Construction Management Degree – What is it?
As a graduate of the Georgia Southern University Construction Management degree, I have learned the importance of quality construction on budget. Below is an excerpt from ConstructionManagementDegree.com that I found informational. The information below was written by Michael Chadukiewicz, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
What degree options are available in construction management?
A degree specifically in construction management offers the best skill-set when pursuing a position for this career choice. Various other majors like project management, general management, and contract management can also be applied to jobs in this field as well.
What is construction management?
Construction management (CM) is the overall planning, coordination, and control of a construction project from its inception to its completion. Construction managers must aim to meet a client's requirements and direct a functionally and financially feasible project.
As a construction manager, you will work closely with your crew as well as other building specialists and government officials. The building specialists that you will interact with on a regular basis include architects, electricians, civil engineers, and carpenters. Every day is exciting and different when you are a construction manager.
What degree levels are offered in construction management and related fields?
Employers often look for construction managers who have a bachelor's degree or higher. You can earn a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, or project management. A master's degree in management is an advanced business degree that can prepare you to oversee the operations and personnel of a construction company or a construction department within a company.
| Subject | Description | Degree Options |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Management | A construction management degree is the most beneficial for someone looking to go into project management, estimating, scheduling, or another aspect of construction. | Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Postgraduate Certificate |
| Contract Management | A contract management degree is a degree program that focuses on the latest procedures, theories and principles of contract management and acquisitions. | Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's |
| Management | A management degree equips students with a thorough understanding of managerial principles and can be a necessary prerequisite for a supervisory position. | Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Postgraduate Certificate |
| Project Management | A project management degree prepares graduates to serve as team leaders and problem solvers with the know-how to get the best out of people in high-pressure work environments. | Bachelor's, Master's, Postgraduate Certificate |
What is my salary potential with a construction management degree?
Wages depend on the size of company and the nature of construction project you're working on. Factors such as geographic location and economic conditions are also important players.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage of construction managers in May 2014 was $94,590, with a projected job outlook of 16 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of construction managers were:
- Nonresidential Building Construction: $96,220
- Building Equipment Contractors: $95,500
- Residential Building Construction: $86,270
- Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors: $89,860
- Utility System Construction: $97,220
Where can I find additional information about construction management degrees?
The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has compiled several resources for those interested in studying construction management, including a career brochure that explains what construction managers do day to day, a career headquarters for posting resumes and job openings, and a glossary of construction management terms.