What to Expect in an MS in Construction Management Program
There are many ways to climb the construction career ladder, but there’s something special about the Master of Science in Construction Management. As one of the field’s most trusted credentials, this degree commands respect — and it’s also practical from a skill development perspective. This program promises a deep dive into complex business concepts but in the construction sector context, where concerns such as risk management or resource allocation play out differently than in other fields.
There is much to gain from earning an MS in Construction Management, but challenges are to be expected including rigorous coursework and a busy work schedule, to name a few. For this reason, it is essential to fully understand the program and its promised outcomes before enrolling.
Are you interested in exploring online construction management programs? Keep reading to discover, what is construction management and what is a construction management degree. We will reveal what this degree involves and why it’s worth pursuing.
What Is a Construction Management Degree?
A master’s degree in construction management represents the culmination of a rigorous, career-driven program. This degree equips ambitious students with the advanced knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to excel in the quickly evolving construction industry. The MS in Construction is rigorous, but it provides a structured approach to advance skill development and a major boost to any construction resume.
Key Components of an MS Construction Management Degree
Through a variety of courses and practical learning experiences, the MS in Construction Management encourages students to develop and actively practice a wide range of competencies, which can then be unleashed to drive change in the construction industry. Essentials include:
- Project Management Skills. Whether seeking opportunities as construction managers or interested in taking on other roles within this diverse industry, construction management students can benefit greatly from learning the nuances of project management, especially as it applies to construction-specific challenges or opportunities. This will include an understanding of scheduling and time management, and the field’s most impactful project management tools and best management practices.
- Technical Knowledge. Construction management is a highly technical field, encompassing strict building codes, structural engineering principles, construction technology, and more. These technical essentials are woven into fascinating courses, which reveal the challenges of modern construction and help aspiring industry leaders navigate these concerns.
- Financial Acumen. Budgetary challenges are common throughout the construction sector, and between labor, materials, and unanticipated site conditions, cost overruns are a real possibility. Construction management programs prepare future leaders to tackle these issues by introducing students to cost estimating, cash flow analysis, lean construction techniques, and other project risk mitigation strategies.
- Legal and Ethical Understanding. The construction management legal landscape is inherently complicated, with everything from zoning ordinances to labor laws impacting how management professionals plan and execute construction projects. Construction management master’s programs delve into complex rules and regulations while exploring the ethical issues within this field.
Is Construction Management a Good Degree?
Many aspiring construction managers wonder, is construction management a good degree? It is impossible to determine this without understanding what a construction management degree involves, including the curriculum, the experiential learning opportunities, and the faculty’s experience.
Programs can vary considerably, with differences emerging not only in curricula but also based on the formats. Online programs may look different than their in-person counterparts, which may offer different opportunities to apply key concepts in real-world environments. In general, construction management is an excellent option for students who are passionate about construction and those hoping to embrace team leadership opportunities.
So, is a construction management degree worth it? From a career planning perspective, the answer is a definite yes! Reasons to study construction management at the graduate level include:
Industry Demand
Housing shortages and supply chain issues require skilled leaders to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet strict quality or sustainability standards.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction management boasts a job outlook of 9 percent, which compares favorably to the modest 4 percent anticipated across all occupations. Speaking to this heightened demand, BLS insights reveal a strong need not only for new buildings but also for ongoing infrastructure improvements and retrofitting to make existing structures more energy-efficient.
Career Opportunities
The MS in Construction Management provides strong preparation for several compelling roles, including construction manager and positions such as project manager, general contractor, or office engineer. Leadership opportunities vary in focus, autonomy, and pay, but all require well-trained, passionate professionals. This versatility makes high-level construction management training appealing to career-driven students.
Versatility
Because the construction management master’s provides such extensive exposure to fundamental business concepts, this program can facilitate an impressive level of career mobility, allowing graduates to thrive both in the construction sector and in many other management roles. Competencies such as financial and lean management are relevant across a wide range of industries and can, therefore, increase career options.
Competitive Salaries
Due to the high demand for skilled construction managers, these professionals command strong wages, especially after securing graduate-level credentials. BLS data indicates median annual earnings of $104,900 for construction managers, although this can vary significantly depending on the manager’s specialty, academic attainment, or industry experience. For example, those working in civil construction can expect median wages of $110,940 per year.
Impactful and Rewarding Work
As a construction manager, there is a unique sense of satisfaction that comes with seeing a completed structure and knowing that it would not have been possible without your leadership and oversight. Those intangible results do make a difference in day-to-day job satisfaction. Passionate construction professionals consistently mention that they take pride in their work and feel strongly that they have a positive impact on their industry and their communities.
Overview of Texas A&M’s Master’s in Construction Management Program
If you feel drawn to construction management and want to enhance your career path by earning a relevant master’s degree, the next step involves finding a program that reflects your career goals. Consider applying for Texas A&M’s construction management program, which consists of a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, insights from industry experienced and inspiring faculty members, and a strong national reputation as one of the finest construction programs available.
Admission Requirements
The first big challenge in moving up the construction career ladder? Qualifying for graduate-level programs. A bachelor’s degree is a must including a college transcript. Thee program requires applicants with industry experience or industry-relevant undergraduate degrees. Confirm these requirements before applying and also be mindful of that GRE test scores may apply depending on your level of experience. Additionally, the application requires , references, and is subject to application deadlines.
Construction Management Courses
TAMU’s construction management master’s includes a unique blend of foundational and advanced and specialized coursework, to support students regardless of previous industry or sector experience. The flexible curriculum includes several foundational courses, plus many elective options that can be selected according to students’ unique goals or interests.
Overview of Core Courses
Offering a thorough overview of business fundamentals, TAMU’s construction management program aims to equip students with the industry’s most critical competencies.
- Construction Practices. Detailing the construction industry’s most vital materials and methods, this fundamental course covers the nuances of concrete reinforcement, lumber framing, and much more. These crucial insights set students up for success in the many advanced or specialized courses to come.
- Construction Cost Estimating. Crucial for determining project feasibility and also necessary from a risk management perspective, cost estimating is a cornerstone of project planning and, therefore, an essential construction management competency. This course reveals key strategies for determining construction costs, ranging from materials to labor, subcontractors, escalation, and beyond.
- Construction Scheduling. Revealing the many technologies and methods for strategic construction scheduling, this important class delves into practical pursuits such as advanced methods of developing and using the construction schedule. Critical path scheduling is a key area of focus, although students can also expect to explore resource based scheduling and navigating resource constraints..
- Advanced Project Management. Exploring the nuances of project management in the AEC industry, this unique project management course reveals advanced techniques used for initiating, planning for, and executing successful projects.
Elective Courses
In addition to foundational courses, the MS in Construction Management provides opportunities to explore high-level strategies or challenges via many elective courses. These can be chosen based on students’ unique interests or career goals. Examples include:
- Construction Company Operations. An excellent option for ambitious students who hope to eventually run their own businesses or become operations managers, this operations-focused course provides a much-needed overview of business planning, competitor analysis, human resources, financial constraints, and other essentials to set future business owners up for success.
- Construction Contracts and Risk Management. Highlighting common disputes and other challenges within the construction industry, this course clarifies contract issues and complicated provisions. Contract issues are explored in the context of risk management and ethical leadership.
- Advanced Productivity and Lean. Playing an increasingly prominent role in the construction sector, lean management allows construction teams to optimize resources and reduce waste. This class provides a thorough overview of lean principles but also reveals how these can be applied within the construction industry.
Practical Experience and Projects
Placing a strong emphasis on practical experience, the MS in Construction Management encourages students to apply industry-specific concepts and analytical abilities in real-world scenarios. Case studies and other engaging experiences help, but nothing quite compares to bringing core competencies to the construction field.
- Directed Studies Encouraging students to synthesize a wide range of skills and concepts, directed studies experiences encourage students to leverage recently acquired knowledge while exploring specific topics related to their unique career goals or passion projects.
- Internships. Involving up to 600 hours of practical experience with respected construction companies, company internships expose students to a wide range of construction-related activities, allowing them to actively apply analytical skills and technical knowledge in the field.
- Collaboration with Industry Partners. TAMU maintains very strong industry relations via the Construction Industry Advisory Council (CIAC), which helps facilitate internships and regular career fairs. CIAC provides valuable opportunities for students and industry partners to connect.
Skills Developed in the Construction Management Master’s Program
Credentials can be helpful, but many employers favor skill-driven hiring, which strongly emphasizes what construction professionals will accomplish. Thankfully, master’s programs deliver both credentials and skill development opportunities. Competencies acquired through rigorous coursework include:
Technical Skills
From cost estimating to project scheduling and even construction visualization skills, aspiring construction managers must develop a wide range of highly technical skills. Technological proficiency is imperative, especially given the field’s increased reliance on building information modeling (BIM), Project Management Information solutions, and other industry-specific software tools..
Leadership and Management Skills
Construction management professionals may oversee vast teams, bringing structure and accountability to the construction effort. Ownersvalue construction managers with strong leadership skills, as construction managers must understand the nuances of professional communication and engage conflict resolution skills.
Other skills be more technical but all must be integrated with soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and emotional intelligence. Project management skills, in particular, come into play as leaders in the construction industry juggle complex scheduling concerns and strict timelines.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Construction managers are the ultimate problem-solvers, navigating budget constraints, supply chain complications, and a wide range of other issues. Through case studies and other learning experiences, students gain confidence in creative problem-solving. Analytical skills are also important given the field’s expanding use of data-driven strategies, with managers interpreting a wealth of complex data to make informed decisions. Innovative data driven decision making strategies are thoroughly explored in high-level coursework.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
After completing construction management classes and internships, graduates are prepared to enter the field and excel in a variety of senior or management roles. Opportunities include:
Potential Job Titles
Many construction management students aspire to work as construction managers, an important role that, as the BLS clarifies, involves planning, coordinating, budgeting, and supervising construction projects. Roles such as construction manager and office engineer are also well within reach for construction management graduates.
Some graduates prefer the more hands-on nature of general contracting, with some even launching their own general contracting businesses. Consulting opportunities are also viable, with construction management graduates offering strategic guidance and helping firms streamline workflows.
Industries and Sectors
It is no secret that construction managers play a critical role in shaping the construction industry, but this is just one of many sectors in which their skills and credentials may prove relevant. Their unique blend of competencies makes them well-suited for diverse roles in real estate development, facilities management, and even supply chain management. Options abound in both the public and private sectors, where construction managers can find roles they find deeply satisfying.
Advancement Opportunities
A construction management masters can facilitate a quick rise through the ranks of the construction industry with additional advancement opportunities well within reach graduation. Graduates can gain even greater credibility through credentials such as the Certified Construction Manage from the CMAA. Some may uncover higher-level positions such as director of construction or may even secure executive roles with industry giants.
Is a Construction Management Degree Worth It?
Based on the details highlighted above, it should now be easier to determine, if a construction management degree is worth it.If you have big ambitions for making your mark in the construction industry, a construction management master’s is not only valuable but arguably essential. This degree could be your key to unlocking exciting career opportunities as you help shape the most impactful construction projects of tomorrow.
Start Your MS in Construction Management at Texas A&M
Ready to reach your full potential in construction management? Level up your technical and management competencies — pursue a Master of Science in Construction Management with Texas A&M. Accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), our nationally recognized program is a great option for enhancing your resume, your professional network and your skill set. Get in touch today to learn more about our construction management master’s degree.
