Construction sites are often exciting and busy places to work. There is always something in progress, and there are many moving parts to creating and constructing buildings, roads, and other structures. If you’ve worked on a construction site for a few years, you have probably seen those construction managers who help the project move along. You may have even wondered how to become a construction manager yourself.
Construction managers often work on many different types of projects. You could be a construction manager of a new highway system, office building, or even a subdivision. In this article, you’ll learn the following about how to become a construction manager:
- Degree Options
- What Classes To Study
- Additional Certifications
- How to Land the Perfect Job
- Benefits of the EU Degree Program
There are plenty of career opportunities waiting for you in the world of construction management. Learn more about how to become a construction manager to jumpstart your career!
Construction Manager Degree Options
Most construction companies rely on the knowledge of construction managers who have earned a degree. Learn more about what degree do you need to be a construction manager.
Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management
This four-year degree helps prepare students for the wide world of construction management. There are both in-person and online degree options for those students who want to earn their degree virtually or while continuing to work a full-time job. Most students take 41 months to complete a bachelor’s degree in construction management based on a full-time course schedule.
Master’s Degree in Construction Management
For those students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in construction management, there is an elevated master’s degree option to help your career. The master’s degree in construction management offers an in-depth look at common construction issues and is also offered both on-campus and online at Everglades University. This degree option takes most students about one year to complete and can significantly increase your career options.
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What Kind of Construction Management Courses Do Students Take?
Both of these degree programs offer a variety of different classes to prepare students for the construction world.
Bachelor’s Degree Classes
Every incoming student must complete 30 credit hours of general education courses at Everglades University. These classes provide a solid foundation for expanded learning and general knowledge.
Lower Division Classes
Students wanting to know how to be a construction project manager will then take 18 credits in the following classes to better introduce them to the necessary skills needed for construction management.
- Building Construction Drawing
- Construction Estimating
- OSHA Standards
- Construction Documents
- Introduction to Construction Techniques
- Introduction to Sustainability
Interdisciplinary Studies
Everglades University students can customize their chosen degree option by submitting past work for credit in the interdisciplinary studies section. Students can work with their advisor or dean to decide if previous credit is acceptable. Those who don’t have past work experience in the field should take the following 21 hours of classes:
- Macroeconomics
- Mechanical/Electrical Systems
- MEP Plans and Specifications
- Building Construction Plans
- Managing a Construction Business
- Project Management for Construction
- Accounting Principles I
Upper Division Required Classes
The central part of this degree option involves the following classes that dive deep into the world of construction management. Students will complete 54 credit hours to be then eligible for graduation.
- Codes and Standards
- Soil Mechanics for Construction
- Construction Ethics
- Mechanical and Electrical Systems
- Construction Contracts
- Construction Cost Estimating
- Managing a Construction Project
- Construction Techniques of Superstructures
- Mechanical Systems: Heating and Cooling
- Construction Scheduling
- Construction Layout Planning
- Construction Safety
- LEED Certification and Green Sustainability
- Statics and Strengths of Materials
- Construction Law
- Concrete Masonry Design in Construction
- Financial Control of Construction Organizations
- Construction Management Capstone Course
Master’s Degree Classes
The advanced construction management degree at Everglades University includes these 36 credit hours of higher learning and in-depth knowledge pertinent to improving your career as a construction manager.
- Advanced Construction Estimating
- Construction Scheduling and Planning Strategy
- Legal Aspects in Construction
- Strategic Management of Construction Organizations
- Construction Cost Analysis & Financial Control
- Construction Productivity
- Construction Claims
- Decision & Risk Analysis in Construction
- Developments in Construction Technologies
- Alternative Project Delivery Methods
- Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management/Leadership
- Graduate Construction Management Capstone Course
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How to Land the Perfect Job
It is undoubtedly exciting to finish your construction management degree! Finding the perfect job that fits your skills and desires is the next step in the process.
Apply, Apply, Apply
Part of landing your first job in the construction industry is to apply anywhere and everywhere. This method will allow you to choose from a variety of job opportunities that suit you. Scour construction companies in large cities, and don’t overlook those smaller cities that could offer a better work-life balance. Use your contacts, professors, and the internet to search out job opportunities.
Take a Fair Offer
Some students do get exorbitant offers from some of the largest construction companies in the country. However, make sure that the company is a good fit for you and your values. The construction management profession has an expected growth rate of 8% through 2029. Knowing this puts the power in your hands as companies want (and need) to hire educated construction managers.
Choose Wisely
Career opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. You may be offered a generous benefits package from a company that focuses on a specific part of the industry you don’t particularly enjoy. Job satisfaction is a huge part of your happiness in the future, and it is best to take the job that excites you the most, even if it is a lower overall benefits package. Also, consider the location of the work and find a spot that fits your personal needs.
Benefits of an Everglades University Construction Management Degree
The key benefit to choosing Everglades University is that the programs are offered online for easy accessibility. Both traditional and non-traditional students can earn their degree from the comfort of their own home, no matter how far it is from campus! Students can also learn in person as well on one of our beautiful campuses. Everglades University has received plenty of awards in recent years and is an accredited university. You can be confident that your time at Everglades will prepare you for a bright future in the construction management industry.
Learn more about how you can expand your skills and education by enrolling in one of the construction management degree programs at Everglades University today!
