Best Construction Management Degrees

Overview

The #1 school on our list, California State University Sacramento is a public university that enrolls over 30,000 students. Based in California’s state capitol, the university holds the distinction of being “Tree Campus USA.” It is also home to more than 30 oncampus research centers.

Program Highlights

CSU-Sacramento ranks at the top for a reason. Beyond the impressive spread of undergraduate courses, the 132-hour program features a well-developed co-operative experience. This means you’ll gain solid work experience even before graduating. Some classes to help you get there are:

• Construction Labor Relations
• Construction Graphics
• Planning, Scheduling, and Control
• Soils and Foundations

Notables

One huge bonus for this program is its price. CSU-Sacramento pulls in the most affordable award on our list with a net price of $9,127 per year. Even more, it is ranked #59 in the nation according to PayScale’s list of graduate salary potential.

Overview

Arizona State University is a public research institution with a huge annual enrollment of around 73,000 students. Though its main university is in Phoenix, the university’s largest branch is in Tempe, Arizona. ASU has been consistently named one of the most innovative schools in the country for its high research activity.

Program Highlights

Expect to jump in head first with Arizona State’s BS in Construction Management. You’ll take 120 hours of classes that cover a range of subjects, from Blueprint Design to Land Development Theory. The program also features the following areas of focus:

• Commercial Building
• Specialty Construction
• Concrete Industry
• Residential Construction

Notables

Another unique portion of Arizona State’s Construction Management program is the two required summer internships. One of them focuses on managerial work; the other is a field placement. In the end, you’ll get valuable work experience at both ends of the job!

Overview

Founded as a school for science, engineering, and agriculture, Purdue University is a public research institution in West Lafayette, Indiana. Now over 150 years later, the university still holds onto its strong roots in STEM areas. Purdue University ranks 20th in the nation among other public universities.

Program Highlights

Purdue’s BS in Construction Management highlights the importance of work experience. It requires two classes of Construction Fieldwork, as well as two Construction Capstone courses. This program also takes the management side of the degree seriously. For instance, you’ll take some of the following business courses:

• Business Accounting
• Principles of Economics
• Advanced Pre-Construction Management
• Legal Background for Business

Notables

If you’re hoping to specialize in more than just general construction, Purdue University has some great options: Demolition and Restoration Management in the Built Environment, Healthcare Construction, Mechanical and Electrical Construction, Residential Construction.

Overview

The oldest public university in the state, Central Connecticut State University is a regional institution based in New Britain, Connecticut. It is made up of four colleges. The Construction Management degree is housed in the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology.

Program Highlights

The BS in Construction Management at Central Connecticut State blends together field operations with advanced mathematics to give you the best education possible. In addition to general courses and 18 credits in business, you’ll take 58 credits in construction management classes. Some of them include:

• Intro to MEP Systems
• Construction Documents
• Building Construction Systems
• Construction Superintendency

Notables

Central Connecticut State University not only prepares you with competitive classes, but also provides the technology and tools you need to succeed. Students in the Construction Management program use Expedition, Primavera Project Planner, and Timberline Precision Estimating.

Overview

Smack dab in the heart of New York City, New York University is a touchstone for private education. The research university has a reputation that reaches all corners of the world, with satellite branches in Berlin, Madrid, Paris, and beyond.

Program Highlights

At New York University, you’ll find a program where theory meets hands-on application. The BS in Construction Management degree takes you to actual construction plots to work on skills like cost estimation, scheduling, and more. Throughout the 4-year curriculum, you’ll engage in classes like:

• Non-structural Building Systems
• Construction Law
• Contracts & Construction Documents
• Materials Engineering Laboratory

Notables

Just a heads up, the official major in Construction Management will be discontinued at New York University in the fall of 2018. However, you’ll be able to take most of the same classes through the Minor in Construction Management, which will continue as usual.

Overview

Founded in 1860, Minnesota State University is the second-oldest university in the state. The university offers degrees both on-campus and online through its College of Extended Learning. MSU is based in Mankato, Minnesota, which is just outside of Saint Paul.

Program Highlights

The curriculum in Minnesota State’s Construction Management program is intended to prepare you for everything from small and large commercial building to residential and industrial settings. The degree consists of 120 credits and includes a required internship in a construction field placement. Other courses include:

• Construction Documents
• Construction Safety
• Planning and Scheduling
• Construction Equipment Management

Notables

One unique element to Minnesota State University is its Learning Community Program. This is a housing effort to place first- and second-year students in living communities with people studying similar majors. You’ll find great community and connections at MSU Mankato.

Overview

A private university affiliated with the Church of the Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University provides a uniquely religious undergraduate experience. It is located in Provo, Utah and most of the 33,000 students are members of the LDS Church. It ranks in the top 100 national universities in the nation (#61).

Program Highlights

The BS in Construction Management at BYU is a limited-enrollment program. You have to first complete the pre-professional courses before being admitted into the degree program. After that, you’ll take the required coursework as well as 300 hours of construction-related fieldwork. Some of the courses in this curriculum include:

• Concrete and Masonry Construction
• Construction Contracts and Law
• Construction Accounting
• Quantity Takeoffs

Notables

Brigham Young University divides the graduation requirements for this degree into two options: a capstone project and a student competition or a capstone project and an international construction experience. This gives you even more arenas to deepen your skills in construction management.  

Overview

A Boston-based university, Wentworth Institute of Technology is a trade-oriented school that offers 17 different bachelor’s degrees. Most of the degrees are rooted in the STEM fields. Wentworth founded an entrepreneurship center called Accelerate in 2012. Accelerate promotes innovative thinking and creative collaboration for its students across all academic fields.

Program Highlights

Wentworth’s undergraduate Construction Management degree gives you a well-rounded education. Its three main principles are creative problem solving, collaboration, and a rich learning experience. As such, you’ll get hands-on construction experience from day one through labs and top-of-the-line technology. Some of those integrated classes include:

• Materials Testing and Quality Control
• Wood and Steel Analysis & Design
• Construction Business and Finance
• Power and Leadership

Notables

One overall goal of Wentworth Institute is to prepare students to jump into a real-world construction job right out of college. For this reason, this program sets up two semester-long co-operative experiences in which students work on construction sites and apply their learnings. You’ll have to take classes in the summer to make up for the time, but it’s well worth it!

Overview

Louisiana State University (or LSU) is a large research university that is based in Baton Rouge. It was originally founded as a military academy in 1853. LSU’s College of Engineering (which houses the Construction Management degree) ranks in the top 100 in the country (91st).

Program Highlights

The four-year Construction Management program at LSU values a foundational knowledge in the basics of math and physics. For that reason, you can expect to take some core classes in analytics, geometry, and finance. Of course, you’ll also take some specialized classes in construction management, like:

• Construction and Civil Materials
• Construction Plan Reading
• Construction Scheduling and Cost Control
• Soils in Construction

Notables

While LSU trails some other schools for its overall academic standings, it’s certainly still a gem in other regards. In fact, US News & World Report ranked LSU as the 16th most popular university in the United States.

Overview

Known as one of the most ethnically diverse school in the state, California State University East Bay is a stand-out school in many regards. Its recently held the distinction of being the “Best in the West.” The university’s nearly 16,000 students are enrolled in Cal State East Bay’s four academic colleges.

Program Highlights

The 128-credit-hour BS in Construction Management curriculum is divided into three sections: upper-division courses, lower-division courses, and electives. The program focuses heavily on engineering. However, students get a wide array of experience in everything from statistics to soil analysis to physics. Some of the upper-level classes include:

• Engineering Graphics for Construction Management
• Construction Scheduling
• Engineering Economy
• Environmental Issues and Green Building

Notables

During your final year in this program, you’ll have to complete two separate Senior Projects. You’ll put your skills to the test by designing a construction project that tackles real-life problems. This gives you a chance to pull together economic analysis, proposal writing, and construction management all in one project.

Overview

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is based in Fargo, North Dakota. It was originally founded as an agricultural college, but has since grown into a strong public research university. NDSU is a huge supplier of jobs, revenue, and innovation in the region. Engineering is one of its most popular areas of study.

Program Highlights

The BS in Construction Management program at North Dakota State University blends together engineering, management, construction, and business. You’ll get cursory experience in dealing with different building materials, construction technologies, and business concepts through classes like:

• Steel Design Construction
• Finance and Cost Concepts
• Soils and Foundations
• Support Operations

Notables

North Dakota State University is unique in being the only university in the state to be ranked as a research university with “Very High Research Activity.” This plays out in the world of construction management, too; seniors complete an in-depth capstone project that brings together research with hands-on design and technology.

Overview

If you’re an adult learner, National University is perfect for you. Based in La Jolla, California, this school offers most classes online. However, for this program, you can attend in person, too. National University offers the BS in Construction Management through its School of Engineering and Computing.

Program Highlights

Billed as a program that fits many roles—executive, engineer, manager, or safety controller in construction—the Construction Management degree at National University meets you where you are. In addition to some core preparatory classes, you’ll take specialized courses in the following:

• Construction Materials and Methods
• Engineering Economics
• Soil Mechanics and Foundation
• Surveying, Metrics, and GIS

Notables

The final requirements for this bachelor’s degree is three courses called “Construction Senior Project.” You’ll get in groups of 2-4 students and develop a comprehensive construction project. This means you’ll cover everything from cost estimation to laying concrete and meeting a budget.

Overview

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a small, private school in Wisconsin. It only enrolls about 2,800 students per year. This small but mighty school ranks 11th among other regional universities in the Midwest, according to US News & World Report.

Program Highlights

If you’re interested in non-residential building construction, the BS in Construction Management at MSOE is perfect for you. It specializes in modern construction methods for building everything from skyscrapers to bus-stops. You’ll take a total of 192 credits in classes like:

• Architectural Design
• Construction Scheduling
• Building Environmental and Mechanical Systems
• Construction Jobsite Management

Notables

MSOE has statistics to prove its reputation. Construction management graduates from last year (2015–16) had a 100% placement rate in jobs after college. Even more, graduates jumped into positions that paid an average of $55,167. Not bad!

Overview

Washington State University, over on the west coast, is public research institution that enrolls close to 30,000 students across its many platforms. You can attend online or in person. Out of all engineering programs accredited by ABET, Washington State’s undergraduate program ranks 59th in the country.

Program Highlights

The BS in Construction Management at WSU is a 4-year program. However, you’ll spend your first year taking pre-construction management courses and the next three years in construction education classes. A sampling of some upper-level construction courses include:

• Earthwork & Equipment
• Construction Graphics
• Building Science
• Surveying

Notables

Washington State University includes great ways to get involved. The Sigma Lambda Chi International Construction Honor Society is intended for construction management students in the top 20% in their class. This is a fantastic networking and academic opportunity.

Overview

A gem (among many) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is a private research university. It is known for housing one of the oldest cooperative education programs (co-op) in the country. This means you’ll get real-world work intermingled into your academic semesters.

Program Highlights

True to Drexel University’s model, this BS in Construction Management includes a co-op element. Students have gained valuable work experience in places like the Philadelphia Housing Authority, Turner Construction, and more. You’ll pair this work experience with notable classes such as:

• Contracts and Specifications
• Construction Safety
• Value Engineering
• Soil Mechanics

Notables

If you want to take your degree one step further, you can choose to concentrate in Real Estate. This could pair perfectly with your Construction Management degree. You’d not only know the ins and outs of a home’s foundation, but also how to sell it!

Overview

Though University of Louisiana-Monroe began as a Junior College, it now shines as a 4-year public university. It is located on a beautiful campus, with the Bayou DeSiard flowing through campus. The university enrolls just over 9,000 students, giving it a home-grown, tight-knit feel.

Program Highlights

You’ll follow the standard 120-credit-hour curriculum at the University of Louisiana-Monroe. The 54 credits of required construction management courses build on themselves, giving you tools for the entire spectrum of the industry. From the basics to mastery! You’ll cover some of the following courses:

• Construction Techniques
• Steel Structures
• Estimates
• Electrical Service and Installations

Notables

One big thing to note: this school is one of the most affordable on our list. It’s net cost is $9,145 a year. Even more, when it comes to South, the University of Louisiana-Monroe holds an admirable place in the top 100 best universities (81st).

Overview

Over on the west coast, in Ellensburg, Washington, Central Washington University (CWU) is a rapidly growing public institution. In fact, it’s considered to be the fastest growing university in the state! It enrolls around 11,800 students within its four academic colleges.

Program Highlights

This student-focused program emphasizes hands-on work from day one. At Central Washington, you’ll jump into projects using all the latest construction technology. The required  classes are specific and relevant, so you know you’ll be putting them to use in the real world:

• Blueprint Reading
• Light Commercial Construction
• Leed in Sustainable Construction
• Codes, Contracts, and Specifications

Notables

You will not be twiddling your thumbs in this program. The Construction Management program Central Washington will keep you busy with fun events like golf tournaments, and challenging contests like the annual Balsa Bridge Building contest.

Overview

Also in Washington, this time in Seattle, the University of Washington (UW) looms large in the state for its academic reputation and its research force. UW is the oldest university in the west coast. Its student body is made up of over 46,000 people, and it is considered the flagship school of the UW system.  

Program Highlights

The University of Washington brings flexibility into this BS in Construction Management degree. For example, you can complete your first two years of prerequisites in any Washington program or community college. Then, your last two years are intended to specialize in technical classes like:

• Construction Labor Relations
• Construction Law
• Integrated Design Build Studio
• Virtual Construction

Notables

The University of Washington’s research strength bodes well for your opportunities to do hands-on work as an undergraduate. For example, you’ll spend a summer doing three months of work with a local construction firm to get quality experience. You’ll also test out soil foundations and building techniques in labs.

Overview

Based in San Diego, the NewSchool of Architecture and Design is a specialized, for-profit institution. It trains students in just three areas: architecture, construction management, and design. The school enrolls around 600 students annually.

Program Highlights

The NewSchool’s Construction Management program requires more credit hours of professional classes (105 out of the 186-credit total), so you know you’re getting your money’s worth. They have a unique “Studio Sequence,” which is 11 classes of hands-on work. The other core courses fill in the gaps. Here’s a sampling:

• City Planning
• Residential & Light Commercial
• Construction Finance
• Steel Structures

Notables

The NewSchool of Architecture and Design’s reputation precedes it. Graduates of the Construction Management program have gone on to work for places like Watkins Landmark Construction, O’Connor Construction Management, and more. In fact, last year 91% of the graduates found full-time work in just 6 months.

Overview

Philadelphia University (now merged with Thomas Jefferson University) is a private institution that features degrees in design, architecture, and commerce. Its campus is located just west of the heart of Philadelphia in a beautiful tree-filled campus.

Program Highlights

Because of the school’s location in industrial Philadelphia, you’ll get a front-row seat to the practices of large-scale construction. As such, your classes will cover everything from the basics to the specialized. You’ll be ready to dive right into the heart of Philadelphia’s construction world with classes like:

• Construction Surveying
• Building Systems
• Construction Estimating and Budgeting
• Construction Graphics

Notables

Beyond the engaging curriculum, you’ll have lots of opportunities to connect with other people in your major. Philadelphia University is a chapter of Sigma Lambda Chi, the construction management sorority. You’ll also have the chance to study abroad in places like China, France, and Australia.

Overview

A shining spot in the Midwest, Indiana State University (ISU) is a public university that is known for its public works and research. It has been named one of the “Best in the Midwest” by the Princeton Review for the last 13 years in a row. ISU enrolls around 12,500 students annually.

Program Highlights

Housed by the Department of Built Environment, the BS in Construction Management at ISU pulls together a number of fields: building structures, environmental control, quality assurance, cost control, and more. Classes are taught by industry professionals who know what information is most useful. You’ll take classes like:

• Plane Surveying
• Electrical Construction
• Computer Drawing Applications
• Construction Contract Documents

Notables

At Indiana State, you’ll get a taste for real-world construction work. Through the Co-op/Internship program, you’re able to integrate your classwork into the field. Students typically are offered full-time work after their internship experience in places like C.P. Morgan, Centex Homes, Hannig Construction, and more.

Overview

Straddling the border of Kentucky and Ohio, Northern Kentucky University is a 4-year public school that is formed out of six academic colleges. It is home to a number of honor societies, a famous lecture series, and a thriving student life program.

Program Highlights

This BS in Construction Management balances classroom work with internships. In addition to 120 credits of classes, you’ll complete two 300-hour internships. You can also choose to minor in areas like business, marketing, or entrepreneurship. Some of the highlight construction courses include:

• Soil and Foundation Interaction
• Structural Analysis
• Residential and Commercial Construction
• Architectural Drafting and CAD

Notables

Northern Kentucky University has one of the lowest net costs in our program ($8,910/year). Even more, you’ll have the chance to earn competitive scholarships specifically catered to your field. Some of them are the Greater Cincinnati Home Builders Scholarship, the Spirit of Construction Foundation Scholarship, and more.

Overview

Also in Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University (or EKU) is a small, regional institution. It runs a number of branches across the state. EKU has an honors program that is nationally recognized as well as a vibrant Greek life.

Program Highlights

Offered as either a BS in Construction Management or an accelerated BS/MS in Construction Management, Eastern Kentucky University is ready to meet your needs. The faculty members are already leading and active members in the field. Students go on to work for the top contractors in the area. You’ll take industry-related classes like:

• Foundation Construction
• Contracts & Bidding
• Engineering Economy
• Statics & Strength of Materials

Notables

If you’re not ready to commit to a full bachelor’s degree in construction management, Eastern Kentucky University might still be the place for you. It offers a variety of other programs like a Minor in Land Surveying, a Minor in Construction Management, or a Certificate in Land Surveying.

Overview

A vibrant and diverse institution, the University of Central Missouri enrolls students from all over the country—and the world! Around 14,000 students attend the university and enjoy the many student organizations it offers. The Special Housing Interest Program matches first and second-year students with others in their field of study.

Program Highlights

From construction safety to building methods to cost analysis, the University of Central Missouri has got you covered. This BS in Construction Management is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. You’ll learn to be more than just a builder or a contractor, but rather a leader in your field. You can look forward to taking courses such as:

• Industry Management
• Applied Civil Design and Drafting
• Computer-Based Project Control
• Heavy Construction: Methods and Materials

Notables

Your studies at the University of Central Missouri will go beyond the classroom. You’re encouraged to join the Student Organization of Construction Managers to connect and network with others in your field.

Overview

Brigham Young University (BYU) is a Mormon university located in Idaho. Because of their religious affiliation, the school observes a specific code of conduct. BYU Idaho offers a “fast grad” track for a number of its majors. This lets you accelerate your coursework to finish your degree early.

Program Highlights

Brigham Young goes beyond a standard BS in Construction Management. Within the major, you can specialize in one of five categories: Architecture, Business, Environmental Health and Safety, Heavy Civil/Industrial, or Residential/Commercial. Among the core courses, though, you’ll cover:

• Building Systems
• Construction Estimating
• Soils
• Concrete and Masonry Construction

Notables

BYU Idaho takes the cake for affordability. At $8,344 a year, this is a degree program that won’t break the bank. No surprise, then, it has been named among the “Best Value” colleges by the Princeton Review in years past.