Construction Management

As kids we build with blocks, Lego’s, or Lincoln Logs, play with doll houses or fashion sand castles. We’ve all seen buildings being constructed or renovated, watched as an empty plot of land is cleared, a foundation laid and a structure erected. What does it really take to build an office or a store? Planning, materials, manpower, regulations and safety, it’s all part of the process. A construction manager is intimately involved in the entire process, from conception to unveiling, overseeing everything from the nuts and bolts to the entire project budget.

Construction Management Degrees Description

Real world experience within construction is necessary regardless of schooling, but construction management degrees are becoming the norm for the leading positions in the industry. The classroom and coursework given by construction management schools provide a necessary skill set, which includes knowledge unattainable in the field. Construction management degrees are available at the Associates, Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, with specialized and advanced information increasing with the level of the degree. Industry specific knowledge will be gained through courses in building codes, construction methods, contract administration, inspection procedures and engineering and architectural science. This will be supplemented with general coursework in business and finance management, mathematics and statistics as well as computer training necessary in regards to industry standards, innovation and advancement. Real world experience can be gained through internships or work programs, offered by many construction management schools, or can be gained through various jobs following graduation. Although certification is not mandatory, it is becoming more common, and is valuable when seeking employment. Certification through organizations like the Construction Management Association of America can be obtained through a four phase process, regardless of what level of education you receive.

Construction Management Careers

Construction management schools instill the wide range of knowledge needed to oversee both the micro and macro level problems facing leading professionals in the field today. Work is available for construction managers, superintendants or supervisors as members of a development staff, for a management company, or as an independent consultant; a popular choice among those with construction management degrees. Careers as a general contractor or program manager are always available as well. All of these professions operate on various levels as well, from small independent companies or consultancies to large international agencies, as well as government and public works positions. In 2008 more than 550,000 construction managers held jobs, more than half of which were self employed as owners of firms or consultancies, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of those half million, the median annual earning of salaried construction managers was $79,860, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Independently employed construction managers see fluctuations in earnings depending upon project size and frequency, location, and overall economic conditions. According to the July 2009 salary survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, those with construction management degrees at the bachelor level received job offers averaging $53,199 annually. Between 2008 and 2018, the projected job growth for construction managers is estimated to grow by 17 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.