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If you’re creative, have a knack for building, and prefer to spend your day away from a desk, you might have thought about working in construction. But what if you want to take on a leadership role and rise to a managerial position? In the construction field, aspiring leaders might consider earning a degree in construction management.
Many online construction management degree programs in USA offer quality education to their students. In this article, we discuss how an online bachelor’s degree in construction management can help you build your career.
What is a construction management degree?
A bachelor’s degree in construction management teaches all aspects of managing a construction project, from the initial planning phase to completion. In this degree, students learn how to manage resources, meet budgets, prepare estimates, schedule work, manage subcontractors, and communicate with managers and others involved in construction projects.
Working in construction management requires an understanding of construction principles and leadership concepts, so a bachelor’s degree combined with relevant work experience can prepare you for success in this role.
Full-time professors and experienced construction industry professionals teach courses in online construction management degree programs. Admission to these programs typically requires relevant work experience that prepares students for careers in construction management.
What Can You Do With an Online Bachelor in Construction Management?
Earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management will help you learn the necessary skills for the field. Graduates can also earn a Masters in Construction Management.
Upon graduation, in addition to a solid understanding of design principles, you should also have certain skills such as the following:
- Written and oral communication skills
- Business skills, such as hiring and managing employees and understanding budgets
- Leadership skills in working with subcontractors, construction workers and other managers
- Technical skills related to the construction industry
- Analytical skills to plan, strategize and problem solve
career paths
Many types of companies are hiring for construction management-related positions. Below we list some potential career opportunities for construction management graduates.
- Expert for building supervision
- construction manager
- Contract Administrator
- estimator
- Building supervisor
- field inspector
- project engineer
- project manager
- security officer
- planner
- construction manager
- Superintendent
- Sustainability Advisor
Admission requirements for an online bachelor’s degree in construction management
Below are some typical admissions requirements for this degree. As each educational institution has its own specific requirements, these may vary depending on the program chosen.
- ACT or SAT scores
- A completed application
- registration fee
- Appropriate computer equipment and software
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Minimum GPA (2.5 to 3.0 is common)
- Official transcripts from high school or previous college-level academic achievement
Joint courses in an online construction management degree
Whether online or in person, a bachelor’s degree in construction management typically includes 120 to 125 credits of coursework, which you should be able to complete in two to four years. Below we examine some courses that are typically found in an online bachelor’s degree in construction management. Note that specific coursework varies by program.
Construction contract documents and project delivery
This course covers construction contracts and the responsibilities and relationships between the people involved in those contracts. It also examines the concepts of project delivery, project manuals, and working drawings.
environmental control systems
This course provides fundamental design knowledge in areas such as air conditioning, electrical systems and plumbing.
architectural graphics
In this course, you will learn to read and understand engineering drawings, architectural graphics, and other documents. It also covers how to create your own drawings using computer-aided design technology.
construction planning
This course teaches general practices in planning and scheduling projects in the construction industry.
Commercial design and construction
This course focuses on essential systems in commercial construction projects, such as: B. Sustainability standards, interface issues and building regulations.
floor laboratory
In this course you will learn how different soil types affect construction projects.
Calculation and preparation of offers
This course teaches techniques for estimating costs and preparing bids for construction projects.
Legal environment and economy
This course covers topics related to consumer protection, product liability, ethics, justice and labor rights.
Why should you get your Bachelors in Construction Management online?
With technology developing so rapidly, more and more universities and colleges have started offering online degree programs. Online learning offers a variety of benefits, including schedule flexibility and cost savings.
If you’re struggling to stay focused or motivated to complete your work, online learning may not suit your learning style. Attending classes in person provides a focused classroom environment free from the distractions you may have at home.
However, keep in mind the following general benefits of an online degree.
Flexible schedule
Many online degree programs allow you to get your work done on your schedule. This is called asynchronous learning.
If you don’t have to be in a classroom at a set time to attend your courses, you have more flexibility to complete coursework at your leisure. If your job has a challenging schedule or you have important commitments outside of school, schedule flexibility can be a big help.
Lower transportation costs
Taking classes online can help you avoid the costs associated with commuting to school. This can make a world of difference for people who don’t live close to campus, and especially those who attend school out of state.
time saving
When you don’t have to spend time commuting to your classes, you can have more time for the things you enjoy. Additionally, many online self-paced programs allow you to complete your coursework at an accelerated pace, saving you overall time in completing your degree.
Expanded networking opportunities
In an online construction management degree, you may have more opportunities to connect and network with other students in other states or even other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Construction Management Degrees
Which Degree is Best for Construction Management?
It is common for construction managers to have a bachelor’s degree, but a bachelor’s degree is not necessarily required for all construction management jobs. Some employers may hire you if you have an associate’s degree and several years of relevant work experience, or no degree and several years of relevant work experience.
Is there a lot of mathematics in construction management?
There is some math involved in construction management. You should understand basic accounting and budgeting concepts, and you can expect to take some form of accounting or math course in your undergraduate degree.
Are site managers in demand?
Yes, site managers are in demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction manager employment is expected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average growth rate of other occupations.
