Online Construction Management Degrees
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Students in construction management degree programs will develop a strong foundation in both construction and management. They will learn how to oversee projects and make sure that everything is coming together properly, and also manage their employees and perform daily administrative duties.
The career of a construction manager requires physical work, but less than the average construction worker. Individuals in this field hold the job of planning and coordinating projects that their companies are contracted to complete. Most of the time these individuals oversee projects and do not need to take part in many physical construction tasks. Instead, they are responsible for fulfilling duties such as budgeting, hiring new employees, training new employees, ordering new equipment, and making sure that all employees and equipment are following safety standards and procedures.
When there is a new construction project that they are in charge of managing, managers must take it upon themselves to to get all necessary licenses, permits, and policies met and up to code before the project is started. They are also in charge of ordering all necessary equipment for projects and making sure that it arrives on time. The work of a construction manager is split between an office and various construction sites. In some cases, the manager might be in charge of overseas projects that could require him or her to temporarily move. Construction mangers might also be on call at all times, but regularly work about 40 hours per week.
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What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Residential Construction: Managers in this field focus on building high-quality and timely homes for private individuals or contractors. Because bids usually go to the least expensive team, managers must take special care to cut costs wherever possible.
- Commercial Construction: In this arena, projects are completed for businesses or business center developments. Different zoning laws, codes, and functionality require a different approach than residential construction.
- Industrial Construction: These projects involve the creation of manufacturing, warehousing, packaging, and distribution spaces or equipment. These projects can be very expensive, as durability and quality are of utmost importance.
What degree levels are available?
- Associate Degree in Construction Management or Construction Science: 2 years
- Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management or Related Field: 4 years
- Master's Degree in Construction Management or Construction Science: 2 or 3 years
What are the educational and certification requirements?
There are no mandatory educational requirements in the construction industry. However, people who do obtain a bachelor's degree in construction or a related field (which will take about four years) will have better hiring prospects and in most cases will earn a higher salary. The demand for education or certification in this field is starting to grow, and prudent candidates will consider it a requirement.
Most construction workers are hired based on the experience that they have, which is very important in this field. Construction workers who want to work in management would greatly benefit from a bachelor's degree in a management program. Either way, individuals must have a strong background in construction and specific strengths in one or several fields such as carpentry, plumbing, electronics, or masonry. Backgrounds in finance, scheduling, contracts, cost estimation, and construction materials are highly regarded.
Certification is not required anywhere in the construction industry in order to get a job. Still, some individuals choose to obtain certain certifications that demonstrate their excellence and mastery of the skills and knowledge applied to their field within the construction industry. There are two certification institutions that provide this: The American Institute of Constructors and Construction Management Association of America.
The American Institute of Constructors issues the Associate Constructor (AC) and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) and the Constructors and Construction Management Association of America issues the Certified Construction Manager (CCM). Both require years in the industry and completion of an exam. (BLS)
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
- Contract Administration: This is an incredibly important courses that reveals governmental and legal ramifications that will influence your work in construction. You will learn how to write clear contracts, interpret them just as effectively, and how to deal with contract disputes.
- Engineering and Architectural Sciences: Both of these concepts are extremely important to the nature of construction, and the more you know about these fields, the better. Engineering focuses on how the sciences (physics, chemistry) influence a building's construction, while architecture concentrates on the design and aesthetic elements of the work.
- Inspection Procedures: In order for a project to truly be successful, every aspect of its construct must be analyzed and monitored, as well as inspected. Learn how to bring a meticulous edge to your work with your studies here.
- Project Control and Development: This is the class that helps instill you with the organizational leadership ability crucial to the "management" portion of construction management. Focus closely to this course's lessons in order to boost your collaborative acumen.
- Information Technology: Computers and construction management go hand in hand; you'll learn how tight those hands grip one another here. Mathematics and statistics may also filter into the coursework of this offering.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
Every valuable online construction management program will at least present you with an option for some on-site training. This in-person education may take the form of classes, practical learning, or apprenticeships on the job. Face-to-face instruction and live practice is crucial to construction management, so that you are able to effectively execute your skills when on a job.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
Architecture: Architects are in charge of making plans for new buildings and residences. They are licensed professionals who typically have a budget in mind whenever putting together blueprints for their building designs. They are also involved in many different phases of the construction and design process.
Engineering: These individuals have a strong background in both math and science. They use these tools to develop new ideas, products, and strategies that help overcome economical issues. When working, they must take many different things into consideration such as cost, safety, and maintenance.
Economics: Students in economics programs can become cost estimators and predict the actual cost of future projects for companies. This position is vital to companies because it lets their lenders know how much to contribute, and it helps them draft contracts.
Engineering and Natural Science Managers: These individuals are in charge of overseeing the jobs and projects that engineers and natural science employees are working on. They must plan, coordinate, and manage projects within the company. They also hold many administrative duties such as configuring budgets, hiring employees, training employees, and ordering new equipment.
Landscape Architects: These individuals design layouts for the outsides of buildings. They create detailed plans for the landscape that include elements such as walkways, sidewalks, foundations, shrubbery, flowers, and grass. They must also take into consideration the natural elements of the site that they are designing for.
