Are you keen to dive deep into the construction business? Then, you should consider construction management as a career. Construction managers are involved directly in the construction process. They play a vital role from the project planning stage and see-through until completion and handing over to the client.
An online degree in construction management prepares students with planning, budgeting, and interpersonal skills. Students are equipped with technical knowledge of construction materials, equipment, surveying, cost estimation, mechanical and electrical systems, and scheduling, to name a few.
Business skills acquired by students of construction management include contract management, marketing, accounting, and economics. Construction managers also work with all project participants, including all engineers, contractors, consultants, safety officers, accountants, and building owners.
Before proceeding further, let us examine the potential of a career in construction management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the demand for construction managers to rise by 8% from 2019 to 2029.
Construction managers’ median salary in 2019 was $95,260 per year. The preceding facts show how lucrative and in-demand the position is in the United States and why you should consider obtaining a degree in the field.
Getting An Online Construction Management Degree
It is also crucial to note that construction management degree programs can be completed online in online colleges and universities. You could inquire more from the following institutions that are renowned for online construction management degree:
- Western Carolina University
- University of Oklahoma (Norman Campus)
- Purdue University (Main Campus)
- Louisiana State University – LSU
- Arizona State University (Tempe Campus)
You can complete an online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) in four years with 120 credits. Check with your online college if you can transfer your previous credits to the program.
It is crucial to select an accredited program before enrolling. Some colleges offer preparation for industry-specific certificates, for example, the American Institute of Constructor’s (AIC) Associate Constructor Certification.
It is common for new online graduates in construction management to start their careers as assistants. To move up fast in the career, you could opt for graduate degrees and learn the business quickly by actively participating in on-site discussions and client-consultant meetings.
Alternatively, ambitious construction managers specialize in specific industries such as oil and gas, industrial premises, or high-rise buildings. Experience in high-end projects commands much higher pay as well.