Why This Matters

  • CONSTRUCTION MANAGER JOBS TO RISE BY 10%

    Employment of construction managers is expected to increase by 10% within the next decade, faster than the growth rate for all occupations in that time period.

  • EARN $58,560 MORE PER YEAR WITH A MASTER’S

    Construction managers earn a median annual wage of $93,370. By comparison, construction laborers, who do not need a college degree, earn an average annual wage of $34,810.

  • DEMAND FOR POSTSECONDARY TEACHERS UP 11%

    Having a master’s degree also means you can teach at the collegiate level. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,700 openings for engineering teachers by 2028.

Our Research

For this list, we focused on master’s-level programs in construction management. The most common degrees awarded in this field are a Master of Science (MS), Master of Engineering (MEng), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in construction management.

Our other main criteria was that programs be available fully or primarily online to ensure access for the greatest number of students, regardless of location or availability.

All of the programs on our list are offered by regionally accredited institutions, which is a confirmation of quality in postsecondary education. Additionally, many programs are accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), which promotes quality in construction education programs.

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

  • 60 hours to write this article
  • 188 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 396 education programs we compared

The Top 27 Online Master’s in Construction Management Programs

Best Online Master's in Construction Management Degree Programs
01
Intelligent Pick
The University of New Mexico - Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
01
Best Thesis Program
University of Wisconsin-Stout
01
Best for Flexible Start Dates
Florida International University
01
Best Non-Thesis Program
Western Carolina University
01
Best Alumni Network
University of Alabama at Birmingham
01
Best Public University
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
01
Best MBA Programs
Lamar University
01
Student Recommended
Clemson University
01
Most Flexible
The University of Texas at Arlington
01
Best in the South
Eastern Kentucky University
01
Best in the Midwest
Purdue University
01
Best For-Profit University
NewSchool of Architecture & Design
01
Most Experienced Faculty
University of Houston
01
Best in the Southeast
East Carolina University
01
Most Established Department
North Dakota State University
01
Nationally Recognized
Iowa State University - Engineering Online
01
Best Online University
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best in the Northeast
New England Institute of Technology
01
Most Diverse
The University of Texas at El Paso
01
Best in the Southwest
Arizona State University
01
Best Business Management Focus
Louisiana State University
01
Most Military Friendly
Norwich University
01
Most Customizable
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
01
Best in the Northwest
University of Washington
01
Fastest Completion Time
Lawrence Technological University
01
Best in the West
University of Southern California
01
Best Private University
Drexel University

What You Should Know About This Degree

For most construction jobs, including construction managers, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum level of education needed to get hired. On-the-job training is highly valued in this field, and many employees will work their way up to management positions through experience alone. Before committing to the time and effort of a master’s degree, it’s important to consider your career goals and research what qualifications you need to attain the job you want.

Beyond having knowledge of construction and engineering principles, construction managers must be adept at customer relations, budgeting and planning, decision-making, and leadership. A master’s program will help you sharpen these skills, but it’s wise to reflect on your inherent abilities and determine if you have the qualities necessary to be a successful manager.

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 are valuable, as they demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to quality to clients and employers. Typically, the credentialing process involves paying a fee and passing an exam. Depending on the state you work in, you may also need to obtain a state-issued license.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Construction Management programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Most master’s-level programs in construction management seek students who have an undergraduate degree in construction management or a related field like civil engineering, as well as some professional experience. Review the program’s eligibility requirements before applying to confirm that you have the minimum qualifications for admission.
  • Are standardized tests required for admission? As part of the application process, programs may also require that you submit GRE or GMAT scores. If you have not yet taken these tests, or if your scores are out-of-date, you should make arrangements to take them as soon as possible, as test scores can take several weeks to process.

Now is a good time to start gathering your application materials as well as keeping track of application and interview deadlines. If you have questions about the admissions process, contact the program’s representatives or admissions counselors.

You should also consider how you will finance your graduate education. Options include student loans, assistantships, scholarships, and tuition assistance benefits from your employer if you are currently working.