How to Earn a Degree in Construction Management

Construction project managers are a valuable asset on any building project team. Essentially, they work on behalf of the owners to make sure the construction company, architects, and engineers are all on the same page. They make sure that construction projects are completed on time, and within budget.

There are many routes to become a construction manager. Some people enter the field from careers in construction, architecture, or project management. Others choose to earn a formal degree in construction management. A degree in construction management has many advantages, and graduates from such programs have broad knowledge of management, business, and construction science.

The first step is to decide what level of education you want to achieve. There are programs that offer 2-year, 4-year, and graduate degrees in construction management. If you already work in construction and have experience in oversight and quality control, your employer may pay for you to get an Associate's degree in construction project management. These 2-year programs are available at many community colleges, or special technical institutes.

If you have little experience in building and construction, a Bachelor's or Master's degree will help you find employment more easily. If you already have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a different subject, it will take you less than 4 years to receive another degree in construction management.

Next, decide whether to attend live classes at a traditional school, or earn a degree online. There are many online degree programs for construction science and management, both 2-year and 4-year programs.

Once you decide on the type of construction management program fits your needs, research different schools. A popular alternative to traditional universities and community colleges (non-profits) are technical institutes and trade schools (for-profit). Many for-profit schools offer condensed, specialized instruction, and have great job placement rates for graduates. They can also be rather expensive, so you may need need to look for financial aid.

More and more community colleges are offering technical degrees, such as construction management, and other construction sciences. One advantage of these schools is that they are affordable, and the credits transfer more easily to 4-year colleges. The main drawback is that enrollment is competetive. If you can't secure a spot in a community college program, you can still earn a construction management degree at a pricier technical school.

Consider the cost of your education, and compare tuition rates to your projected salary increase. The median base salary for a construction manager is around $110,000 per year, and with bonuses and benefits, it is often around $140,000. Starting salaries in construction project management are about $75,000-$90,000 depending on background. There is the potential to make a lot of money in this field, despite the cost of earning a degree. Often, employers offer tuition reimbursement, so talk to your company about getting a free education.

When you have earned a degree in construction management, you will become eligible for certification by CMAA--Construction Management Association of America. This is an organization of construction professionals, and a credential from this group will look great on a resume. Though it is possible to become a construction manager without a formal degree, only degree holders can apply for CMAA certification.

© Had2Know 2010