Top 50 Best Construction Management Schools
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The best Construction Management schools offer programs that train graduates to work in one of the most profitable industries in the US economy. Contractors, builders, and electrical companies earn over $8 billion in annual sales. As overall construction activity expands from the country’s population growth and business growth, more Construction Managers will be needed to supply the demand for these skilled workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the Construction Manager occupation to grow 5% over the next decade.
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- Annual Cost (from IPEDS data)
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In addition, the best construction management colleges and schools with specific accreditations and degrees that have “goodness-of-fit” with the ranking degree profile received higher consideration. Professional accreditation organization for construction education and the construction industry include the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).
| Rank | School Name | Description |
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| 1 |
Brigham Young University - Provo |
Brigham Young University, referred to as BYU, is a private institution located in Provo, Utah. The school was founded in 1875 by the Mormon Church, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and is recognized for its academic excellence, consistently ranking as one of the top one hundred universities in the nation. BYU has one of the most affordable four-year Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degrees available. The program, offered through the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology, combines theory-based instruction with practical, hands-on experience to give students a broad knowledge of the construction field that includes studies in business, architecture, technology, and engineering. The Construction Management (CM) major at BYU prepares students further studies in graduate programs and for management positions in the construction industry such as superintendents, inspectors, and general contractors. Students learn how to complete projects within budget, safely, and on-time. The CM students are expected to complete all required coursework, three hundred hours of construction-related fieldwork, and a choice of either a capstone project and a student competition or a capstone project and an international construction experience. To further emphasize the hands-on program experience, students are encouraged to participate in Construction Management competitions which provide real-world opportunities for students to learn group collaboration and negotiation skills in a team setting. The Brigham Young Construction Management teams have placed in over one hundred regional and national competitions and boast more than forty first-place awards. These contests also provide an opportunity for students to network with industry professionals and have helped many students secure internships and jobs. Students are also encouraged to participate in the school’s many student clubs which provide opportunities for students to socialize with peers and exposure to construction industry professionals and supplemental education through trips and other activities. The Construction Management Student Association (CMSA ) is the primary student club for Construction Management majors. Other related campus clubs include the student National Association of Home Builders, the Design-Build Institute of America, the LEED & Green Construction, the Building Information Modeling, the Associated General Contractors, and the Real Estate & Development Club. The BYU program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
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| 2 |
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo |
This school’s guiding philosophy of “Learn by Doing” makes California Polytechnic State University well suited for students interested in Construction Management. Referred to by most as “Cal Poly,” the university is located in San Luis Obispo and is one of the twenty-three schools that make up the California State University system. Founded in 1901, Cal Poly offers students a hands-on educational experience to prepare for today’s scientific and technical world. In addition to many world-class engineering, design, and architecture programs, Cal Poly offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree through its College of Architecture and Environmental Design. The curriculum of the Construction Management program is specifically designed to prepare students for jobs that build and maintain infrastructure. The classes are delivered in a project-based environment and cover topics from materials, architecture, engineering, safety, quality, budgeting, and project planning. As a team, students explore management topics related to different construction sectors. Cal Poly’s Construction Management department maintains close ties with the construction industry community which allows students many professional development opportunities by facilitating internships and job placement. Students are encouraged to participate in the campus PACS (Professional Advancement for Construction Students) program which has numerous resources and clubs, and project management competitions that test the student’s construction management skills against other university teams.
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| 3 |
California State University - Long Beach |
One of the largest universities in the state, California State University Long Beach (CSULB) has an annual enrollment of around forty thousand students. Established in 1949, Cal State Long Beach is a large public school located about three miles from the Pacific ocean in the town of Long Beach. The school has numerous names and nicknames including Long Beach State, Cal State Long Beach, LBSU, or The Beach. Southern California, of course, is no stranger to construction – in 2017, the 4 counties of Southern California alone hired more construction workers than 47 states in the US. To prepare managers for all that work, Cal State Long Beach offers a Bachelors of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through the school’s College of Engineering, well-known for its hands-on practical learning experiences. The construction management program, previously called the BS in Construction Engineering Management, provides students with the comprehensive professional knowledge needed to work in the construction planning and design professions. The BSCM students take a core of lower division classes in mathematics, engineering, and humanities. Upper division courses emphasize job planning, cost control, engineering planning, economics, design, materials, and professionalism. Some of the classes include Construction Safety, Structural Design, Mechanical Equipment for Buildings, Project Cost-Benefit Analysis, Applied Mechanics Strength of Materials, Advanced Estimating and Bidding, Construction Cost Control, and International Business. Once students get to the upper division electives, they can choose one of three areas of focus or emphasis – Design-Build, Facility Management, or Heavy Construction. Additionally, all CM students are required to participate in a full-time, three-month fieldwork requirement. Students must work in an approved industry or government agency in a position where they can exercise responsibility and use the skills they have learned in the CM program. The fieldwork can be part-time as long as it is equivalent to the full-time work, and must be certified and approved by the faculty of the department and completed before graduation. Pairing the emphasis classes with fieldwork experience is ideal for the complete practical learning experience. The Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Management is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
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| 4 |
California State University - Chico |
California State University-Chico, commonly referred to as Chico State or just Chico, is a public institution founded in 1887. The campus is located in the town of Chico, about ninety minutes north of Sacramento and is the second-oldest campus in the California State University system. Chico State’s motto, “Today Decides Tomorrow,” reflects its philosophy of community-based, real-world education. Committed to linking classroom knowledge with work experience, Chico State has established a grounded and thriving learning community. Chico State boasts the largest Construction Management program in California and one of the biggest in the country. The school’s Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree is offered through its College of Engineering, Computer Science & Construction Management. The Construction Management program, first established in 1977, was fully accredited in 1987 by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). The degree curriculum focuses on providing a broad base of knowledge and skills to prepare students for the management of construction operations. The lower division courses establish a solid base in math, engineering, and general education classes. The upper division courses provide subject depth in construction management with courses specifically designed to simulate management experience by utilizing actual contracts, plans, and project specifications. Part of the culture of the Construction Management Department at Chico is participating in extracurricular activities. Students are encouraged to join student construction management clubs and organizations, to participate in ASC Student Competitions, and to participate in volunteer projects.
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| 5 |
Western Illinois University |
Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public institution founded in 1899 and has a total annual enrollment of around 10,000 students. The university has two locations. The traditional residential campus is in the small town of Macomb, Illinois and the second non-residential campus is in Moline, Illinois. The school is considered one of the Midwest’s best values in education, offering a solid education at an affordable price. Western Illinois offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) through the school’s Department of Engineering Technology. The four-year BSCM program is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) and prepares students for employment in construction areas of estimating, project planning, surveying, scheduling, contracting, and inspecting. The school reports a post-graduation employment placement of Construction Management majors higher than 91%.Recent graduates were hired as Assistant Project Engineers, Assistant Project Manager, Assistant Superintendent, Architectural Drafter, Scheduler, Estimator, and CAD Manager. The comprehensive degree curriculum provides a broad classroom education in the construction field paired with field experience that simulates construction sites and field trips to construction sites where students can observe. Lab classes utilize industry tools and equipment allowing students to learn how to conduct a survey and participate in various construction fabrication activities. All students take a professional practice class designed to prepare for internships and employment. The course teaches networking skills, presentation skills, etiquette, interviewing skills, office communication, and client communication. Additionally, all students are required to secure an internship in either the junior or senior year. The experience combines the culmination of knowledge with valuable real-world work experience and is designed to help students focus on a career path.
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| 6 |
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry |
Students interested in entering in the field of sustainable construction management should check out the construction management program at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-EFS). The program is offered through the school’s Department of Forest & Natural Resources Management and is designed to prepare students for management roles in the construction industry with a focus on sustainable construction management. With increasing incentives for companies to hire green construction workers, this niche degree from SUNY-EFS is highly marketable and an excellent investment. SUNY-EFS’s main campus is in Syracuse, New York and annually enrolls around 1,700 undergraduate students. Founded as the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University in 1911, SUNY-EFS is now an autonomous institution separate from Syracuse. However, the universities still maintain close ties and share facilities and resources and have a cooperative relationship. The SUNY-EFS Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree prepares graduates for careers as construction project managers, safety directors, project engineers, construction engineers, field engineers, and project planners. This program is full of value-add perks that will enhance employability after graduation. First, an optional degree concentration in Wood Products Engineering is available that prepares students for employment in wood products and building materials industries. While working towards the BSCM degree, students can also earn several certifications and credentials that will improve salary potential. As part of the curriculum, all students take the Associate Constructor Level I Exam for constructor certification and can earn the Associate Constructor (AC) designation from the American Institute of Constructors. This designation is the first step in the process to become a Certified Professional Constructor (CPC). Additionally, students who complete the Construction Safety course can earn the OSHA 30 Hour Construction Outreach Card. Through the BSCM coursework, students will learn the fundamentals of the various rating systems for environmentally-friendly buildings like LEED and Green which will prepare them to take the LEED AP exam and to earn a LEED certification. Students can also earn certification in Autodesk Revit Architecture, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) program used for Construction Management.
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| 7 |
Missouri State University - Springfield |
Boasting three campuses in Missouri and one in China, Missouri State University (MSU) is an excellent choice for Construction Management students, offering a comprehensive education at an affordable price. The public university system enrolls over 21,000 students annually. The main campus in Springfield was founded in 1906 and is about three hours’ drive from St. Louis. The Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through the school’s Department of Technology and Construction Management. The department also offers an accelerated master’s in project management and a minor in construction management. The CM degree is designed to prepare individuals working in a wide range of fields, including insurance, construction, and inspection. Major coursework focuses on teaching students to manage a construction project from conception to completion. In addition to construction coursework, all students are required to complete a Public Affairs Capstone Experience class consisting of an industry-related project management case study. Internships, student competitions, and professional affiliations offer real-world experience and are encouraged. And when students want to work on hands-on technical construction skills, they can head over to the department’s 6,000 square foot construction laboratory facility, complete with a full-scale residential mock-up and a concrete compression tester! The Missouri State construction management degree program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
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| 8 |
Brigham Young University - Idaho |
Women interested in construction management should check out BYU Idaho. Twenty percent of the school’s Design and Construction Management students are female. Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private, religious university located in Rexburg, Idaho. The school was founded in 1888 as Ricks College and took its current name in 2001. BYU – Idaho, like its sister schools in Provo, Utah, and Laie, Hawaii is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormon Church. Because of the school’s religious affiliation, the university receives considerable funding allowing tuition cost to be around half of what other comparable national universities charge. BYU Idaho offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) through its College of Physical Sciences and Engineering. In addition to an abundance of women, the program boasts the highest graduating retention rate – 94% – of any other major on campus. The degree prepares students for supervisory roles that can manage teams safety, finish the project on time, maintain the project budget, and ensure that quality standards. Construction Management students take classes in business, accounting, cost control, project analysis, design, construction project supervision, building modeling. Students also have the opportunity to earn a specialization in one of five categories: Architecture, Business, Environmental Health and Safety, Heavy Civil/Industrial, or Residential/Commercial.
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| 9 |
California State University - Sacramento |
California State University at Sacramento (CSUS), referred to as Sacramento State or “Sac State” for short, is located in California’s capital city of Sacramento. The public metropolitan university was founded in 1947 and has one of the largest campuses in the California State University system, enrolling around 28,000 undergraduates annually. The school is well known for providing a world-class education at an affordable price. Sac State’s College of Engineering & Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) that teaches students fundamental management skills and a broad base of technical skills needed for the construction management industry. BSCM program faculty encourage students to think like entrepreneurs and to be determined, resourceful, and imaginative problem-solvers. The program focuses on understanding the economic, political, and social issues that influence construction industry and prepares students for positions as General Contractors, Project Managers, Forensic Construction Specialist, and Environmental Remediation Contractors. The Construction Management degree curriculum consists of four distinct components: general education courses, engineering courses, construction management courses, and business administration courses. In addition to the program coursework, students participate in a co-operative experience that provides work experience prior to graduation. The program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education and by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
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| 10 |
University of Central Missouri |
The University of Central Missouri (UCM) in Warrensburg has one of the most recognized construction management programs in the country. Dually accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) and the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering (ATMA), the UCM program offers one of the best values in construction management education. UCM’s Construction Management program is designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to manage the construction process from start to completion. The UCM student to faculty ratio of 20:1 allows students to receive personalized attention with small class sizes. Students learn from faculty with extensive construction industry experience. The CM degree prepares students for a construction management career and employment as Field Engineers, Estimators, Project Manager, and Quality Control Specialists. The construction management curriculum provides the foundation for field or office based career tracks and exposes students to Civil, Commercial, Industrial, and Residential projects. Coursework focuses on the development of competencies regarding project management, teamwork, communication, and field management, and budgeting. Outside the classroom, students can gain valuable experience by participating in service-learning projects and network with others in the field by joining student clubs like the Student Organization of Construction Managers. Various need and merit-based scholarships construction industry scholarships are available to qualified students.
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| 11 |
California State University - Northridge |
California State University Northridge, also known as Cal State Northridge and CSUN, is a public institution founded in 1958. CSUN has the largest student body in the entire California State University System with a total annual enrollment of around 42,000 students. The school’s campus is in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, California and in the Santa Susana Mountains. Cal State Northridge offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management through the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Management. The program prepares graduates for careers in the construction industry and teaches students how to manage construction projects using state-of-the-art tools. Students interested in the BSCM program need a solid background in business, building science, and construction management. Additionally, construction managers need to be knowledgeable about construction methods, materials and laws and regulations, as well as, understand contracts and plans. An integral part of Construction Management program at CSUN is the internship. This requirement is fulfilled by Cooperative Education Experience class and provides the students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. This professional experience in construction management technology is an off-campus employment placement for students with junior or senior standing in the major. These paid positions usually run for a full year with summer work available. The CSUN Construction Management Program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
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| 12 |
California State University - Fresno |
Founded in 1911, California State University Fresno is a public institution with a total annual enrollment of around 22,000 students. Commonly referred to as Fresno or Fresno State, the university sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the middle of the state. Fresno State offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through the school’s Department of Construction Management and the Lyles College of Engineering. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and ability needed to manage construction projects and to exposes students to a wide variety of topics ranging from courses in project management to estimating. The BSCM program also provides students with an opportunity to develop vital technical computer skills needed for a twenty-first century degree in construction management. Degree coursework includes classes in Construction Management Software, Advanced Construction Structures, Construction Labor Law, and Construction Site Planning and Development. In addition to coursework, internships and cooperative experiences are highly encouraged in the Lyles College of Engineering. Numerous companies offer local, regional, national and international opportunities for students to gain experience. The Fresno State BSCM is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), the professional accreditation organization of the construction industry.
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| 13 |
Alfred State College |
Alfred State College, formerly the State University of New York College of Technology at Alfred (SUNY Alfred) is one of eight public, technology colleges in the SUNY system and is located in the town of Alfred in the southern part of New York State, just 15 miles north of the Pennsylvania border. Alfred State was founded in 1908 and has an annual undergraduate enrollment of around 3,800 students. The school is known for its real-world education and competitive degree programs that reflect the current job market. Alfred offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) through its Department of Civil Engineering Technology. The degree coursework provides a broad education in construction, management, engineering, and business and also emphasises the use of technology in construction management. Students are required to learn and use industry-standard software and computers. The department maintains the Construction Management Laboratory equipped with computer workstations with estimating software and project administration software for students to use. All students entering the program are required to have a laptop with the specifications outlined on the website. As a senior, students are required to take the Associate Constructor Level I exam. The exam ensures competency and also provides students with a professional credential. CM students can participate in Construction Teams that compete in the Associated Schools of Construction Northeast Region. Many students participate in summer employment and internships with construction companies to gain work experience. Additionally, Construction Management students are eligible to compete for scholarships given by the Associated General Contractors of New York. This program is dually accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
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| 14 |
Weber State University |
Weber State University is a public institution with its main campus located in Ogden, Utah. Founded initially in 1889 the school took its current name in 1991 when it designated as a university. The school now has two main campuses in Ogden and Layton, six additional education centers in Utah, and offers eleven online degrees. Weber State offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Technology (BSCMT) degree through the school’s Department of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology and the Parson Construction Management Program. The degree prepares students for management positions in commercial, residential, industrial, and civil construction or graduate studies in construction management, architecture, or business management. The Parson program tuition is affordable, especially for in-state students, and offers an excellent education at a great value. The school also has an extensive list of scholarships available to construction management students, many of which are supported by construction industry partners. The program facilities boast a concrete field testing lab and high-tech classrooms. Multiple internships are available to give students practical work experience. To further ensure competence and job-readiness, graduates are required to take a program exit exam and participate in a senior project. Before graduation, all students are required to score a 192 of 300 on the Associate Constructor (AC) Level 1 exam given by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and the Constructor Certification Commission. The test is used to measure student competency and program outcomes and provides students with a credential before entering the workforce. In the last semester before graduation, each senior is required to complete a faculty-approved senior project that demonstrates the student’s overall ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained as an undergraduate in an actual construction project. Numerous student clubs are available that offer opportunities for training, networking, competitions, and supplemental industry education. Some of the campus clubs include the American Society of Professional Estimators, Associated Builders & Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, National Association of Women in Construction, National Association of Home Builders, and the Facilities Management Club.
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| 15 |
California State University - East Bay |
California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), referred to as Cal State East Bay, is part of the California State University System. The main campus is in Hayward Hills and overlooks the San Francisco Bay. First established in 1957 as the State College for Alameda County, the school changed its name a few times and settled on its current title in 2005. The university now has two additional campus locations in the Bay area in Concord, and Oakland. All three campus locations are accessible by the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system and by major freeways. The school’s Department of Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree designed to prepare students to be competent managers in both public and private construction projects. For working students in California, the East Bay program is an excellent choice, with affordable tuition for an employable degree. Designed with the goal of preparing the California workforce for future demand, this construction management program gives attention to working professionals and offers classes at times convenient to working students. Some of the curriculum courses include computer-aided construction design, project planning, construction material and methods, building codes, and safety.
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| 16 |
University of Florida - Gainesville |
The University of Florida (UF) campus is in Gainesville, Florida where it has operated continuously since 1906. This public university is one of the few schools in the county that has the triple designation of being a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university. With a total annual enrollment of around 53,000 students, the school is also one of the largest in the country. Students looking for an established construction management program at an affordable price need look no further! The University of Florida has one of the oldest programs in the country and has educated professionals in building construction since 1935 when the school’s building construction program first formed under the Department of Architecture. Florida’s M. E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction was established in 1953 and, in 2014, took its present name, the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management. Now housed in UF’s College of Design, Construction, and Planning, the school offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree program that prepares students to plan, direct, and coordinate the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. The UF construction management degree curriculum focuses on understanding the construction management process from formation to completion and includes classes in business, management, as well as, technical construction courses. Lab classes offer hands-on construction experience, and students are also encouraged to participate in volunteer opportunities. Students interested in enhancing the degree can choose from two program emphasis options in either residential construction and heavy construction.
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| 17 |
University of Maryland - Eastern Shore |
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is a historically black college (HBC) founded in 1886 as the Delaware Conference Academy. Since its beginning, the institution has had several name changes and governing bodies. The school adopted its current name in 1970, and in 1988 became a member of the University System of Maryland which currently includes thirteen public universities. UMES is in the coastal town of Princess Anne, Maryland and has a total annual enrollment of around 4,000 students. UMES offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Technology (CMT) degree designed to develop a workforce for the field of construction with the capability to manage and supervise the total construction process from formation to completion. Graduates are prepared for employment as construction managers, project managers, and project superintendents. The program is designed for students to enter directly from high school as freshmen, or to enter as transfer students from local community colleges after taking basic courses. The degree combines coursework with hands-on experience and all students must complete practical experience requirement and participate in a minimum of two summer internships in the field of construction. The Construction Management Technology at UMES is the only American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accredited construction program in the State of Maryland.
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| 18 |
Western Carolina University |
If you haven’t applied to a program yet, this is the one that will make you drop the mic! As part of a new program in North Carolina called NC Promise that starts in the Fall of 2020, all undergraduate students at Western Carolina University will receive reduced tuition cost. Undergraduate students enrolling Fall 2020 will pay only $500 for in-state and $2,500 for out-of-state tuition per semester! This reduction only applies to tuition and does not include room and board or fees. Now pinch yourself and keep reading about the program. Western Carolina University (WCU) is located in the picturesque town of Cullowhee, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The school is well known for its affordable price and top-notch degree programs. WCU offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through its College of Engineering and Technology that prepares graduates for employment as project managers, schedulers, and inspectors. Construction Management students will learn how to manage a construction project from formation to completion. In addition to relevant coursework, students are required to complete one internship prior to graduation that provides 400 hours of project-based work in the construction industry. The placement can be completed in either the summer, fall, or spring semester before graduation. The Kimmel School’s undergraduate Construction Management program is fully accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
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| 19 |
Tuskegee University |
Tuskegee University is a private, historically black university (HBCU) located in Tuskegee, Alabama. The school was established in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, a famous African-American orator, educator, author, and civil rights leader. Tuskegee offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science & Management (CSM) degree through its Construction Science and Management Department. With one of the oldest accredited construction management degree programs in the United States, students can expect a time-tested, comprehensive curriculum. Course offerings include project controls management, construction methods, business, sustainability principles, and building information modeling (BIM). BS-CSM students are encouraged to participate in the Co-op and Internship Program. Participants can earn money for tuition and college credit for work in their field of study. Students who are involved in internships learn to develop a professional network, maturity, and self-confidence and have improved opportunities for employment upon graduation. Students can also augment their degree with additional training and certifications available through the Construction Science and Management Department including Erosion Control Management (QCI), Landscape Management, and OSHA 10 & 30 Hour. The CSM program is a member of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) and granted full Accreditation Candidate Status by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
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| 20 |
University of Southern Mississippi |
The University of Southern Mississippi, referred to as USM or Southern Miss, was founded in 1910 at its campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Today, the University has grown to include an additional Gulf Park Campus at Long Beach, five teaching and research sites, and an Online Campus. The school is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a research university with “High Research Activity” and has been recognized for its commitment to providing educational services for student-veterans. Southern Miss offers an offers an on-campus Bachelor of Science Construction Engineering Technology (BCT) degree through its School of Construction (SoC). The degree is also available online through the Online at Southern Miss campus. Southern Miss offers the only accredited online Bachelor of Science Construction Engineering Technology (BCT) in the nation. BCT students learn to supervise construction projects from the conception to completion and prepares graduates for entry-level roles like Junior Estimator, Assistant Project Manager, and Assistant Superintendent. The Southern Miss Construction Engineering Technology programs are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETCA) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET).
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| 21 |
University of New Mexico |
The University of New Mexico (UNM), established in 1889 in Albuquerque, is New Mexico’s flagship public research institution. The university has the largest student population of any university in the state with around 32,500 total students enrolled annually. UNM offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSConM) degree through the school’s Department of Civil Engineering designed to prepare students to complete a construction projects on time and to the satisfaction of the client. Accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) the program focuses on management but also combines classes in engineering technology and construction techniques to create a well-rounded degree. During the first two years of the program, students take core classes in engineering, physical science, and math. The second two years of the curriculum consist of upper-level courses in construction techniques and management, including Construction Law, Construction Safety, and Operations Management. ConM students take enough courses in management that they will receive a Minor in Management upon completion of the program. In addition to the coursework, students gain work experience by participating in a required Construction Internship class the Fall before graduating and a Design Construction Integration course in their final semester in which they work on real construction projects.
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| 22 |
Bowling Green State University |
Bowling Green State University (BGSU), established in 1910 is in Bowling Green, Ohio. The campus, located in northwest Ohio, is about thirty minutes from Toledo. In addition to the main campus in Bowling Green, the university operates BGSU Firelands a non-residential “commuter-campus” in Huron that opened in 1968. At its main campus, Bowling Green State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree program through the school’s College of Technology, Architecture, and Applied Engineering. The degree combines studies in business, architecture, and engineering to prepare students for management roles in the construction industry. In addition to classes, the program has lab workshop and construction Co-ops to provide students with essential real-world experience and education. A unique program offered at this university is the Construction Management Learning Community. Students in the CM major that choose to participate in the program live in the same residence hall and attend classes and other activities together. The BGSU residence and learning communities are designed to help students succeed personally and professionally by emphasizing social connections and helping students to foster these essential relationships.
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| 23 |
University of Northern Iowa |
Founded in 1876 under the name Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) took its current title in 1967. Located in Cedar Falls, Iowa the public institution annually enrolls around 12,000 total students, mostly in-state students. The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through the university’s Department of Technology. The strength of this CM program is UNI’s commitment to partnering with the construction industry. The degree curriculum was designed with input from industry professionals and contractors from the state of Iowa. Additionally, many adjunct-professors who are active in the industry are utilized to teach classes, giving students access education from industry professionals on a daily basis. This unique university/industry partnership works. The post-graduation placement rate among graduates of the CM program over the last three years is an astounding 100%! Recent graduates also report starting salaries range from $60,000-$85,000 in positions like Project Manager, Project Superintendent, and Operations Supervisor. The curriculum consists of small classes focusing on math, business, construction, engineering, and architecture. In addition to coursework students are expected to participate in summer work experience in the construction industry and a senior capstone project. Students can also acquire an optional minor in either Business Concepts or Real Estate. Student clubs and organizations, including the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering, offer further opportunities for students to network with peers and find educational enrichment.
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North Dakota State University-Main Campus |
North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, more commonly known as North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a land-grant institution established in 1890 in Fargo. NDSU’s established construction program has an excellent reputation and is a top choice for construction management. The school first offered a construction management degree program in 1970, and in 1978 created the school’s Construction Management and Engineering (CM&E) Department. NDSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree from the school’s Department of Construction Management and Engineering. This interdisciplinary vocational program combines business strategy with advanced technology and engineering to provide one of the most rigorous construction educations in the world. NDSU’s globally competitive curriculum combines practical experience with courses in cutting-edge business practices and current building materials and methods. In addition to coursework, students can gain valuable experience in one of the school’s state-of-the-art labs. The department’s Concrete Materials and Performance Lab is equipped with Humboldt and FORNEY soils and concrete testing equipment. The CM&E Computer Lab is equipped with construction industry software including AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, and Revit modeling software and Sage, Timerline, Microsoft Project, and Primavera-P6 project management programs. The construction management program is accredited by the American Council Construction Education (ACCE).
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Milwaukee School of Engineering |
The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a private, non-profit university established in 1903. The school is in downtown Milwaukee, just a few blocks from Lake Michigan. MSOE offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) for students interested in employment the non-residential construction industry. MSOE enrolls around 3,000 students annually. The close-knit community is small enough for personal attention and big enough to provide ample opportunities for students. The BSCM program is designed to teach students how to manage construction projects from conception to completion. The core curriculum core includes topics in estimating, construction materials and methods, project management, and scheduling. In addition to the core competency, students learn about current industry practices and how to use construction technologies like building information modeling (BIM). Reported graduate outcomes for the CM program are a 100% placement rate and an average starting salary of $63,375. The program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
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University of Houston |
The University of Houston (UH) is a public research institution that was founded in 1927. The university’s main campus is located in downtown Houston, Texas with one additional branch campus located in Sugarland Texas. With an annual enrollment of over 45,000 students, the University of Houston is the third largest school in Texas. UH offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through the school’s College of Technology and Construction Management. The degree program has two curriculum tracks, both of which provide a balanced mix of engineering, construction, and business skills. The Commercial Construction Track is ideal for students who wish to enter the field of commercial development, and the Process and Industrial Track is suited for students planning to work in the area of industrial building. To further specialize their skills and resume, students are encouraged to take an additional business course and meet the College of Business requirements for a degree minor in Business Administration. Another way the program seeks to equip students for employment is through multiple instructors. In addition to the full-time department faculty, fifteen to twenty industry professionals are employed as part-time instructors. This mix of educators ensure students will be taught current and relevant content. The UH program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
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Ohio Northern University |
Ohio Northern University (ONU) was founded in 1871 in Ada, Ohio about eighty miles northwest of the state capital, Columbus. The private institution has a total annual enrollment of around 3,100 students. The school’s small size enables students to receive individualized attention in a close-knit environment. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through its Department of Technology Studies. The degree curriculum covers topics in engineering, business, management, math, science and law, and includes courses in Construction Design, Project Management, Urban Planning, Construction Method and Materials, Applied Soils, Concrete Applications, Surveying, Construction Specifications, Bidding and Estimating, and Human Resource Management. The ONU Department of Technological Studies received recognition as a Dassault Systems Academy Member. This honor signifies ONU’s tangible efforts to improve students’ employability and curriculum quality through advanced usage and applications of Dassault Systems software, a leader in the technical studies field. ONU is the only private university to have degree programs accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).
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SUNY College of Technology at Delhi |
The State University of New York College of Technology at Delhi (SUNY Delhi) is a public institution that was founded in 1913. The school has an annual student enrollment of around It has total undergraduate enrollment 3,400 students. SUNY Delhi offeres a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management: Design and Building (BS BT) degree and, in 1933, was the first college in the country to offer a construction program. SUNY Delhi’s rigorous curriculum prepares students to work in any sector of the construction industry and offers tracks of focus – Commercial Track and Residential Track. Delhi is one the top schools in the Northeast for construction with a 100% job placement for graduates. The school also offers the option for students to earn an Associate Degree before a Bachelors’ degree. They first earn an AAS and then a BT in Construction Management. As the nation’s oldest post-secondary construction program, SUNY Delhi is well-prepared to make you into a construction professional.
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Utah Valley University |
Utah Valley University is a public university in the town of Orem, Utah. They were initially established in 1941 as a product of the consolidation of the State Vocational Office their synthesis with the classes of the Federal Work Program. UVU offers a variety of programs from certificates to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Associate’s degrees. They have an additional campus called Wasatch that provides fewer courses and strictly Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs and is located in the Heber City, Utah. Up until 2008, they were called Utah Valley State College, before achieving university status. Currently, they are the largest public university in the state. Utah Valley University offers a Bachelor’s of Science degree program in Construction Management. Students will engage in coursework that teaches building construction skills, as well construction management, and all of the tools necessary to for all aspects of the construction industry. Students will primarily gain the fundamental knowledge of heavy civil and commercial construction. The program utilizes hands-on labs, 3-D models, readings and site visits, as well as a background, is estimating, mathematics, business, and general technology. A useful class is the required supervisory course, ensuring that students have the skills to be leaders, and efficiently manage a team at a variety of construction sites.
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Central Connecticut State University |
Central Connecticut State University was first founded in 1849 as a State Normal School for training teachers. They are a regional public school situated in New Britain, Connecticut on a 162-acre suburban campus. They are the fourth oldest school in the state of Connecticut with public funding and are one of the schools that make up the Connecticut State University System. They have approximately 12,000 students enrolled annually and commit to a student-centered environment, with a 17:1 student to faculty ratio. Ninety percent of the student body is from the state, and more than half live on campus. Central Connecticut State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BCSM) degree that trains students to be productive and successful managers in the complex construction profession. Students learn first-hand hard and soft skills of field operations, estimation, project management, as well as civil engineering technology, analytically based mathematics, and science. A considerable part of the program is comprised of field trips and laboratories that provide students with hands-on experience and first-hand understandings of the field. There is also an emphasis on computer technology, as students will partake in training on a variety of applications, including Primavera Project Planner, Expedition, Microsoft Office, and Timberline Precision Estimating.
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Kent State University at Kent |
Kent State University is located in Kent, Ohio and was founded in 1910 as a school to educate teachers. The first graduating class began their 34-person commencement ceremony in 1914 where then-governor James M. Cox delivered the address. In the century since its beginnings, Kent State has become at the premier university in the midwest, applying new technologies and knowledge to address the needs of its university community and the local community surrounding it. Kent State has one of the largest enrollments in Ohio serving over 39,000 students across its eight campuses. Over 28,000 of these students attend the main campus at Kent, Ohio. Kent State offers a professional bachelor’s degree program in Construction Management that features a specialized oriented curriculum. Graduates of this program should be able to have a mastery of construction methods and processes, as well as materials. They will also develop fluency in reading drawings and specifications related to the construction field and be able to manage a safe, effective job site. They will learn to cost materials and construction codes, laws, and regulations all making up a well-rounded leader in the construction industry. Students may also obtain a dual degree in Construction Management and Architecture, making them an ever more valuable asset to the field.
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Minnesota State University - Mankato |
Minnesota State University-Mankato is often called MNSU or MSU and is a public institution located on top of the gorgeous bluff of the Blue Earth River, in the town of Mankato Minnesota. It was established in 1868, making it the second oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and University System, and the second oldest public postsecondary school in the state. MSU is the most comprehensive of all of the schools within the Minnesota system and is considered the flagship school. The school offers over 130 undergraduate programs, as well as, 75 graduate programs, and four doctoral programs. Institutionally, MSU is committed to student-centered values and ensures a 21:1 students to faculty ratio. Minnesota State University Mankato offers a Bachelor of Science Program in Construction Management degree through the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. Students will leave the program fully prepared to meet the needs of the evolving field of Construction, with managerial skills that will give them a leg up in leadership positions. The coursework includes applied classes in scheduling, project management, estimating, planning, as well as interpersonal skills that include spoken communication, and organizational skills. Graduates will be ready to pursue their career as managers on many construction sites including commercial, industrial, and residential. Applicants to the major must have a minimum of 32 semester credit hours and a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
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Arizona State University - Tempe |
The Arizona State University Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, often referred to as merely the Fulton Schools, offers programming in computer science, engineering, and construction for undergraduates and graduates. They were initially founded in 1954 under the title, ASU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The Arizona State University has 24 different Schools, including the Fulton Schools. Located in downtown Tempe, Arizona, the school is found within what is called The Brickyard on the Mill Avenue Complex, with a satellite campus on Arizona State’s main campus. Both campuses are located on the public transit shuttle line called The ORBIT, making the commute simple. Arizona State University-Tempe shines for many reasons, but one of their crowning jewels is the Bachelor of Science degree Program in Construction Management. The methodically designed program brings together a variety of subjects such as the principles of construction, innovative technologies, and business management, informing students on how to facilitate a myriad of construction projects. Graduates of the program are prepared to work on commercial and residential construction projects, as well as, plans that involve comprehensive infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, and large-scale facilities. The program has been in existence for fifty years and had continued to evolve along with the industry of construction.
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Central Washington University |
Central Washington University (CWU) was founded in 1891, initially as a Normal School, with the intention of training teachers. Currently, the university is a comprehensive public school with close to 12,000 students enrolled in their many programs. The school, situated on a 380-acre campus in the town of Ellensburg, Washington, is just 110 miles to the east of Seattle. Central Washington is considered to be the most rapidly growing school in the state, and also an “emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution.” More than fifteen percent (15%) of their population is Hispanic, and it continues to grow. In 1976, the campus’s first building called Barge Hall was placed on the National Register for Historic Places. The Central Washington University Engineering, Technologies, Safety, and Construction Department offers a variety of programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree program. This course of study requires four years for completion and trains students to manage and facilitate workers on construction site efficiently. The program is known for being hands-on and student-centered, with a close to 100 percent job placement rate from graduates. Students who have accomplished the program have had starting salaries of $60,000 and above. The program is well regarded in the construction industry and receives a significant amount of industry support from a variety of professional organizations.
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University of Minnesota Twin Cities |
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school that was founded in 1851. Considered the flagship of the University of Minnesota system, it is the oldest of the five University of Minnesota Schools, and also the biggest. On the note of large, they have an endowment of $3.2 billion and are the sixth largest student body of main campuses in the nation with an annual enrollment of over 51,000 students. U of M Twin Cities is known as a Public Ivy University, meaning they can provide an education equivalent to a private Ivy League School, making it one of the nations highest achieving public schools. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities College of Continuing Education and Professional Studies offers the Bachelors of Science degree program in Construction Management. The program is responding to the growing construction industry, with the median starting salary of $55,000 for graduates. The program requires 120 credit hours, which includes 30 for admission. The coursework highlights conventions in design and construction technologies, contracts and specifications, estimating, quality assurance, results in measurement, and project management. Students have the opportunity to choose between four tracks in the program, which include: Facility Management, Commercial Construction, Residential Construction, Highway Heavy and Civil Works.
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus |
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus is often referred to as U-Dub and was first founded in 1861, just ten years after the establishment of the city of Seattle. It was thought that the university would add to the local economy, and the campus was built downtown. The UW campus now takes up 703 acres of land in the University District within the Puget Sound region. The school now has two campuses in addition to the one in Seattle, located in the towns of Bothell and Tacoma. Within the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UW has achieved the classification as an R1 Doctoral Research University connoting the high level of research the university conducts. The University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers a Bachelors of Science in Construction Management degree. The program is designed for students who are interested in a hands-on a degree program that is practical with a high yield. The curriculum provides students with the skills to be leaders in the field including the technical skills to efficiently solve construction problems. Students will also be well versed in management, including the skills to communicate clearly and effectively both written and orally. Relevant coursework in the humanities and natural and social sciences is also implemented. The upper-division curriculum in the second two years covers structural analysis, mechanical and electrical systems, safety, and estimating, among other complex topics.
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Clemson University |
Clemson University was established in 1889 with the intention of teaching Scientific Agriculture and Mechanical Arts to South Carolinians, as per the will of the seventh U.S. Vice President Thomas Green Clemson. He wanted the school to be modeled after what was then the Agricultural College of Mississippi, now known as Mississippi State University. Clemson is now the second largest institution of higher learning in the state of South Carolina and was recently ranked by US News and World Report as number 21 among all “national” public universities. Due to their high research activity, Clemson is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R1 School, which identifies schools with the highest level of research. Clemson University’s Construction Science and Management Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management degree. The program first began in 1962 and has since been on the front lines of training innovative leaders in the construction industry. Students receive hands-on training through labs, seminars given by experts in the field, and a variety of site visits. Topics covered include project management, scheduling, estimating, as well as structures, materials and methods. Students are also required to spend 800 hours obtaining construction experience with an approved company, on top of their required courses. All students can choose to spend part of their junior year in England or Australia studying.
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, primarily called Virginia Tech, was established in 1896. The school is a public research institution with a land grant. The Virginia Tech main campus sits on 2,600 acres of land in Blacksburg, Virginia and is the third largest institution of higher learning in the state. Virginia Tech is designated as a senior military college, and one of six of its kind in the country, as a result of their Corps of Cadets ROTC program. The school’s research portfolio of $513 million is the largest of any university in the state. Virginia Tech is known for having high admissions standards, as the typical student granted placement in the freshmen class received a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. The Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction offers a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction degree. The focus of the program includes making buildings and the business with which it is associated. Students will be versed in all of the phases of construction, as well as the efficacy and science at all levels. This instruction includes estimating, planning, designing, scheduling, procuring, and implementing and maintaining buildings. The program offers four tracks including non-technical skills, leadership, best practice management principles, and entrepreneurship. The first three semesters of study include the same science-based core curriculum before branching off into a specialty. The American Council for Construction Education has fully accredited this program.
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Auburn University |
Auburn University was established in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts school for men. In 1872, it was renamed The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, and in association with the Morrill Act, became the first public land-grant institution in the state. Auburn became a co-educational institution in 1892, the first of its kind in the state of Alabama. Since its inception, Auburn has been affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The university’s beautiful tree-lined campus is on 1,843 acres of land in the college town of Auburn, Alabama. Auburn is one of the few universities in the country that is designated a space-grant, land-grant, and sea-grant research center. Auburn University’s McWhorter School of Building Science through College of Architecture Design and Construction offers a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction degree. The program is four years in length with coursework in estimating, project management, surveying, safety, scheduling, and sustainable structures and construction. One of the things that set this program apart from the others is the emphasis on information technologies. Students in the program have access to many opportunities to study abroad with the intention of learning global innovations in construction science. Freshman entering the program first must complete what is known as the Pre-Building Construction Program. For admission, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.6.
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Northern Arizona University |
Northern Arizona University (NAU) was founded in 1899 as a Normal School for teacher training. The public research institution’s main campus is in Flagstaff, Arizona is 6,950 feet above sea level in the San Francisco Peaks. Encompassed by beauty, Northern Arizona is surrounded by the most significant contiguous pine forest in the continent of North America. The school is governed by the Arizona Board of Regents and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Flagstaff campus has approximately 22,000 students enrolled at any given time, and over 8,000 students study through their online programming each year. Northern Arizona University offers a Bachelors Degree program in Construction Management which provides students with all of the essential skills to be successful leaders in the field of construction. Students engage in extensive construction laboratories that build foundational communication, problem-solving, technical, and collaboration skills required for work on a construction site. Students will learn to develop, design, and manage projects while working collaboratively. Each week students have seminars where they network with companies who are leaders in the construction industry and learn about the underpinnings of the field. The facilities are exemplary, giving students access to simulated construction offices and a Trade Skills Laboratory. The Construction Management Program at Northern Arizona University is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
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Rowan University |
Rowan University was established in 1923 as a training school for teachers, called Glassboro Normal School. The school experienced many years of evolution and transformation before settling into its current identity as Rowan University in 1992. The institution was named for philanthropists Henry and Betty Rowan who gave the school $100 million, the most abundant gift to any public institution of higher learning. In 2012 the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University opened in the city of Camden, New Jersey and was the first public medical school in the state. The school’s main 200-acre campus is located in Glassboro, New Jersey. The university also offers courses and degrees online. Rowan University offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Construction Management degree completion program that students can take online. Incoming students should have either an Associate’s degree or 60 credits that. The program is geared towards students who have experience working in the construction field in journeyperson or apprentice positions, and are interested in advancing their career to leadership and managerial positions. The curriculum stresses the skills to plan, implement, and propose a variety of construction oriented projects, as well as creating a safe and ethical workplace. Students will also gain competency in effective communication strategies, as well as construction law and management.
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Appalachian State University |
Appalachian State University (ASU) was initially established as a college to educate teachers in 1899. The school experienced an institutional renaissance in 1967 when they began offering a myriad of programs, and by 1971 it joined the North Carolina University System. The ASU campus is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains vacation destination of Boone, North Carolina on 1,300 acres of land and boasts the highest elevation of any school east of the Mississippi River. Total enrollment at Appalachian State is close to 19,000 students, making it the sixth largest university within the North Carolina System. Appalachian State University offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Building Sciences with a concentration in Construction Management degree. The program trains student in hands-on construction classes and also exposes them to the complicated business management side of the industry. The degree coursework engages skills in materials and methods of construction, and building systems, as well as scheduling, planning, and estimation. Additionally, students participate in a variety of employers throughout the program, making it a seamless process to graduate and immediately enter the field.
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Norwich University |
Norwich University is considered The Military College of Vermont and is the first military college established in the country. Founded in 1819 as the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy the school took their current name in 1884. Norwich is known as the birthplace of ROTC and is one of six senior military institutions in the U.S. offering all ROTC programs. The school’s campus is on 1200 acres of land in the town of Northfield, Vermont and enrolls around 3,500 students annually. Norwich was the first school in the country to offer a civil engineering curriculum. Norwich University offers an affordable Construction Management undergraduate degree program that synthesizes all of the dynamic skills necessary for success on a construction site. Students will learn to bring together engineering, business, architecture, and managerial skills as leaders in the field. The program emphasizes assessment, strategy, and application, and are prepared to meet the challenges of the job site as well as impart interpersonal and organizational skills in the office. Through the course of the program, students will be able to achieve two national certificates before graduation. Every year the program has been in existence they have increased graduation rates and enrollment.
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Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville |
Founded in 1957, Southern Illinois University (SIU) Edwardsville is a public school that situated on a 2,660-acre campus in Edwardsville, Illinois. The campus is known for its natural beauty and access to nature, and is one of the largest university campuses in the country based on land area. SIU Edwardsville is a member of the Southern Illinois University System and primarily serves students who are from the state of Illinois. The school is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of College and Schools. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville School of Engineering offers an affordable Bachelor’s of Science degree program in Construction Management. Students in the CM major have the opportunity to specialize in Land Surveying. The course of study brings together engineering and business among other subjects that tie into the complex profession of construction management. There are many hands-on opportunities embedded into the program, including participation in student clubs and organizations such as Student Chapters of the Associated General Contractors (AGC), the Associated Schools of Construction Competitive Teams, and the American Concrete Institute (ACI). There are also many opportunities for student participation in internships and co-op experiences.
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Michigan State University |
Michigan State University (MSU) was founded in 1855 as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan and became well-known as one of the first universities to teach Scientific Agriculture. Today, Michigan State has a student body of over 50,000 students, and is one of the largest institutions of higher learning in the nation. With an expanded list of academic programs, the school is known for more than agriculture. The university was one of the first schools to offer studies in supply chain management, packaging, hospitality business, and communication sciences. The US World Report has honed in on many of their programs for their “best of,” rankings including African History, Criminology, and Osteopathic Medicine. Michigan State University’s School of Planning, Design, and Construction offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree. The program prepares students to excel in the field of construction nd trains students for construction management leadership positions. Students learn skills in technological, economic, political, social, and environmental aspects of both commercial and residential construction. The curriculum provides students with a background in project management, construction science, residential contracting, real estate, and marketing. Students with Associate’s degrees can transfer into the program with a 3.0 and proper work experience. Diversity is also one of the considerations accounted for in the application process.
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Minnesota State University - Moorhead |
Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public four-year school that was established in 1887 by the Minnesota State Legislature, in response to a call for a new Normal school. Since its inception, the school has evolved to offer more comprehensive education and became a member of the Minnesota State University System. The campus is on 140 acres of land on the Red River and across the river from Fargo North Dakota. The school offers a wide variety of student groups, extracurricular activities, and clubs for students, including their famous college radio station KMSC. The Minnesota State University Moorehead offers an affordable Bachelors of Science degree program in Construction Management that provides students with a hands-on education in all aspects of the construction field. They are proud of their 100% job placement rate among graduates with average starting salaries at $57,000. Ninety percent of their students pass the Certification exam with flying colors. Over 24 technical degrees seamlessly transfer into the program. The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) has fully accredited the program. Students will be well versed in skills such as project management, estimating, scheduling, safety, and equipment, as well as effective communication strategies.
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Pittsburg State University |
Pittsburg State University is located in Pittsburg, Kansas (not Pennsylvania) and was founded in 1903 as the Auxiliary Manual Training Normal School. It is now known as Pitt State or PSU and serves nearly 7,500 students annually. Pittstate is so student-focused that it even offers low, flat-rate tuitions for in-state and neighboring state residents. A large percentage of the students are locals, and almost 90% of the student population is from the U.S. Pitt State has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio and offers over 200 academic programs. Pittsburg State University has a mission to provide transformational experiences for its students and the community, an idea embraced by both the residents and students of the 20,000 member Pittsburg community. Pitt State offers a Bachelor of Science Technology (BST) with a major in Construction Management degree program through the School of Construction. The mission of the School of Construction is to provide a quality construction education while developing leaders for the professional construction industry. The program employs many approaches to the discipline including with a laboratory approach to construction materials and engineering coursework. Later, students are expected to master methods education and construction project management. Students can choose from areas of emphasis to focus on areas that are of interest to them and supplement general coursework. These focus options include Safety Management, Civil Construction, Residential Construction, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Field Management.
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Washington State University |
Washington State University, also known as WSU or “Wazzu,” is located in Pullman, Washington state. The campus is in a rural college town on 640 acres. The university was founded in 1890, it serves 24,000 undergraduates and is the second largest university in Washington state, following the University of Washington. Wazzu features ten academic colleges, including the College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, and the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. WSU is considered a public research university and employs over 1,400 faculty members responsible for instruction. WSU confers an average of 5,900 bachelor’s, master’s, professional, and doctoral degrees per year. WSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management for students who are interested in management and building. The program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) and prepares students to lead every step of the structure building process, including planning, organizing, managing, and building. Students are encouraged to use creativity, within the comprehensive, relevant curriculum to engage in complex and exciting projects. Out of the four years of instruction, one year is dedicated pre-construction management, and the remaining three years are focused on construction education. The CM faculty is comprised of former industry professionals with work experience in either residential, commercial, heavy-civil or industrial construction. This experience requirement ensures the degree course content is relevant and practical. Students are encouraged to participate in internships and to join student clubs to gain valuable hands-on construction experience.
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Illinois State University |
Illinois State University, also called ISU, was founded in 1857 and is located in Normal, Illinois. The school is in an urban setting, about two hours south of Chicago on a 1,000 acre campus. The bustling city of Normal has about 52,000 residents and is centrally-located in the middle of the state. ISU is the largest school in Illinois and serves a few more than 20,000 students. Staying true to its roots, ISU is also one of the top producers of teachers in the United States, according to the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. They have produced some notable alumni, including actors John Malkovich and Jane Lynch. ISU offers a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management that is designed to help students develop skills in both management and technical building. The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) is the accrediting body that oversees the Construction Management major at ISU. The major is interdisciplinary, with a curriculum that combines elements from the fields of management, administration, and technology. The degree provides students with experience in architecture and engineering principles, as well as, some of the financial and business elements of the trade. Students also have access to the latest software for estimating and scheduling and utilize many of the construction sites across Illinois for a hands-on approach to learning.
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University of Nevada - Las Vegas |
It only fits that the Construction Management program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) be included on this list. Having sprung from the desert in the last seventy years, the city of Las Vegas, one of the country’s fastest-growing, is very familiar with construction. UNLV is a public university founded in 1957 in Las Vegas. The school enrolls around 25,000 undergraduates annually and has a student-faculty ratio of 21:1. The UNLV campus is 358 acres located about a mile and a half from the “strip” in the suburb of Paradise, Nevada. UNLV offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through its Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction that prepares students for professional practice as construction managers. In addition to comprehensive coursework, students are required to take at last one industry exam to ensure competency. One year before graduation, all CM majors must take the American Institute of Constructor’s Constructor Qualification Examination (CQE) Level I Construction Fundamentals exam. The CM program is Accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) and is designed to provide a well-rounded education with an emphasizes on construction science courses that are less academic and more hands-on.
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What is a Construction Manager?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines Construction Managers as individuals who “plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish.” As the construction process has evolved and become more complex, the need for individuals who can oversee the entire operation has become necessary. A construction manager mediates between all the project actors – the owners, designers, sub-contractors, engineers, architects, and suppliers – and oversees the entire construction project from inception to completion. Somewhat like a conductor directing an orchestra, the construction manager is in charge of all of the facets of the construction project and for making the final result successful.
Because CM’s have such a high level of accountability, they often work more than forty hours a week during a project. However, the tremendous amount of responsibility also comes with a great salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for construction managers is $101,480, with the highest ten percent (10%) earn more than $168,000. The lowest ten percent (10%) earn less than $62,000, the lowest starting salary for a CM with a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, ONEt online lists Construction Managers to be an occupation with a Bright Outlook and expected to grow rapidly in the next few years. Expected trends in growth are in Heavy or Civil Construction as infrastructures are built or improved, Residential Construction to keep up with the growing need for housing, and Green Construction as more individuals and businesses move to sustainable building practices.
Are There Any Project Management Programs Offered at the Top 50 Construction Management Schools?
If you’re looking for an online bachelor’s in project management, you may be curious about the top 50 construction management schools. Are there any of these prestigious institutions offering specialized project management programs? It’s essential to explore each school’s curriculum and online options thoroughly to find the perfect fit for your career goals.
How Do You Become a Construction Manager?
There are various ways to enter the construction management occupation. Traditionally, workers with a with a high school diploma and a solid foundation of work experience could qualify to become a construction manager. However, as the construction process has evolved in complexity, employers are placing greater importance on the specialized education acquired from a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in construction management, construction science, construction technology, or construction engineering. The good news is there are more than one hundred colleges and universities that offer accredited construction management degrees, both online and on-campus!
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Aya Andrews
Editor-in-Chief
Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.
Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.
In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.
With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.
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