Best Online Construction Management Degree
Construction management is ideal for task-oriented individuals who don’t want to sit behind a desk all day. Construction management often involves on-site supervision and decision-making against a tight deadline.
With a median pay of more than $100,000 and a faster-than-average projected job growth rate, a construction management degree can set students up for a successful career.
Read on to learn more about construction management degrees and how to break into this fast-growing field.
Featured Online Construction Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Construction Management Program?
If you enjoy spending time on a job site and have an aptitude for business management, you might do well with construction management. The program typically requires 120 credits, including both general education coursework and major classes. Some schools also require students to take related courses in areas like economics or accounting.
Construction management focuses heavily on math, science, and engineering. You’ll also delve into safety regulations, project management, and sustainability. Some courses require lab work as well as a capstone experience or internship.
Online programs in construction management typically do not require any in-person attendance or residency. Construction management programs typically do not offer separate concentrations, but they may allow you to choose electives or interdepartmental courses to match your specific interests.
AI in Construction Management
Artificial intelligence and machine learning is set to reshape the landscape across industries — construction managers will need to be familiar with the technology regardless of whether they’re working behind a desk or on site.
While AI won’t replace on-site workers and managers anytime soon, being familiar with the fast-growing and high-demand technology can give you a leg up on the competition when it comes to finding jobs after graduation. AI can help with numerous aspects of construction management, like writing reports and sifting through data, so seeking out a program that features some AI instruction may boost your employability and job prospects.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Construction Management Programs
- In-State$17,520
- Out-of-state$17,520
- In-State$19,200
- Out-of-state$19,200
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled2,247
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,036
- Out-of-state$19,960
- In-State$7,542
- Out-of-state$14,814
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled12,144
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,480
- Out-of-state$15,480
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled16,670
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Colorado State University-Pueblo
- Pueblo, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,349
- Out-of-state$19,658
- In-State$5,651
- Out-of-state$16,803
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled7,081
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$7,999
- Out-of-state$7,999
- In-State$6,012
- Out-of-state$6,012
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,415
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Construction Management Program?
Construction Materials and Methods
This course introduces popular types of construction materials, including their properties and common uses. It also explores the typical sequencing of a construction project and may provide an introduction to commonly used construction equipment.Soils in Construction
This lab course teaches students about common soil types and how they can affect construction. Students also learn how best to deal with problems, such as nearby sinkholes and unusually dry and dusty conditions, based on the unique characteristics of the specific soil type.Construction Scheduling
In this course, students learn how to perform time estimates, plan construction projects, and schedule projects appropriately. This course also covers delays and what to do to get a delayed project back on track.Construction Accounting and Finance
This course focuses on accounting and finance principles as they relate to the construction field. Students delve into topics like cash flow, time value, depreciation, and payment processing.Cost Estimating and Bidding
In this course, students learn to break down complex construction projects into their component parts and estimate the costs for each component. They explore how to prepare a bid sheet and how to deal with cost overruns.
Featured Online Construction Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Construction Management Degree?
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that construction manager jobs will grow by 9% between 2023-2033, faster than the average growth rate for all jobs (4%). Construction managers had a median annual salary of $104,900 per year as of May 2023, according to the BLS.
Salary potential and job market projections compare favorably to other undergraduate degrees. With a construction management degree, you can also go into related fields like facilities management or sustainability consulting.
Career Paths
Construction Manager
Construction managers are responsible for both small-scale and large-scale construction projects from start to finish. Duties include cost estimating, planning, hiring subcontractors, overseeing and reporting on progress, ensuring legal compliance, and solving any issues that arise. Construction managers collaborate closely with other professionals, including architects.
- Median Annual Salary:$104,900
Facilities Manager
Facilities managers are responsible for all aspects of a company’s buildings and grounds, along with related supplies and equipment. Duties include planning and overseeing renovations; recommending upgrades for efficiency or code compliance, and managing a team of groundskeepers, maintenance workers, and janitorial staff.
- Median Annual Salary:$104,900
Sustainability Consultant
A sustainability consultant works with companies to help them implement more environmentally friendly materials and processes. Sustainability consultants may work on new construction projects in the planning phase, helping corporations gain tax credits for green initiatives and avoid cap and trade penalties for carbon emissions.
- Average Annual Salary:$72,390 (Payscale, April 2024)
Construction Cost Estimator
Construction cost estimators focus specifically on the financial aspects of construction projects. They use blueprints and technical documents to understand the project and then create detailed estimates based on materials and labor costs. They use sophisticated processes and software to consider potential effects. Cost estimators may also suggest project timelines.
- Median Annual Salary:$74,740
Building Inspector
Building inspectors make sure that buildings meet all relevant codes, are structurally sound, and are safe overall. Building inspectors generally work for the local government, inspecting both new construction and remodels. They may also work privately, inspecting buildings for potential purchasers to uncover any hidden issues before completing the sale.
Although the position does not always require a degree, some companies allow applicants to substitute a degree for some of the otherwise extensive required work experience.
- Median Annual Salary:$67,700
Continuing Education
Although not always necessary, you can choose to go on to earn a master’s degree in construction management. Earning an advanced degree could open up additional opportunities for raises or promotions.
A master’s degree could also be helpful when trying to switch to a different career focus. For example, if a student has experience primarily in cost estimating but wants to become a facilities manager, earning a master’s degree could help make the student more competitive.
Construction Management Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Construction Management Degrees
With a median salary of $104,900 as of May 2023 according to the BLS, a construction management job can offer you a hefty return on investment.
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