Why This Matters

  • THE U.S. NEEDS 46,200 MORE OF YOU BY 2028

    An increase in new housing construction and emphasis on retro-fitting buildings to be more energy efficient are two contributing factors to an increasing demand for construction managers in the next decade.

  • INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL BY $58,560

    The median annual wage for construction managers, who typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, is $93,370, compared to $34,810 for construction laborers, who do not need a degree.

  • DEMAND FOR POSTSECONDARY TEACHERS UP 15%

    For individuals with a master’s degree, teaching at the collegiate level is another job option with a good employment outlook and lucrative pay. The median annual wage is $101,720.

Our Research

We reviewed a wide range of construction management degree programs, from the associate’s level to master’s and graduate certification programs. Your current level of education and career goals will determine what type of program you are seeking.

To ensure the quality of the programs, we only reviewed programs offered at regionally accredited institutions. A number of programs are also accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), which promotes quality in construction education programs.

The programs on our list are offered online, on-campus, and in hybrid formats, so there are options available for all learning preferences and schedules.

We evaluated each program on the basis of reputation, course strength, cost, flexibility, and faculty. Each program received an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Our top picks for the best construction management degrees are a good value, well-respected, and flexible. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 77 hours to write this article
  • 139 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 335 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Construction Management Degrees

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What You Should Know About This Degree

Construction managers inhabit a complex role on projects that includes budgeting, scheduling, communicating with clients and contractors, and complying with building and construction codes. They need a range of aptitudes, including leadership, decision-making, customer service, business, and time management.

A degree or certificate program will help you develop these skills, but on-the-job training is also valuable. Some programs at the graduate level seek students who have professional experience and an understanding of how construction or engineering projects work.

At the post-baccalaureate level, students can earn a graduate certificate or a master’s degree in construction management. Graduate certificate programs are typically more focused and take less time to complete than a full master’s program, but may not lead to the same job opportunities or professional recognition that a master’s will. Consider your career goals and timeline when deciding whether to seek a graduate certificate or master’s.

A number of professional certifications exist for construction managers, including 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 expertise and professionalism to clients and employers, and the credentialing process usually involves passing an exam. Depending on the state, construction managers may also need a state-issued license.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Construction Management programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? At the master’s and graduate certificate level, programs may seek individuals who have an undergraduate degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field, and/or professional experience in construction or engineering. Some programs may offer “bridge” courses in areas like math and engineering that students without the required background can complete before matriculating.
  • Can graduate certificate coursework be applied to a master’s degree? Some students may earn a graduate certificate in construction management, before pursuing a full master’s. If you are considering this path, select a program that will let you apply your certificate coursework to the master’s, as this can save you time and money.

Be sure to review the program’s admissions requirements and deadlines during your research process as well. Prepare your application materials well in advance of the due date, to help facilitate a smooth admissions process. You should also research funding resources for your degree, including scholarships offered by the school and private sources, financial aid, and tuition assistance benefits from your employer, if applicable.