What are Some Typical Construction Management Classes?

Read on to explore typical construction management curricula at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's levels. Learn all about common courses, online availability, and program focuses.

<h2 id="section---WhatAreTheDifferentTypesOfConstructionManagementPrograms">What are the Different Types of Construction Management Programs?</h2> <p>Typical construction management classes vary by the type of degree sought and the institution that is awarding the degree. Generally speaking, classes in the discipline fall into three categories: construction science, engineering technology, and business and management. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutConstructionManagementPrograms">Important Facts About Construction Management Programs</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td>General contractor, project coordinator, field supervisor, quality assurance/control inspector, field inspector</td></tr> <tr><td>Degrees/Certificates</td><td> Degrees in construction management, as well as related majors like building construction technology and civil engineering technology, are available at the certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's levels.</td></tr> <tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> There are many fully-online and hybrid courses available.</td></tr> <tr><td>Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $98,890 <i>(construction managers)</i>*</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>8% <i>(construction managers)</i>*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---AssociateSDegreeClasses">Associate's Degree Classes</h3> <p>Construction management programs at this level may prepare graduates to enter the work force or continue their education. Students in associate's programs could learn what it takes to work on construction sites. They might focus on the acquisition of skills such as basic surveying and blueprint-reading. Some programs might also include computer-related coursework. They might emphasize topics such as: </p> <ul><li>Structural systems </li><li>Construction projects </li><li>Mechanical and electrical equipment </li><li>Detailing construction documents </li><li>Basic computer-aided drafting </li></ul><h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreeClasses">Bachelor's Degree Classes</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree program in construction management is designed to equip students with skills and knowledge necessary to lead others and oversee project activities on construction sites. The fundamentals of construction science, new technologies, and the business aspects of the industry might be explored. Students could develop the strong communication and management skills that are necessary for administrative positions. Such programs could present classes such as the following: </p> <ul><li>Construction law </li><li>Construction scheduling and cost control </li><li>Structural design methods </li></ul><h3 id="section---MasterSDegreeClasses">Master's Degree Classes</h3> <p>Students who are enrolled in relevant programs at the master's level might gain advanced knowledge in the areas of construction science and management. Graduate-level classes often cover topics such as risk analysis and business management. Most programs also offer special courses in areas such as green technology and environmental law. Construction management master's programs might include the following classes: </p> <ul><li>Construction management techniques </li><li>Quality management and construction performance </li><li>Environmental law and management </li><li>Decision making and risk management </li><li>Construction contract administration</li></ul>