Online master's in construction management

With an online master's in construction management program, you can develop critical skills for success in the field, including project management, cost analysis, and construction estimation. Use this guide to learn more about what this degree entails and its potential outcomes.

Online master's in construction management degree overview

Earning an online master's in construction management can prepare you for leadership roles in construction. These programs explore concepts like cost control, construction methods, sustainable development, and effective planning.

Although master's in construction management programs cover all aspects of construction management, having previous management or construction experience can be helpful, as you'll tackle advanced topics like construction law and building information modeling.

Expect a construction management master's degree to require 30 credits and take about two years to complete.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in construction management?

Graduating with an online construction management master's degree can lead to the following careers:

• Construction manager: Construction managers oversee construction projects from the planning stage to completion. Their daily responsibilities include planning schedules, coordinating subcontractors, and tracking expenses. They work closely with other professionals, like architects, cost estimators, and appraisers.
• Cost estimator: The primary responsibility of a cost estimator is to determine the costs involved with a construction project, including its labor, materials, and equipment expenses. They also look for ways to reduce project costs.
• Construction inspector: These professionals ensure that construction projects meet building codes and zoning regulations. These professionals regularly monitor projects from start to finish and review design plans. Construction inspectors often take on a specialty, like electrical systems or public utilities.

Salary expectations for master's in construction management

Construction managers earn a median annual salary of $106,980, according to 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This equates to a median hourly wage of about $50.

Per the BLS, scheduling and bonuses can significantly impact a construction manager's salary. Professionals who work more than 40 hours per week could earn overtime and high performers may earn attractive bonuses throughout the year.

Career outlook with an online master's in construction management

The BLS projects jobs for construction managers to grow by 9% — much faster than average — from 2024 to 2034, creating approximately 55,000 jobs across the decade. Many of these job openings will likely result from professionals retiring and transitioning to new careers, although the need for expanded and upgraded infrastructure could also play a role.

Master's degree graduates with job or internship experience or a construction management certification could have a competitive edge when applying for these roles.

Is a master's in construction management the same as a master's in project management?

While a master's in construction management and have some overlap, there are a few key differences between them:

• Focus: A master's in construction management teaches project management skills specific to the construction industry, while a master's in project management is more general and can prepare you to manage business projects across industries.
• Curriculum: In a construction management master's program, you'll learn about construction methods, productivity, and cost control specific to construction projects. Meanwhile, a project management curriculum explores business communication, agile project management, and risk analysis.
• Job opportunities: A construction management master's degree can lead to construction roles such as construction managers, cost estimators, or construction inspectors. The broader scope of a project management degree paves the way for project management and consulting roles in numerous industries, including healthcare, information technology, and engineering.

Master's in construction management curriculum

You can expect a master's in construction management to cover all aspects of managing construction projects, including understanding and adhering to codes and regulations and overseeing costs. Common courses include:

• Built environment legalities
• Construction marketing
• Construction project management
• Construction safety
• Financial management in the construction industry
• Infrastructure financing
• Sustainable construction and development

Admissions requirements for a master's in construction management online program

Generally, admission to an online master's in construction management requires the following:

• An online application
• Official transcript from a in a relevant field, usually with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• A personal essay
• A CV demonstrating professional experience in the construction industry

Before applying, consider with relevant education, experience, and skills. Although GMAT and GRE scores are usually optional for these programs, you can still submit them to make your application stand out.

Is a master’s in construction management right for you?

To determine if a master’s in construction management degree is right for you, there are several questions you can ask yourself:

• Does this degree align with your strengths and experience?
• What are your ultimate career goals in construction?
• Is the cost of this degree a good return on your investment?

Answering these questions is a good starting point to determining whether to pursue this degree.. It also helps to talk to other construction professionals to assess the type of education you may need to reach your goals.