Construction management is a career field which involves the construction of commercial, residential, and public properties. These properties include homes, schools, business buildings, bridges, roads, and hospitals. Construction managers are educated and trained professionals who oversee these projects from the early developmental stage to completion. Construction managers’ responsibilities include arranging and negotiating costs and budgets; ensuring the project complies with legal requirements and safety codes; hiring, training, and dismissing laborers; reporting on the progress of the project to clients; collaborating with engineers, architects, construction workers, and building specialists; and selecting the appropriate construction materials, methods, plans, and strategies.
Students interested in pursuing a career as a construction manager should encompass a number of skills and qualities essential in the construction field...Read More
Construction managers must have exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills. They must be able to come up with strategies on how to efficiently plan a project as well as solve any unforeseen problems or delays. Effective leadership and managerial skills are essential. Construction managers must be able to motivate their fellow associates and be able to delegate tasks to the appropriate workers. They must be extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the project and interact with everyone in a positive and respectful manner therefore good communication skills are also important. Projects always have stringent deadlines and budgets therefore construction managers must have time-management skills and plan the project in a manner which will meet these criteria.
Construction Management Degree Levels Available
Associate’s Degree in Construction Management
Obtaining an associate’s degree in construction management will provide students with the knowledge and training needed to acquire entry-level positions in the construction management field. The associate’s degree program in construction management is generally a two-year program and students will take courses in areas such as introduction to construction safety and health regulations, principles of management and leadership, blueprint reading, surveying and mapping, building construction methods and materials, and understanding soils and foundations. Due to the short duration of this program and the opportunity for professional employment upon completion, students are drawn to enroll however an associate’s degree in construction management may be limiting with regards to advancement and salary. Furthering one’s education by attaining a bachelor’s degree in construction management will open up more career opportunities for the student.
Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management
A bachelor’s degree in construction management takes approximately four years to complete and upon graduation, students have acquired a solid groundwork of knowledge, sufficient for professional employment in the construction management field. Technical construction fundamentals, legal issues in construction, microeconomics, statistics, financial accounting, and algebra are just a few of the subject areas covered within these four years. Upon graduation, students may obtain professional employment as a construction manager.
Certification as a Construction Manager
The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) offers certification as a Certified Construction Manager (CCM). To be eligible for certification, applicants must have experience in the construction industry, pass a technical examination which assesses their skills and knowledge, and complete a self-study course which educates applicants on the responsibilities and day-to-day activities of a construction manager.
Admission Requirements
For most colleges and universities, the admission requirements for an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree program in construction management include a high school diploma or its academic equivalent (i.e., GED), a transcript from the high school the student graduated from, SAT or ACT test scores, and an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend along with the application fee. Volunteer and/or work experience in the construction field should be noted on the application form since this would benefit students during their application process.
Tuition and Accreditation
There are numerous factors which affect college and university tuition fees such as public versus private institutions, distance education, government funding, etc. However, below are the average ranges of tuition fees for the two degrees. An associate’s degree in construction management may vary from $ 8,085 to $ 23,871 in tuition fees. A bachelor’s degree in construction management may vary from $ 15,918 to $ 32,617 in tuition fees. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
It is extremely important for students to attend an accredited institution. This tells employers that the applicant graduated from a college or university which provides high-quality education and adheres to certain academic standards. Students who obtain an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in construction management should enroll in a college or university accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
Average Annual Salary Range for Construction Managers
The average annual salary range for construction managers is $ 80,960 to $ 100,960 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, keep in mind that there are various aspects which determine an individual’s salary such as their level of education, the extent of their experience, their field of specialization, and who they are employed by. Therefore, salaries for the same profession may vary from person to person.
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