East Carolina University
01
Best In-Person Program
Purdue University
01
Best in the Southwest
Arizona State University
01
Best Private Research University
Drexel University
01
Best Online Program
University of Houston
01
Best Thesis-Optional Program
Clemson University
01
Best in the South
Louisiana State University
01
Best Online University
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best Sustainable Construction Focus
University Of Florida
01
Best in the Northeast
Stevens Institute of Technology
01
Best Mid-Sized University
The University of New Mexico - Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
01
Best Private University
Lawrence Technological University
01
Best Small University
Pittsburg State University
01
Best Portfolio Preparation
University of Illinois Chicago - Department of Civil, Materials, and Environmental Engineering
01
Best in the West
University of Southern California
01
Best Research-Focused Program
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
01
Fastest Completion Time
Everglades University
01
Best Certificate Program
Iowa State University - Graduate College
01
Best Master of Engineering Degree
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
01
Best Interdisciplinary Program
The University of Texas at Arlington
01
Best Specialization Options
University of Wisconsin-Madison
01
Best Mormon University
Brigham Young University
01
Best State University System
California State University - East Bay
01
Best for Small Class Sizes
Central Connecticut State University
01
Best for Accelerated Classes
New England Institute Of Technology
01
Most Affordable
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
01
Best in the Northwest
University of Washington

Discover More Options

What You Should Know About This Degree

The programs on our list are suited both for the individual who has just completed their baccalaureate education as well as for those who are already working in the field, but want to assume greater responsibilities and the increased paychecks that come with them.

Most of the programs on our list can be completed at least partly online, although some require students to be on campus occasionally. Many of the programs can be completed in as little as one year if you attend full-time, although many students take several years, maintaining their day job while attending classes in their free time.

Although not required by most employers, certification is available through the Construction Management Association of America, an industry association that represents more than 16,000 managers in the U.S. Other, more specific, certifications are available from organizations such as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) and the American Institute of Constructors.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching construction management programs:

  • What are similar degrees and how do they differ? Construction management professionals share many skills with architects, who also play a leadership role in any building project. Like architects, construction managers need to understand both the big picture view of the overall project as well as the details, such as how electrical systems work and where load-bearing supports should be placed. Architects, however, may do most of their work in an office, with advanced software programs that allow them to design the structures. A construction manager is more of a feet-on-the-ground supervisor, interacting with all the players in the project to ensure that work progresses smoothly.
  • How long does it take to complete the online program? Master’s programs in construction management range from 30 to 48 credits, depending on the institution. The time it takes you to complete it will be determined by how many courses you take at one time. If you go full-time, you may be able to earn your master’s degree in a single year. If, like many, you take courses part-time in addition to working, you could still have your degree in two to four years.

Don’t hesitate to contact an admissions counselor if you are interested in a program. They are often available via phone call, email, or live chat and can answer questions and get you started on your application.

Merit- and need-based financial aid is available from most colleges and universities. Don’t stop there, though: You may find scholarships, grants, or loans through your place of employment or professional organizations to which you belong.


Compare School Options


Related Degrees