The Best Training for Construction Management
in 2021
Do you know that construction management job opportunities will grow by eight percent by 2029? This projected figure from the Bureau of Labor Statistics means that you will be able to find a construction management job in the next few years.
The highest earners in the construction management industry are those with degrees and other forms of higher education. Read our guide to the best construction management schools and programs in 2021.
Rundown: The Top 10 Construction Management Programs in 2021
There are many different schools for a construction management degree in the United States. At a glance, check out the best schools, program options, locations, and certifications. They can help you become a construction manager.
The information on this table was collected directly from each school’s website. Costs are per year unless otherwise stated.
School | State | Programs and Cost | Certifications |
---|---|---|---|
Arizona State University | AZ | Bachelor of Science in Construction Management $11,338 in-state $28,336 out-of-state Master of Science in Construction Management Technology (Online) $543 to $1,343 per credit |
None |
Brigham Young University | UT | Bachelor of Science in Construction Management $6,120 |
None |
California State University – Sacramento | CA | Bachelor of Science in Construction Management $3,696 |
None |
Central Connecticut State University | CT | Bachelor of Science in Construction Management $5,731 to $12,433 per term |
None |
California State University – East Bay | CA | Certificate in Construction Management $4,725 Bachelor of Science in Construction Management $7,000 in-state $18,880 out-of-state |
None |
Louisiana State University | LA | Bachelor of Science in Construction Management $11,962 in-state $28,639 out-of-state Master of Science in Construction Management $12,541 in-state $29,456 out-of-state PhD in Construction Management $12,541 in-state $29,456 out-of-state |
None |
Minnesota State University – Mankato | MN | Bachelor of Science in Construction Management $297.80 per credit |
None |
New York University | NY | Bachelor of Science in Construction Management $29,370 Master of Science in Construction Management $22,699 |
None |
Purdue University | IN | Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Technology $12,880 in-state $25,027 out-of-state Master of Science in Construction Management $30,000 |
None |
Wentworth Institute of Technology | MA | Bachelor of Science in Construction Management $37,050 Master of Science in Construction Management $39,760 |
None |
How to Pick the Best Construction Management School for You
There are several factors you should consider when you’re choosing a school. Remember that the job role requires a level of on-field work experience. So, there is no guarantee that you will land a construction manager job right after graduation. The factors you may have control over are listed below.
Timeline
How much time have you set aside for higher education? If you want the whole college experience, you should apply to a full-time four-year college for a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management. If you don’t have the time or resources to attend a four-year college, opt for an associate degree from a community college.
Associate degrees run for just two years. You may also get construction work without any higher education and work your way up to a management position. In this case, you will need a minimum of eight years of construction experience.
Cost of Attendance
What’s the total cost of attendance for the school you want? Is it something you can afford out of pocket? If not, will financial aid be available? These are some key questions you should get answers to before applying for a program. Even when you can access financial assistance, consider the long-term repayment terms and pick the most favorable option.
Accreditation and Certification
To boost your chances of securing work in the United States, you need to be approved by the Construction Management Association of America. So, the school or program should be accredited to prepare students for the association’s Certified Construction Manager examination (CCM). The cost of this certification is separate from your regular school tuition.
The Best Construction Management Schools of 2021
Below is a detailed list of the best construction management schools and programs in 2021.
Arizona State University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Master of Science in Construction Management Technology
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Online Options
Yes
This public research institute has an extensive course that prepares you for the CCM examination. The bachelor’s degree runs for four years, while the online master’s degree can be completed in half this time. Students are also mandated to attend two internships during the bachelor’s program to gain construction experience.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Curriculum
Residential and commercial construction
Fundamentals of concrete construction
Specialty construction training
Brigham Young University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Accreditation
Higher Educational Institution by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online Options
None available
One of the key advantages of learning construction at BYU is that you will get over 300 hours of on-field experience. Combined with the regular coursework, this goes a long way to boost your resume. Keep in mind that this is a faith-based school and curriculum.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Curriculum
Construction project accounting
Masonry and concrete construction
Construction law
California State University - Sacramento
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Options
None available
This program at CSU is offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. It is a four-year bachelor’s degree that combines technical skills with transferable skills. Although it has a high credit requirement, this program can teach you everything you need to know.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Curriculum
Control, planning, and scheduling
Construction human resource relations
Foundations and soils
Construction graphics
Central Connecticut State University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Options
None available
This school offers an extensive Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. For graduation, you need 58 construction credits and 18 business credits. This gives you a well-rounded knowledge of what it takes to become a construction manager. In keeping with other universities, you will be prepared to take the CCM after graduation.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Curriculum
Construction graphics and quantity
Highway construction estimating
Construction business principles
California State University - East Bay
Programs
Certificate in Construction Management
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Options
None available
The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management covers the engineering aspects of the sector. However, you will also get some business classes and courses from other departments. The certificate program runs for just 12 months, and it is designed for construction workers who want to dive into management roles.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Curriculum
Construction engineering economy
Construction scheduling
Principles of green building and environmental issues in construction
Louisiana State University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Master of Science in Construction Management
PhD in Construction Management
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
Yes
This department is part of the LSU College of Engineering. You can earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD at this school. The bachelor’s degree takes place on-campus and runs for four years. It blends business with construction.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Curriculum
Construction cost control and scheduling
Plan reading and interpretation
Civil materials in construction
Minnesota State University - Mankato
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Online Options
None available
This university offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. The degree covers residential and commercial construction. Students combine their regular coursework with internship hours in reputable construction firms in Minnesota. The total credit requirement is 120, and these include technical subjects.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Curriculum
Construction scheduling and planning
Construction documentation
Equipment management in construction
New York University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Master of Science in Construction Management
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Options
Yes
If you want to go to school in New York, this school offers an excellent program. The program covers everything you need to know about the technical and legal aspects of construction. You can also get an internship. The master’s degree allows construction management students to specialize in online classes.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Curriculum
Construction documentation and contracts
Non-structural construction building systems
Construction law and contract
Purdue University
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Master of Science in Construction Management
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Online Options
Yes
During this bachelor’s degree, you will gain over 800 hours of practical experience. It is one of the few programs that allows students to specialize in healthcare management. The master’s program can be completed in two or three years, and you can specialize further in the field.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Curriculum
Residential and commercial management
Healthcare construction
Electrical and mechanical construction
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Master of Science in Construction Management
Accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Options
Yes
The majority of lessons in this school take place on construction sites. Students apply what they have learned during their coursework. This approach allows you to gather hands-on experience and record field hours while you study. On campus, there are labs fitted with state-of-the-art construction technology for your benefit.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Curriculum
Construction business and finance
Quality control
Material testing
How Much Can You Earn as a Construction Manager?
The salary range for construction career opportunities varies based on job title and location. Right now, the highest-paying city for construction managers in the United States is Sunnyvale, California, according to ZipRecruiter. Companies in the city pay an average of $100,702 annually.
Below is a table of some of the best positions in the construction industry.
The Highest-Paying Construction Management Roles
Why You Should Be a Construction Manager in 2021
If you have natural leadership and organizational skills, all you need to become a construction manager is technical training and real-world experience. If you start your training in 2021, you will complete it in two to four years. Then you can start working your way up the ladder.
The job outlook for construction managers is impressive, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Between 2009 and 2029, the estimated growth rate is eight percent. The BLS reports that this is four percent above the national average for all occupations. You will be able to find a job once you graduate from one of these programs.