How to choose a bachelor's in construction management
Do you want to oversee residential and commercial construction projects? If so, then pursuing a bachelor's degree in construction management may be a great choice for reaching your professional goals.
Learn what factors to consider when choosing a bachelor's in construction management program so you can identify which one might be the right fit for you.
Guide to choosing a bachelor's in construction management
Learning how to choose a bachelor's in construction management program means considering several important factors and how they align with your academic and career goals.
Cost
College is an investment, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank. Compare tuition rates between schools and research scholarship opportunities for your degree program.
Public universities and colleges tend to be more affordable than private institutions, especially for in-state students. However, some private schools may offer generous merit-based aid packages.
The bottom line is that you need to do your homework before choosing a program. Don't just look at the per-credit-hour rate. Consider things like fees, books, and materials too.
Location
If you want to attend class in person and don't have any intentions of relocating, you'll need to prioritize programs within a reasonable driving distance from your house or job. On the other hand, if you are fine with uprooting your life to go on a collegiate adventure, you can explore programs just about anywhere.
You'll also need to consider how classes are offered. In-person programs are a great fit for some people. However, hybrid or 100% online options can be a better choice if you need flexibility or want to attend a distant school and don't want to relocate.
Program length
A typical construction management bachelor's degree program will take four years to complete. However, if you have transfer credits, you could finish sooner.
There are also some accelerated programs that can help you graduate faster. Keep in mind that those programs are more rigorous, so make sure you can handle the extra course load.
If you aren't in any hurry and want to keep your class load more manageable, you can attend part time. This may involve taking as few as one or two classes per semester.
Think about what works best for you and how your course load can impact your eligibility for scholarships and financial aid. You may not be able to receive certain scholarships or as much financial aid if you are only attending part time.
Available specializations
Construction management is a broad field. That's why many programs offer specialization opportunities to cater to individuals with niche interests. A few examples include project management, sustainable construction, and commercial construction. Think about your career goals and choose a niche that best aligns with your interests.
You don't necessarily have to specialize. However, choosing a subfield within construction management may make you a more competitive applicant when it comes time to find a job.
Reputation
A program's reputation matters, especially in a field like construction management. Employers will be trusting you to oversee projects where hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars are at stake.
Check out how the programs you are interested in stack up against other options. Read reviews from current and past students to get an idea of what the program is like.
Explore bachelor's degrees in construction management
Are you ready to break into the world of construction management? Then check out edX's courses, certificates, and degree programs in construction management and get started today.