The best construction management Schools prepare students for careers in the field of construction Management.
Construction managers have a range of responsibilities. They serve as a central communication point for various groups of workers on the job site, providing detailed direction to complete projects and reporting progress, unexpected problems, or substantial successes.
Pursuing a path as a construction manager can be both fulfilling and financially worthwhile—but before someone can dive into a new career, they will want to complete a relevant degree.
Selecting a top construction management program isn’t something that should be left to chance. Future students will want to research the application process, testing requirements, tuition costs, program accreditation, and other relevant details before making a decision.
It’s wise to research the colleges and universities that offer construction management programs to find the best schools for construction management.
- BEST OVERALL: Louisiana State University
- RUNNER-UP: Virginia Tech
- BEST FOR POSTGRADS: Clemson University
- BEST FOR SUSTAINABILITY: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
- BEST DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAM: Stevens Institute of Technology
- ALSO CONSIDER: Columbia University
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What to Consider When Choosing the Best Construction Management Schools
Before packing up life to head across the country for school, it’s necessary to consider several key factors. These factors include the institution’s accreditation, tuition costs, and graduation requirements.
When choosing among the best construction management schools and the immersive education programs they offer, here’s what students will want to keep in mind.
Location
The location of a school is a common roadblock that many prospective students face: if a student wants to pursue in-person learning, they need to relocate to the school’s location.
However, suppose a student cannot afford to uproot their life to move to a new city, find a new job, and secure a new place to live. In that case, the school selection pool can be relatively limited, depending on the student’s current location.
While finances aren’t always a problem, students may have more preferential concerns, such as not wanting to move to a city that experiences frigid winters if they are used to living somewhere warm all year long. Students will also want to consider the cost of living, which fluctuates significantly from state to state and will likely help influence the final decision.
Online vs. In-Person Learning
Location doesn’t need to be a determining factor, especially if a student’s top construction management program is offered online.
Students will want to research the options to determine if they need to relocate or if they can study remotely. In-person learning can be particularly beneficial in the construction industry, as it enables students to interact with samples of various materials physically.
Students can also benefit from face-to-face conversations with professors and the camaraderie that comes with being in class.
But not everyone learns in the same way. Some students can find it incredibly challenging to study in an online learning environment, while others may prefer remote learning over sitting in a crowded classroom.
Accreditation
When a student is researching top construction management schools, it’s essential to pay attention to the program accreditation to ensure that the material they will be learning is regularly reviewed, updated, and approved by a governing body.
The most common accreditations for construction management programs in America are the ABET and ACCE accreditations.
The ABET accreditation program is developed and upheld by more than 2,200 experts from industry positions, academia, and government.
It provides standards for college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology, including construction management and engineering programs.
The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accreditation program aims to promote, enhance, and maintain high standards in construction education and research.
Degrees Offered
In Management Schools, a wide range of degrees, certificates, and diplomas can help students transition into the construction industry.
Therefore, it’s recommended to research the course catalogue and degree offerings before choosing a construction management school.
A Bachelor of Science degree may be enough to get a job as a construction manager. Still, a student may want to consider pursuing a higher-level degree to enhance their earning potential or secure a more prestigious position.
Application Process and Testing Requirements
Even if a student finds a construction management program they like, the school still needs to accept them as a student. Each school has a different application process.
When researching potential schools, it’s imperative to look into the application process and determine what the school requires prospective students to submit, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores. It’s also worth noting whether the school has a rolling application deadline or not.
Typically, undergrad students submit SAT or ACT scores during the application process. Grad students are often required to provide GRE or GMAT scores, but not always.
Tuition and Additional Costs
The cost of higher education in America has always been closely associated with it, so before deciding on a construction management program, students will want to research the tuition costs, cost per credit hour, and any additional fees.
Additional charges may include enrollment fees, housing reservation fees, residence fees, meal plan fees, or simple cost-of-living expenses if the student lives off campus.
If a student doesn’t think that they can afford the cost of full-time tuition, part-time learning is an alternative. Although part-time students won’t be able to complete the program at the same rate as full-time students, they can still take manageable steps toward their goals.
Graduation Requirements
Researching prospective schools before applying is essential, allowing students to create a cohesive plan for their education.
This plan takes into account the school’s location, degrees offered, tuition costs, and graduation requirements. Students will want to determine the number of credits required for successful program completion and any additional conditions, such as a specific grade point average or internship hours.
In management Schools, Students need a clear idea of what they need to accomplish to complete the program and then stay on track post-graduation successfully.
Given that construction management often deals with complex, overlapping projects, having an organised schedule is just the first step toward a successful career.
Internship Opportunities
Hands-on learning is often one of the best ways to acquire new skills. Internships are an excellent way for students to gain hands-on experience in the construction industry.
In Management Schools, Students can gain a better understanding of what is expected of them in a professional environment and receive one-on-one guidance from professionals in the field.
Internships are required for some degrees. At other schools, internships may be encouraged but not required.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Degree-specific study abroad programs enable students to authentically immerse themselves in the construction industry in a new and exciting environment.
Travelling to different countries to learn about construction practices, standards, and international developments can enhance a student’s education.
Not every school offers a specific study abroad program in construction management, and opting for a non-degree-specific program may require students to make sacrifices regarding the courses they want to take. Students will want to weigh the pros and cons of a study abroad program if this is something they’re interested in.
Post-Graduation Job Offers and Employment Rates
While internships and study abroad programs provide a glimpse into what a student’s future may hold, a more critical factor is the hiring rate for their chosen career.
Construction management and engineering are excellent fields to enter, as many companies require trained and educated professionals to fill these roles.
Colleges often publish their students’ post-graduation employment rates, allowing applicants to gauge their prospects.
Our Top Picks
Looking to embark on the path of becoming a construction manager? Potential students will want to review this list of the best construction management schools, which is compiled based on location, costs, internship opportunities, hiring rates, and degree offerings.
* Note: The cost per credit hour reflects information found on each institution’s website at the time of this article’s most recent update. For institutions where the cost per credit hour was not provided, it was calculated from the available tuition information.
1. Louisiana State University
Why It Made the Cut: The relatively affordable cost per credit hour, flexible learning options, and a wide range of degree programs make Louisiana State University a standout institution.
Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Louisiana State University (LSU) is a pre-eminent school for construction management.
Students can attend classes for bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, or post-baccalaureate programs in person, or they can complete the B.S., M.S., or post-baccalaureate programs entirely online.
Students may want to note a relatively high 22-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio at LSU, which may mean less individualised attention.
However, LSU’s construction management program is one of the largest in the country, meaning students will start their careers with a leg up.
One of the benefits of LSU’s program is the Construction Student Association, an on-campus organisation for construction management students to gain access to ongoing networking and career development opportunities. Plus, LSU’s relatively affordable cost per credit hour makes higher education more accessible to students.
Specs
- Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Online vs. in-person learning: Online or in-person for all degrees except PhD.
- Accreditation: ACCE
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, a post-baccalaureate certificate in Construction Management
- Cost per credit hour: $383 for in-state B.S. students; $916 for out-of-state B.S. students
Pros
- Relatively affordable cost per credit hour
- Online and in-person options
- B.S., M.S., and PhD degrees and post-baccalaureate certificate programs are offered
- Exclusive on-campus organisation offering networking and career development opportunities
Cons
- Relatively high 22-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
2. Virginia Tech
Why It Made the Cut: Prospective students can feel confident investing in education from Virginia Tech, with its 100 per cent job placement rate for program graduates.
Jobs can be hard to find, but with the proper education in a growing field—such as construction management and engineering—students can secure jobs before they even graduate.
Virginia Tech boasts outstanding job placement stats that allow students to feel more confident with their education investment.
Virginia Tech construction engineering and management students receive an average of three to six job offers by graduation and have a 100% job placement rate within three months of graduation.
Prospective Hokies may want to note that student diversity at Virginia Tech is low: 90 per cent of construction management students are male, and 76 per cent are white. This may make the program feel somewhat insular.
Virginia Tech also has a variety of construction-related extracurricular organisations, like the International Construction Honour Society, the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), and the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) competition team.
These organisations can provide extra enrichment and learning opportunities for students pursuing a degree at Virginia Tech.
Specs
- Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
- Online vs. in-person learning: In-person
- Accreditation: ABET
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management, Master of Science in Building Construction and Science Management
- Cost per credit hour: $436 for in-state B.S. students; $1,042 for out-of-state B.S. students
Pros
- An average of 3 to 6 jobs are offered to each student upon graduation
- 100 per cent job placement within 3 months of graduation
- A wide array of construction-related extracurricular organisations
Cons
- Relatively low student diversity
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3. Clemson University
Why It Made the Cut: Clemson University offers a wide range of program options for postgrads so that students can focus on the subjects that matter most to them.
After completing an undergraduate degree, many students leave college to pursue full-time jobs and gainful employment opportunities.
However, postgraduate education is an option that can help improve industry understanding, further personal learning goals, or foster growth in a new area of study.
Clemson University offers a range of postgraduate degree programs in the construction industry, including a Master of Construction Science and Management, a Master of City and Regional Planning, a Master of Real Estate Development, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Planning, Design, and the Built Environment.
This variety of degrees allows students to hone in on specific areas of construction, becoming subject matter experts.
Clemson also has a standout Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management program. B.S. students must complete 800 hours of career-specific internship training to further their real-world skills and knowledge. Students can enrol in in-person classes, though they will have to request information from the admissions office if they are interested in online learning.
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Specs
- Location: Clemson, South Carolina
- Online vs. in-person learning: In-person; online for master’s programs
- Accreditation: ACCE
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management; Master of Construction Science and Management; Master of City and Regional Planning; Master of Real Estate Development; Doctor of Philosophy in Planning, Design, and the Built Environment
- Cost per credit hour: $655 for in-state B.S. students; $1,698 for out-of-state B.S. students
Pros
- Relatively wide variety of postgraduate degrees
- Opportunity to earn career-specific certifications
- 800 hours of career-specific internship for B.S. students completed by graduation
Cons
- Little information is readily available about online learning opportunities.
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4. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Why It Made the Cut: Students at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry will learn how to bring sustainability to the forefront of the construction management field.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, located in Syracuse, New York, offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management with a unique emphasis on sustainability.
The school specialises in teaching environmentally responsible building principles and practices, allowing students to graduate as LEED Green Associates with a thorough understanding of sustainable construction management guidelines.
The LEED certification can also benefit students professionally upon graduation. Students can also sign up for degree-specific study abroad programs in China or Denmark.
While the construction management program is relatively small (eight students graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management in 2020), this small program size may appeal to some students and also fosters a tight-knit, collaborative learning environment.
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Specs
- Location: Syracuse, New York
- Online vs. in-person learning: In-person
- Accreditation: ACCE
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
- Cost per credit hour: $295 for in-state students; $743 for out-of-state students
Pros
- Relatively affordable cost per credit hour
- Construction-specific study abroad opportunities
- Opportunity to graduate as a LEED Green Associate with a professional commitment to sustainability
Cons
- Relatively small program size
5. Stevens Institute of Technology
Why It Made the Cut: Stevens Institute of Technology allows students to complete a master’s degree online or opt for a dual Master of Science and Master of Business Administration program in person.
Students who want to complete a dual-degree program to cut down on the amount of time spent in school can enrol in the dual Master of Science in Construction Engineering and Management and Master of Business Administration program offered at the Stevens Institute of Technology.
This dual-degree program must be taken in person at the Hoboken, New Jersey, campus, which is located directly across the Hudson River from New York City.
However, students who are only interested in a Master of Science degree can enrol in the program entirely online. The M.S. thesis component is optional for students who don’t want to take on the challenge or if it doesn’t align with their goals.
There’s no information readily available about the program’s accreditation status, so students may want to speak with an admissions counsellor before applying if that information is essential to them.
Specs
- Location: Hoboken, New Jersey
- Online vs. in-person learning: Online, in-person
- Accreditation: Not specified
- Degrees offered: Master of Science in Construction Engineering and Management
- Cost per credit hour: $1,776
Pros
- Dual M.S. and MBA program
- Flexible thesis and non-thesis options
Cons
- The dual-degree program is only available in person
- Accreditation information is not readily accessible
6. Columbia University
Why It Made the Cut: Optional GRE and GMAT score submissions can help insecure test-takers gain acceptance to Columbia University’s Master of Science in Construction Administration program.
Prospective students who don’t test well or who need a more flexible learning option can find a way to achieve their career goals at Columbia University.
The school offers full-time and part-time degree options, and it is optional to submit GRE or GMAT scores upon application. Columbia’s faculty comprises knowledgeable industry experts to help guide students along their chosen career paths.
The program’s accreditation status is not readily available, and the school has a relatively high cost per credit hour.
However, if in-person learning in New York City, led by high-profile professors, is appealing, prospective students will want to consider Columbia University.
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Specs
- Location: New York, New York
- Online vs. in-person learning: In-person
- Accreditation: Not specified
- Degrees offered: Master of Science in Construction Administration
- Cost per credit hour: $2,428
Pros
- Part-time and full-time degree options
- Optional GRE and GMAT score submission
- Faculty of high-profile industry experts
Cons
- Relatively high cost per credit hour
- Accreditation information is not readily accessible
Our Verdict
From above, our top choice, Louisiana State University, offers students the option to complete a degree online or in person.
Students can also take advantage of the exclusive on-campus organisation that provides networking and career development opportunities.
Students who study at our runner-up choice, Virginia Tech, can take steps to invest in their futures with the university’s 100 per cent job placement rate.
How We Chose the Best Construction Management Schools
The best construction management schools selected for this list were not chosen based on the school’s reputation. Instead, these schools made the list because of the quality of their construction management programs.
Universities and colleges that offered degrees in construction management, construction engineering management, or construction science management were of primary interest.
During the selection process, schools that offered more than one type of degree were seen more favourably than those with a limited selection of programs.
Similarly, it was important for a school to be highly transparent about its construction management program, curriculum, application process, admission standards, and tuition details.
Specific features, such as a high hire rate, online education options, or dual-degree programs, also helped schools stand out.
Before You Enrol in One of the Best Construction Management Schools
Selecting one of the best construction management colleges is an excellent choice if a student has weighed their options and found this path to be the most appealing.
However, before a student enrols, it’s necessary to consider the location of the school, the costs associated with attending school, and any short-term or long-term career goals.
The best construction colleges are not localised to one state, so if the cost to move is too high or it would impact the student’s current employment, it may be better to consider finding a program within a short driving distance.
Education costs can be unreasonably high, but students may be able to find a scholarship, depending on the school and specific program of study.
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Cost of Enrolling in One of the Best Construction Management Schools
Education is an expensive pursuit. One of the most important factors to consider before enrolling in one of the best schools for construction management is the cost. On average, the tuition and fees for private colleges are about $38,200 per year. Students can expect to pay about $22,700 for out-of-state public colleges or $10,350 per year for in-state public colleges.
For students interested in part-time education, it’s essential to research the top construction management colleges to determine the cost per credit hour.
Students can compare this rate between the top choices, but they won’t want to forget to factor in the cost of books, supplies, enrollment fees, meal plans, housing reservation fees, and residence or off-site housing costs.
The Advantages of Enrolling in One of the Best Construction Management Schools
Deciding on where to attend school and what program to enrol in can be difficult. Still, there are several advantages to pursuing a career in construction management.
The most prominent benefit is job security. Even when finding a stable position in many employment fields can be challenging, construction management is a haven.
Many top construction management programs offer internships and boast high placement rates at professional companies, helping students secure employment opportunities.
Additionally, the average salary for a construction management position is just shy of six figures, at about $95,000 per year, with benefits.
Students may not start at this wage, but with diligent work and experience, a construction manager could earn above six figures.
Beyond financial factors, construction management jobs are both interesting and challenging. Construction managers get to work in a variety of locations, completing different tasks while managing one or more crews of skilled workers.
Choose one of the best colleges for construction management if the job security, income, and work seem appealing.
- A career in construction management offers excellent job security.
- Competitive salaries allow individuals to earn a six-figure income.
- Construction managers have a range of exciting and varied job duties.
FAQs On The Best Construction Management Schools
Find out more about the best construction management programs, construction degrees, and pursuing a career in the construction industry with these commonly asked questions and the answers below.
1. What are the best degrees for a career in construction?
Suppose you are interested in a career in construction. In that case, the best degrees to attain this goal include a construction management degree, a land and property management degree, a building surveying degree, a civil engineering degree, or an architecture degree. You can also opt for a certificate program, like one of the best home inspector training programs, if you do not want to commit to a 4-year program.
2. Is construction management hard?
Like any job, construction management has its difficulties. Construction managers must assume a significant amount of responsibility to oversee a construction project from start to finish.
They also have to be able to handle a variety of workers, understand health and safety risks, work directly with customers, manage project finances, prepare reports, and more.
3. Is being a construction manager stressful?
Studying at one of the top-ranked construction management schools and then taking on the role of a construction manager at a professional company can be stressful.
Construction managers work long, irregular hours and are often required to manage more than one project simultaneously.
Additionally, if you are interested in construction management as a career, be prepared to work with tight deadlines, manage supply chain disruptions, and adjust to shifting shipping timelines.
4. What are the disadvantages of a career in construction management?
Some disadvantages of taking on a job as a construction manager include stress, ongoing training, and potential health risks.
When working on various projects with different deadlines, crews, and goals, it can be challenging to stay on schedule—especially when many of the environments are hazardous to you and your workers.
5. Are construction jobs healthy?
Before enrolling in one of the top universities for construction management in the USA, a key consideration is that construction jobs can be hazardous.
Asbestosis is often caused by falls from heights, trips, slips, and machinery accidents, which are prevalent in the construction industry. Even with the best construction management education, you can still encounter dangerous conditions and unexpected situations.
6. Is a degree in construction management worth it?
The decision to study at one of the best construction management schools in America should seem effortless. Still, there are numerous career paths, educational programs, and life goals to pursue.
A degree in construction management is just one path among many. These programs typically have high placement rates, with an average annual salary of approximately $95,000 and benefits. However, only you can decide whether a degree in construction management is worth it.
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