Best Online Master’s in Construction Management Programs
2024Construction managers oversee construction projects’ plans, budgets, and day-to-day operations. You can become a construction manager through education and experience. An online master’s in construction management teaches you the managerial and financial best practices for this position.
The construction management field is projected to grow by 9% in the next decade. This projection suggests a strong economy for job seekers. The following article highlights the best online master’s in construction management programs, typical classes, and popular careers for graduates.
Featured Online Master’s in Construction Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s in Construction Management Programs
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,047
- Out-of-state$24,731
- In-State$9,132
- Out-of-state$9,132
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled37,350
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Everglades University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 2 year
- Online
- In-State$18,120
- Out-of-state$18,120
- In-State$21,600
- Out-of-state$21,360
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled2,247
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- In-State$60,446
- Out-of-state$60,446
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate13%
- Students Enrolled49,318
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Wentworth Institute of Technology
- Boston, MA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,050
- Out-of-state$37,050
- In-State$38,600
- Out-of-state$40,285
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled3,920
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
New England Institute of Technology
- East Greenwich, RI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,900
- Out-of-state$30,900
- In-State$14,250
- Out-of-state$14,250
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled1,895
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Stevens Institute of Technology
- Hoboken, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,780
- Out-of-state$54,780
- In-State$38,076
- Out-of-state$38,076
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate46%
- Students Enrolled9,314
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Fordham University
- Bronx, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,730
- Out-of-state$54,730
- In-State$23,112
- Out-of-state$23,112
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled16,556
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Construction Management Program?
Successful construction management professionals need time management, interpersonal, analytical, and leadership skills. They also need knowledge of business and construction methods. Most of these programs require 30-45 credits, and students typically graduate in 18-24 months.
These programs often award either an MS or master of construction management (MCM) degree, with few differences between the degree types. Some schools offer construction management specializations within MBA programs, which focus more on general leadership and project management skills.
Core courses in construction management focus on topics like facilities, finance, and project management. Some programs offer concentrations in areas like real estate development, sustainability, and design. Many programs also allow students to complete an internship to gain experience in the field.
Master in Construction Management Program Admissions
Applications to a master’s in construction management program involve degree, GPA, and standardized testing prerequisites. Additional admission requirements for master’s degrees in construction management vary by school and location. Students should complete their applications well in advance of their school’s next admission cycle. Experts recommend applying to a maximum of six schools.
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree: Most master’s in construction management programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in construction management, civil engineering, or a related major.
Professional Experience: While most master’s degrees in this field do not require professional experience, students should expect to submit an up-to-date resume or CV with their application outlining relevant work experience and skills.
Minimum GPA: Though GPA requirements vary, master’s in construction management programs typically require at least a 3.0 GPA for admission. Some schools specify alternative requirements for students who do not meet the minimum GPA.
Admission Materials
Application
Students must submit an online application detailing their professional and academic background.Transcripts
Applicants must submit transcripts from all postsecondary learning. Colleges typically charge a fee to release official transcripts.Letters of Recommendation
Most master’s in construction management programs require three letters of recommendation from mentors, instructors, or advisers. Students should give writers at least two months to complete the letters.Test Scores
Some graduate construction management programs require GRE scores.Application Fee
Application fees for master’s degrees in construction management programs typically fall between $75-$90. Applicants that qualify as low income can often request to waive the application fee.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master’s in Construction Management?
A master’s in construction management builds skills in management, business, and technology. The field offers students diverse options for specialization, with some schools providing a construction management master’s degree with a concentration in management and others hosting unique programs in emerging fields, such as sustainable construction and construction technology. Some of the field’s most common concentrations are outlined below.
| Concentration | Description | Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Project Management | Students concentrating on construction project management learn to increase efficiency and maximize performance in a construction business setting. Coursework explores maintaining delivery schedules, meeting building regulations, and meeting investor demands. | Construction project manager, commercial project manager, subcontractor manager |
| Real Estate | This concentration provides students with the combination of real estate development and construction management skills needed to become managers and entrepreneurs. Coursework explores methods of acquiring, creating, and managing various types of real estate. | Real estate construction manager, district property manager, real estate developer |
| Sustainability and Green Construction | An emerging concentration in increasingly high demand, sustainability and green construction teaches students to meet the latest regulatory standards in environmentally responsible construction. The curriculum focuses on the LEED green building rating scale. | Green building construction manager, sustainability associate, green building/sustainability consultant |
| Supply Chain and Logistics Technology | This concentration provides students with the management and technical skills needed to maintain inventory, sales, procurement, and logistics functions within an industrial or manufacturing environment. Coursework emphasizes apps and software specific to the field of construction management. | IT construction manager, technical project manager, engineering technology manager |
| Facility Management | Facility management students learn to manage and oversee operations for existing buildings and facilities. Coursework covers civic regulations, safety standards, and project management. | Facilities manager, buildings and grounds manager, operations manager |
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master’s in Construction Management Program?
Each online master’s in construction management program is unique, although most programs cover similar core topics. The following section highlights five common courses at this level.
Facilities Operations
Facilities operations courses examine various management methods and the responsibilities of facilities managers. Covered topics include contract management, building codes, and design and building techniques. Students also consider security, health and safety, and sustainability.Construction Methods
In construction methods courses, students learn how to identify necessary equipment, budget materials, and understand specifications. Degree-seekers also learn how to ascertain building codes and evaluate how regulations impact jobs and material requests.Energy Management
In this course, learners study energy- and cost-saving strategies for buildings, including new designs and retrofitted systems. Students explore air and water systems, security, and lighting. Learners also examine different energy codes and certifications.Quality Management
Quality management courses teach students notable strategies for quality control and leadership techniques for construction managers. Coursework explores the planning process, as well as the impacts of tests and inspections. Students also learn risk-based quality management, which incorporates quality controls into the design process.Budgeting and Bidding
This course covers job budgeting and bidding processes in the construction industry. Students learn how to estimate job costs, create an accurate budget, and issue a formal bid. Learners observe the tendering process and examine related documents. Students also learn how to conduct surveys and oversee planning processes that precede the building phase.
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What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Construction Management Degree?
As the population grows and energy efficiency increases in importance, the need for skilled and educated construction managers is likely to rise. Consequently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 9% employment growth for construction managers between 2023-2033.
Despite strong competition for positions in this field, a master’s in construction management can provide graduates with access to some of the best careers in the industry.
Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee building projects, including planning and budgeting for jobs, ensuring the design and build meet all codes and regulations, and supervising and auditing for quality control. According to the BLS, 39% of construction managers are self-employed, 16% are specialty trade contractors, and 15% work in nonresidential building construction.
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$104,900
Civil Engineering
Civil engineers design and plan infrastructure builds, including public and private projects of various sizes. Many civil engineers work in construction, creating build plans that satisfy time and money budgets, as well as safety rules and regulations. According to the BLS, 48% of these engineers work in engineering services, 12% work for state governments, and 10% work for local governments.
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$95,890
Cost Estimator
Cost estimators create time and cost budgets for projects. They identify what materials, personnel, and accommodations a project needs and find ways to save money and improve performance. According to the BLS, 35% of cost estimators work in the specialty trade contractor industry, 16% work in building construction, and 12% work in manufacturing.
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$74,740
Engineering Manager
Engineering managers oversee the design, planning, and building of engineering projects for organizations. They manage staffing, budgeting, materials requests, and regulation compliance on most jobs. According to the BLS, 36% of these managers work in manufacturing, 27% work in engineering services, and 8% work for the government.
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$165,370
Industrial Production Manager
Industrial production managers supervise industrial plants, planning and organizing production activities. They also set performance and quality goals and evaluate and monitor safety, quality, and performance progress. According to the BLS, 11% of these managers work in fabricated metal products manufacturing, 9% work in transportation equipment manufacturing, and 9% work in chemical manufacturing.
- Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$116,970
Construction Management Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Construction Management
Yes, you can make over $100,000 per year as a construction manager. Top-paying states include New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Professionals in these states earn an average salary exceeding $144,000.
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