Are you looking into a construction management degree to help start or advance your career?
Here’s what you should know…
Construction management is a growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for construction managers to grow by over 17 percent during the 2010-2020 decade.1 Construction managers coordinate, plan and direct all kinds of residential and commercial construction projects. They may oversee an entire project, or a single aspect of a large project.
The increasing complexity of construction technology, materials and laws requires specialized knowledge from construction managers. Individuals interested in a career in construction management should combine practical experience with an industry-related bachelor’s degree to have the best employment prospects. Most
construction schools include general education courses along with industry-specific classes.
Earning a degree in construction management
While it is possible to become a construction manager with years of on-the-job experience, employers are increasingly looking to hire managers with a bachelor’s degree in construction management.
Construction managers must understand contracts, plans, specifications, and regulations. Practical experience on the job site is also very important. Students attending a construction school are encouraged to gain on-site experience through an internship, a cooperative education program, a job in the construction trades, or another job in the industry.
How do construction management schools work?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook1, a bachelor’s degree in construction management, construction science, building science or civil engineering is becoming a preferred requirement for management positions.
This resource also states that certification, although not required, is increasingly important because it shows evidence of experience and competence. Both the American Institute of Constructors and the Construction Management Association of America have established voluntary certification programs for construction managers. Requirements combine written examinations with verification of education and professional experience. The American Institute of Constructors awards the Associate Constructor (AC) and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) designations to candidates who meet its requirements and pass the appropriate construction examinations. The Construction Management Association of America awards the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) designation to workers who have the required experience and who pass a technical examination. Applicants for this designation also must complete a self-study course that covers the professional role of a construction manager, legal issues, the allocation of risk, and other topics related to construction management.
What kinds of classes will I take while attending construction school?
Most construction management programs include a balance of construction and general education courses. The classes can include site planning, design, construction methods, construction materials, value analysis, cost estimating, scheduling, project control and development, contract administration, business and financial management, building codes and standards, accounting inspection procedures, mathematics and information technology.
Courses in computer technology and green building are also becoming more common in construction management degree programs. General education courses also help develop crucial problem solving, logic, communication and leadership skills.
To research Westwood College’s construction management degree more thoroughly and to explore course offerings, click here.2
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm
2 Westwood prepares graduates for certification. Graduates wishing to attain certification must take and pass any applicable test/exams.