Earning your Master’s in Construction Management online is beneficial in many ways. Most importantly, a Masters’s degree in Construction Management will provide you with the knowledge and abilities you will need to effectively manage construction projects of all sizes. You will be able to handle the day to day operations that are needed to keep a project running smoothly and on track with deadlines. You will also be able to work with other contractors to ensure that every aspect of the project is completed to the highest of standards.
Working toward your degree online makes it possible for you to continue to work at your current position. Learning online offers a level of flexibility that allows you the opportunity to succeed. Not only will you be able to work, you will have the convenience of being able to study at times that best fit into your schedule. Online courses can be studied at any time and from any location. You will also have the opportunity to utilize your newfound knowledge while you are hard at work supporting your family. Choosing online courses is one of the best ways to move forward in your career without having to give up your job or miss out on any family activities.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Construction Management Master’s Degree Programs
For prospective graduate students, Best Master’s Programs editors know that practical considerations come first. That’s why BMP features accredited, respected institutions that have proven to have a positive impact on students’ careers. Programs are ranked by tuition cost, reputation, and potential salary, using IPEDS and Niche data.
1. University of Washington
The University of Washington offers one of the west coast’s best online masters in construction management degree program with its Master of Science in Construction Management that can be completed entirely online. The University of Washington’s best online construction management masters degree can be completed full-time or part-time and can be finished in about one to three years, depending on the chosen course load. Coursework for The University of Washington’s graduate construction degree includes design and construction law, construction materials, cost analysis, environmental regulations, energy infrastructure, and heave constructing estimating, among others.
The University of Washington (Washington) was established in 1861. The University of Washington is a space-grant and sea-grant university that serves more than 47,100 students vying for degrees offered by the University of Washington’s 135+ academic divisions/departments. The University of Washington is recognized as one of the oldest higher learning institutions on the U.S. west coast.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
2. Purdue University
Purdue University offers an MS in Construction Management that is considered among the nation’s best online construction management masters degree programs. Students enrolled in Purdue University’s best online masters in construction management degree program graduate prepared to enter the workforce as project managers, senior claims analysts, construction consultants, designers, and building inspectors, to name a few. While the graduate degree curriculum is entirely online, there are interactive classes each week for degree candidates. For non-thesis degree candidates, the time to complete this program is about two years.
Purdue University (Purdue) was chartered in 1869 as the result of the Morrill Land Act. Purdue University is the space-grant, sea-grant, and land-grant, flagship institution of higher learning that serves more than 42,000 students. Purdue University holds the distinction of having the 2nd largest of student enrollments in the Hoosier state of Indiana.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
3. University of Illinois
The University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering offers a CEE – Civil & Environmental Engineering degree program with its Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Construction Management that is considered among the best online construction management masters degree programs available. Coursework for U of I’s best online masters in construction management degree program includes construction law, construction productivity, construction cost analysis, sustainable construction methods, visual sensing for civil infrastructure engineering and management, and construction case studies, to name a few.
The University of Illinois (U of I) was established under the Morrill Act in 1867. This public higher learning institution serves more than 51,100 students on its dual campuses in Urban and Champaign. The University of Illinois holds the distinction of being the host to the Supercomputing Applications and home to the fasted supercomputer located within a university campus.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
4. Stevens Institute of Technology
The Stevens Institute of Technology Schaefer Engineering and Science School offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Construction management that is among the country’s best online masters in construction management degree programs. This best online construction management masters degree program includes classes in construction safety management, computer applications in the construction process, advanced project controls, construction management, sustainable design, and strategic responses to cyclical environments, among others. Students enrolled in the graduate construction degree program from SIT must complete 30 semester credits to meet program requirements.
Stevens Institute of Technology (Stevens Tech) was established in 1870. More than 6,000 students attend classes offered by SIT and hail from more than 50 countries across the globe. Stevens Institute of Technology holds the distinction of being the first higher learning institution strictly dedicated to mechanical engineering education.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
5. University of Florida
The University of Florida Rinker School of Construction Management offers a Master of International Construction Management that is among Florida’s best online masters in construction management degree programs. Classes offered for Florida’s best online construction management masters degree program include construction value management, construction ecology, green buildings, construction human resource management, and principles of international sustainable construction, to name a few. Additionally, degree candidates in the University of Florida’s graduate construction degree program will conduct relevant supervised research as a part of their graduate studies.
The University of Florida was established under the Morrill Act in 1853. In addition, the University of Florida is also a space-grant and a sea-grant institution of higher education that serves more than 56,300 students from its Gainesville campus. The University of Florida’s athletes are known as the ‘gators and have won more than 40 national championships during their century-plus existence.
Degree: Master of International Construction Management
6. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers an MS in Construction Project Management that is recognized among the industry’s best online masters in construction management degree programs. This best online construction management masters degree program from Worcester Polytech requires the completion of 33 semester credits, including classes in advanced project management, financial decision making for value, advanced cost estimating, negotiations & conflict-resolution within the construction industry, managing complex systems, among others. Overall, the curriculum pulls from the fields of civil engineering, business, economics, management science, and system dynamics.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute was established in 1865. The school’s suburban campus in the center of Massachusetts is home to more than 6,500 students and offers more than 80 acres of facilities. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is recognized as one of the first and a continued leader in the field of engineering and technology.
Degree: MS in Construction Project Management
7. Iowa State University
Iowa State University offers a Master’s in Construction Engineering and Management that is among the marketplace’s best online construction management masters degree programs. Iowa State’s best online masters in construction management degree program includes classes in structural analysis, structural health monitoring, traffic engineering, pavement preservation and rehabilitation, and special construction topics, to name a few. Students enrolled in Iowa State’s graduate degree in construction management must complete a total of 30 semester credits, of which 22 graduate credits must be earned from Iowa State University.
Iowa State University was established in 1858. The university’s urban campus in Ames is home to more than 33,100 undergraduate and graduate degree students. As the first land grant university awarded under the Morrill Act, Iowa State became the country’s model for all others. Iowa State University is a space-grant school and the flagship institution of higher education for the state.
Degree: MEng Construction Engineering and Management
8. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an MS in Construction Management and Technology that is recognized among the industry’s best online construction management masters degree programs. Coursework for Arizona State University’s best online masters in construction management degree program includes facilities project management, construction productivity, construction company financial control, alternative project delivery methods, and principles of leadership, among others. Students graduate from this graduate degree to find rewarding careers in information technology in construction, sustainability, construction project management, or facilities operations/maintenance.
Arizona State University was established in 1885 when Arizona was a territory to train teachers for the American West. ASU operates multiple campuses with a student enrollment that is one of the nation’s largest that exceeds 100,000 students. ASU athletes, the Sun Devils have won numerous national championships in a number of sports and areas.
Degree: MS in Construction Management and Technology
9. Clemson University
Clemson University’s Nieri Department of Construction Science & Management offers a Master of Construction Management that is considered among South Carolina’s best online masters in construction management degree programs. Clemson University’s best online construction management masters degree program requires degree candidates to complete 30 semester credits in classes like construction control systems, construction management research, managing integrated project delivery, construction industry personnel management, contractor’s role in development/construction, reducing adversarial relations in construction, plus a directed studies project and a master’s thesis, among others.
Clemson University was established under the Morrill Land Grant in 1889. In addition, Clemson University is a public, sea-grant institution of higher education that serves more than 25,200 students from its suburban location in Clemson, South Carolina. Clemson’s name honors Thomas Green Clemson, the son-in-law of a slaveholder and 7th U.S. Vice President.
Degree: Master of Construction Management
10. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Engineering/Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE) offers a Master of Engineering with an academic concentration in Construction Engineering Management that is among the best online masters in construction management degree programs. Students enrolled in The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s best online construction management masters degree program can complete this program in only nineteen months. College Consensus ranks UA Birmingham’s graduate level engineering in construction management among the best in the United States. Degree candidates must complete 30 semester credits to meet program requirements.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham was established in 1969. More than 22,100 students attend classes offered by UA Birmingham’s twelve academic colleges/schools. While the University of Alabama at Birmingham was initially designed to be an extension center, it was finally an independent higher learning institution in 1969.
Degree: MEng Construction Management
11. University of Houston
The University of Houston offers one of the best online construction management masters degree programs in Texas and beyond with its Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Construction Management. Students enrolled in the University of Houston’s best online masters in construction management degree program are required to complete 31 semester credits, with a minimum GPA of 30. Coursework covers the areas of risk analysis, green construction, quality management, computer applications for construction, and estimating/scheduling, among others.
The University of Houston (Houston) was established in 1927 as a regional junior college. U.H., as a research higher learning institution, offers more than 275 academic degrees from the university’s fourteen colleges/schools. More than 45,900 students attend classes on the school’s 600+ acre campus. The first classes offered by the University of Houston were held in the local high school in San Jacinto.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
12. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California Viterbi Engineering School offers one of the state’s best online masters in construction management degree programs with its Master of Science in Construction Management that can be completed entirely online. Students graduate from Southern Cal’s Birmingham’s best online construction management masters degree program and enter the workforce as project managers, construction managers, real estate developers, and building/design management, among others. Full-time students finish in two years or less, whereas part-time students typically finish in 2.5 to 3.5 years, depending on course load.
The University of Southern California was established in 1880. The school’s urban location in Los Angeles serves more than 48,300 students with a total staff that exceeds 20,000 administrative and academic workers. The University of Southern California holds the distinction of being the oldest research higher learning institution that is privately operated.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
13. Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University offers an MS in Construction Management that is considered the education marketplace’s state’s best online masters in construction management degree programs. LSU’s best online construction management masters degree program requires degree candidates to complete 36 semester credits that also prepares students for the Associate Constructor Level 1 Exam (A1C). Classes include project delivery, research methods in construction management, natural hazard resistant construction, decision making tools, construction dispute resolution, concrete materials, and advanced sustainable construction, to name a few.
Louisiana State University was established under the Morrill Land Grant Act in 1860. In addition, Louisiana State University is also a sea-grant and space-grant school that is the state’s flagship campus as well. More than 31,400 students attend classes offered by LSU. LSU is home to the only veterinary school in the entire state of Louisiana.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
14. Florida International University
Florida International University’s College of Engineering, in conjunction with the Moss School of Construction, Infrastructure, and Sustainability, offers one of the best online masters in construction management degree programs in the Southern United States with its Master of Science in Construction Management. FIU’s best online construction management masters degree program requires degree candidates to complete 30 semester credits, including courses in construction economic analysis, productivity in construction, construction safety management, value engineering, construction claims, topics in international construction, and sustainable construction, to name a few.
Florida International University was established in 1965. More than 58,500 attend classes on FIU’s South Florida campus. Florida International University is one of the member schools of the Florida state school system and a space-grant school. Florida International University has been recognized by the state’s legislature as one of the Sunshine State’s emerging preeminent higher learning institutions.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
15. North Dakota State University
The North Dakota State University offers one of the state’s best online masters in construction management degree programs with its M.S. in Construction Management degree program. This best online construction management masters degree program from NDSU requires the completion of 31 graduate semester credits, with several credits devoted to a research project or thesis. Classes for NDSU’s graduate construction degree program include scheduling & project control, cost estimating, construction management, and construction technology and equipment, plus a master’s thesis.
North Dakota State University (North Dakota State) was established in 1890. The university’s urban campus in Fargo serves more than 13,100 students. North Dakota State University was chartered only a year after the state of North Dakota reached statehood. North Dakota State University is one of the top five employers in the state of North Dakota.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
16. Drexel University
Drexel University offers an M.S. in Construction Management that is ranked among the nation’s best online masters in construction management degree programs. Drexel’s best online construction management masters degree program offers degree candidates three academic clusters – real estate development, construction project management, and sustainability and green construction. This graduate degree in construction from Drexel has no residency requirement and no on-site visits. Classes for this degree include construction control techniques, cost estimating, leadership in construction, and risk management, to name a few. In addition, students must complete a culminating capstone project to complete this 45 semester credit program.
Drexel University was established in 1891 by financier Anthony Drexel, dedicated to coeducational teachings of the practical arts. The university’s Philadelphia campus is home to more than 24,100 students. Drexel often ranks among the top public, a best value, and most innovative schools regularly.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
17. East Carolina University
East Carolina University’s College of Engineering & Technology/Department of Construction Management offers one of North Carolina’s best online construction management masters degree programs with its Master’s in Construction Management (MSCM). This best online masters in construction management degree program from East Carolina University includes classes in residential sustainability, ethical practices in construction, global management in construction, quality control systems, construction safety management, research methods for construction, risk analysis, and advanced applications in construction, plus a capstone or thesis culminating project. Students enrolled in ECU’s construction degree program must complete 30 semester credits to meet program requirements.
East Carolina University was established in 1907 to train educators in the south. East Carolina University operates multiple campuses that encompass more than 1,500 acres that serve more than 29,000 students. East Carolina University is recognized as the state of North Carolina’s fourth largest higher learning institutions.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
18. Pittsburgh State University
Pittsburgh State University offers a Master of Engineering Technology with an academic emphasis in Construction management that is considered among the state’s best online construction management masters degree programs. Pitt State’s This best online masters in construction management degree program includes these core classes – quality management and control, current issues in engineering technology, systems engineering and analysis, engineering project management and value engineering, plus specialty courses. Students can opt for a track that includes research and a thesis or a technical specialty track.
Pittsburgh State University was established in 1903 as a satellite facility of a teacher’s training college. The university’s campus in rural Pittsburgh is home to more than 6,500 students. Pittsburgh State University is home to the state’s largest academic facility, the school’s technology center.
Degree: MET in Construction Management
19. University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso offers an MS in Construction Management that is considered among the country’s best online construction management masters degree programs. UTEP’s 30-credit best online masters in construction management degree program can be completed entirely online. Coursework for UTEP’s construction management degree includes construction methods, earth construction, scheduling, advanced construction safety, cost analysis & bidding, sustainable constructions, advanced mechanical, electrical construction, plus a construction internship, among others.
The University of Texas (U.T. El Paso) was established in 1914. UTEP’s urban campus serves more than 25,100 students and hosts the college football Sun Bowl annually. The University of Texas at El Paso is the second largest school, with more than 80% of the student population that is Mexican-American.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
20. University of Wisconsin Stout
The University of Wisconsin offers an M.S. in Construction Management that is considered among Editor’s Choice as one of the country’s best online construction management masters degree programs. UW Stout’s best online masters in construction management degree program includes occupational risk control and safety, construction strategy, finance and economics in construction, supply chain management, sustainable construction, plus resource recovery and waste management, among others. The University of Wisconsin Stout’s program objectives align with the ACCE master’s education learning outcomes.
The University of Wisconsin Stout was established in 1891. The university is a member school of the state’s university system and serves more than 9,100 students on its 100+ acre rural campus. The University of Wisconsin Stout is recognized as the state’s polytechnic school and the first higher learning institution in Wisconsin to receive certification by the USDLA for distance learning practices.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
21. University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico’s School of Engineering offers a Master of Construction Management degree that is ranked as one of the state and nation’s best online masters in construction management degree programs. UNM’s best online construction management masters degree program requires the completion of 30 semester credits in classes like construction safety, simulation and design of construction operations, construction law, project delivery systems, principles of written construction documents, soils in construction, engineering in project management, and temporary support structures, to name a few.
The University of New Mexico (UMexico) was established in 1889, when New Mexico was still a territory. More than 26,100 students attend classes offered by the UMN. The University of New Mexico operates campuses through the state in Taos, Gallup, Los Alamos, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque (main campus), and Los Lunas.
Degree: Master of Construction Management
22. Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Business and Technology offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Technology Management with an academic emphasis in construction management that is ranked among the best online masters in construction management degree available programs. Recent graduates of EKU’s best online construction management masters degree program have been employed by Messer Construction, Lockheed martin, Bosch, Enersys, and Hitachi Auto, to name a few. Coursework for this graduate degree includes economics for lean operations, new construction entity, LEED principles, creative problem solving and construction portfolio management, plus a synthesis experience in applied learning or research, among others.
Eastern Kentucky University was established in 1874. Eastern Kentucky University’s campuses serve more than 15,000 students – including those who study online. Eastern Kentucky University is a multiple campus school offering educational facilities in Richmond, Manchester, Corbin, Lancaster, and Hazard, Kentucky.
Degree: MS in Technology Management – Construction Management
23. Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University College of Engineering and Technology (CET)/ Kimmel School of Construction Management offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Construction Management that is recognized among the western portion of North Carolina’s best online masters in construction management degree programs. Coursework for the Western Carolina University’s best online construction management masters degree program includes leadership in construction management, research methods, computer applications in construction, advanced legal issues in construction, and sustainability in construction, to name a few. Best College Reviews ranks WCU’s online program as the best in the nation.
Western Carolina University was established in 1905 as an academy. The school’s rural campus is located within the Tuskegee River valley that serves more than 12,000 students. Western Carolina University is recognized as the fifth oldest of member schools within the state’s university system.
Degree: MS in Construction Management
24. University of Tennessee Chatanooga
The University of Tennessee’s College of Computer Science and Engineering offers a Master’s of Engineering with an academic emphasis in Construction Management that is considered among the country’s best online masters in construction management degree programs. U.T. Chattanooga’s best online construction management masters degree program includes classes in technical project management, strategic management & technology, advanced engineering, strategic bidding, construction law, and advanced operations, to name a few. The University of Tennessee’s graduate degree in construction requires degree candidates to complete 33 semester credits of the prescribed curriculum.
The University of Tennessee was established in 1886. U.T. Chattanooga is a member school of the University of Tennessee System. The university’s urban campus in Chattanooga covers more than 300 acres and serves more than 10,100 students. The University of Tennessee operates with semesters with five mini-terms occurring during the summer months.
Degree: MEng Construction Management
25. Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University College of Engineering offers a Master of Construction Engineering Management that is considered as one of the nation’s country’s best online masters in construction management degree programs. Lawrence Technological University’s best online construction management masters degree program can be completed entirely online in only about a year and one-half after completing a total of 30 graduate semester credits. Coursework for Lawrence Tech’s graduate construction degree program includes sustainable construction practices, construction law, principles of construction accounting/finance, project planning & control, and design-build project delivery principles, among others.
Lawrence Technological University was established as a private institution of higher education in 1932. The university Southfield suburban campus serves more than 4,100 students and covers more than 100 acres. The school operates with four colleges/schools. Steve Balmer, former CEO of Microsoft, and John DeLorean, Former G.M. exec are both alumni of Lawrence Technological University.
Degree: Master of Construction Engineering Management
How Do I Choose an Online Construction Management Masters?
You should choose an accredited online construction management degree program that provides you with the skills and knowledge you feel will best support your career goals. Different colleges and universities offer a variety of Masters in Construction Management. If you prefer an online program, look for those that include the courses you feel you need to succeed. Some degree programs are created with certain aspects of the industry in mind. Others are more generalized.
Another factor in choosing an accredited online construction management degree is cost. Affordable programs can be found if you know what to look for and what resources you have at your disposal. While student loans are expensive, there are scholarships and grant programs that are available to students who have chosen to enter into a post-graduate degree program. You may also want to talk to your employer about an educational reimbursement program in which they will pay you back for the cost of your education once you pass your classes. This is an excellent way to pay for school and shows your employer your interest in moving forward.
Is a Master’s in Construction Management Worth It?
Construction management is a lucrative career for those who enjoy working within this fast-paced and steadily growing industry. Individuals with little to no experience as a manager may earn around $30,000 a year to start. As their years of experience and level of education continue to accumulate, that number will also continue to grow steadily. While many continue to earn on the job experience, others choose to enroll in an online Construction Management Master’s degree program. Continuing your education will allow you to learn about the latest trends within the industry and will ensure that you have all the necessary skills to perform your job effectively.
At the high end of the pay scale, construction managers who have both the experience and the highest degree of education can earn as much as $140,000 or more depending on the company and its location. The higher your rank in terms of education and experience, the more likely you are to be hired into a position at the highest possible pay. Your earning potential is only limited to your desire to succeed. Whether you choose an online degree program or opt for a certification in Construction Management, your increased knowledge will make you a valuable asset to any company.
Is a Construction Management Master’s Better than a Certification?
A Master’s degree in Construction Management and a Certification are both valuable in their own way. Each one offers knowledge, resources, and skills to those who choose to enroll. A Construction Management Master’s, especially those that are completed online, offer students all of the necessary skills required to succeed as a manager in the construction industry. They are able to assume more responsibility as well as offer suggestions and ideas on how to improve each project and enhance the overall outcome.
A Construction Management online certification offers much of the same knowledge as an actual degree program. The primary difference is the amount of time it takes to complete the coursework and the type of skills that are included. A certification program is best for students who have several years of experience and are looking for some type of credential that will support the knowledge they have gained throughout the years. Both offer validation to a student’s efforts and will show that they are able to handle many of the responsibilities associated with their position.
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