Do building systems, technology, and design fascinate you? If the answer is yes, you could jumpstart your career by earning an Associate Degree in Construction Management. A construction management associate degree is a good choice for people looking to build a career in construction management. It teaches key skills and engineering practices for managing construction worksites.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best college for construction management and give a brief overview of construction management associate degree requirements.
What Is Construction Management?
Construction management is the process of managing construction projects. It involves coordinating various phases of a construction project from conceptual development to project completion. It involves tasks such as preparing cost estimates and budgets, scheduling construction stages, managing subcontractors, safety planning, and ensuring the project meets the set quality.
What Is a Construction Management Associate Degree?
A construction management associate degree is a two-year program that introduces students to the fundamentals of the construction industry. It equips students with the technical skills and know-how to efficiently handle the full process of planning, designing, and delivery of complex construction projects.
Successful completion of the construction management associate degree qualifies students for a wide variety of jobs in the career field as surveyors, project managers, schedulers, quality control supervisors, material testers, and site inspectors. The associate degree also prepares the student for a transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program in construction and related fields.
Construction Management Associate Degree Requirements
The admission requirements for an associate degree program in construction management depend on the college. However, prospective students will generally need a high school diploma or an equivalent. They might also need to satisfy GPA requirements set by the college. After admission, students will also need to meet the credit hours required to complete the program.
How Much Does a Construction Management Associate Degree Cost?
The average cost of obtaining a construction management associate degree is $11,391 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This amount covers the cost of tuition, fees, accommodation, books, and supplies. The value varies depending on several factors such as type of school, living arrangement, and mode of learning.
Construction Management Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Construction Management Degree
College fees are higher than they have ever been. As the costs of a college education continue to rise, it has become more difficult to finance college degrees. This is why it is crucial for students to consider financing options before they commit to a construction management associate degree program. Some schools offer flexible payment plan options that allow students to pay in installments.
The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that about 83.8 percent of undergraduate students receive educational funding from financial aid programs in the US. Prospective students should also consider financial aid. Consider completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Doing this allows you to position yourself for grants, scholarships, student loans, and school-based aid.
Best Construction Management Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Aims Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Arapahoe Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Central Piedmont Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on College |
| Community College of Philadelphia | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Dakota County Technical College | Associate of Science in Construction Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Fullerton College | Associate of Science in Construction Management | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
| Mesa Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| New York City College of Technology | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management and Civil Engineering Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Portland Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Colleges for Construction Management: Top Construction Management Associate Degree Programs
Many community and technical colleges offer construction management associate degrees. This section contains a brief overview of the best schools offering this degree program. We chose these schools based on several factors such as quality of the program, acceptance rate, graduation rate, and student-to-teacher ratio.
Construction Management | Aims Community College
Aims has a hands-on approach to educating students on the fundamental subjects of the construction industry. Students learn in a state-of-the-art construction environment at Aims Applied Technology and Trades Center. This program partners with the Aims computer-aided drafting program to teach information management and building information modeling.
Construction Management | Arapahoe Community College
The Associate Degree in Construction Management program at Arapahoe University provides a solid foundation for aspiring construction managers. It teaches job-ready skills in building practices and material, print reading, energy codes, estimating, surveying, and energy technology.
Construction Management Technology | Central Piedmont Community College
This program prepares students for a wide variety of residential and commercial management careers such as carpentry, HVAC, welding, plumbing, and masonry. The academic plan includes fundamental subjects such as project management, estimating, and superintendence. Students also receive real-life training through internship work experience and cooperative education.
Construction Management | Community College of Philadelphia
This is a 63-credit unit program that teaches everything students need to become project managers for building construction projects. Those who enroll in this program will learn about construction principles, construction methods, construction document drafting, and legal considerations in construction projects.
Construction Management | Dakota County Technical College
This program combines basic subjects of applied management, business, design, and engineering to provide the technical knowledge required from construction managers. The curriculum also covers the academic requirements to pass the applied certified inspector test by the International Code Council.
Construction Management | Fullerton College
Fullerton’s degree program equips students with the technical skills to gain entry-level positions in the industry as site inspectors, construction materials suppliers, specifiers, equipment salespeople, and more. Students also gain leadership skills to manage complex construction projects and create a safe working environment in construction sites.
Construction Management | Mesa Community College
This program offers specialized knowledge of the technical and occupational subjects of the construction industry such as construction planning, construction ethics, design, and OSHA 30 safety. The coursework also prepares students for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate program.
Construction Management and Civil Engineering Technology | New York City College of Technology
This associate degree program teaches core construction management and engineering technology courses. It provides specialized knowledge in the different facets of the construction process such as structural design, management, methods, and construction materials. The coursework also includes building information modeling and computer-aided drawing.
Construction Management | Portland Community College
This program delivers expert instruction on the construction process from the perspective of a general constructor. Students take classes in sustainable construction projects, job costing techniques, bid preparing, and structural and mechanical systems.
Construction Management | University of Alaska Anchorage
Specially developed by professional industry experts, this associate degree program teaches the business side of construction. It offers foundational knowledge of the construction industry that’s essential when starting a career. Students will learn to manage complex projects, develop project schedules, control construction costs, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Best Online Construction Management Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Ashworth College | Associate of Science in Construction Management | Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
| Blinn College | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Casper College | Associate of Science in Construction Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Indian Hill Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Lanier Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management Technology and Carpentry | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| National American University | Associate of Science in Construction Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Parkland College | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Renton Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Savannah Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Seminole State College of Florida | Associate of Science in Construction Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Colleges for Construction Management: Top Online Construction Management Associate Degree Programs
An online construction management associate degree program is a good alternative to the traditional on-campus degree. It is better suited for distance learners or people who prefer to learn from the comfort of their homes. Here are some of the best online schools to earn an associate degree.
Construction Management | Ashworth College
This program teaches the management and leadership skills construction managers need to efficiently manage commercial construction projects. It covers courses such as cost estimating, safety planning, construction drawing, and commercial blueprints. Students in this program join the Ashworth College Central Network to refresh their knowledge even after degree completion.
Construction Management | Blinn College
This associate degree program at Blinn College prepares students to land in-demand jobs in the construction industry. Students learn through hands-on experience in construction planning and design, quality assurance, scheduling, personnel management, and project management.
Construction Management | Casper College
This degree program offers basic education for people who want to work in management positions in the construction field. Students gain the essential management skills to work in material and sales firms, engineering and architectural firms, contractor organizations, and agricultural businesses.
Construction Management | Indian Hill Community College
This is a dual-track program, containing construction trade and construction management courses. Students take classes in construction management courses including advanced framing, HVAC design, wiring, estimating, and concrete and writing.
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Construction Management Technology and Carpentry | Lanier Technical College
This associate program provides background skills in areas of the construction industry such as supervision, project management, accounting to construction businesses, and carpentry. The coursework includes courses that lead to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification.
Construction Management | National American University
The construction management associate degree provides students with knowledge and skills to manage construction activities in commercial and residential projects. Students gain a deep understanding of construction project management and management concepts. It also provides a solid foundation for a four-year degree in construction management.
Construction Management | Parkland College
The construction management degree program provides technical training in building construction and construction management in a high-tech environment. It equips students with the practical skills to gain entry-level positions in the industry. Students also learn about heating, ventilation, HVAC, and electrical wiring.
Construction Management | Renton Technical College
Renton Technical College offers a construction management associate degree program that helps students develop the necessary administrative and personnel skills to become construction project managers, estimators, surveyors, and other related job roles. Students learn to create construction plans for efficient project execution.
Construction Management | Savannah Technical College
This program offers a unique mix of construction and supervision courses to prepare students for careers in construction. Students learn essential management skills in accounting, building code review, scheduling, and construction. The curriculum also includes carpentry works such as framing, footing and foundation, and interior and exterior finishing.
Construction Management | Seminole State College of Florida
In this program, you will learn about building science, project management, and professional practices in residential and commercial building construction. This program also prepares students for a bachelor of science degree in construction and state licensing.
What’s the Average Construction Management Associate Degree Salary?
According to Glassdoor, an associate construction manager earns an average salary of $70,318 in a year. The salary level varies due to construction experience, technical expertise, and location.
Top Construction Management Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Construction Management Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager | $97,180 |
| Cost Estimator | $66,610 |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $62,860 |
| Drafter | $57,960 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technician | $46,220 |
Best Construction Management Associate Degree Jobs Explained
Construction Manager
- Average Salary: $97,180
- Job Outlook: 11%
- Number of Jobs: 448,000
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, New York, Delaware, California, Hawaii
Construction managers oversee the whole construction process from start to finish. Their day-to-day responsibilities include planning budgets, preparing work timetables, and hiring subcontractors for construction projects.
Cost Estimator
- Average Salary: $66,610
- Job Outlook: 1%
- Number of Jobs: 199,400
- Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Hawaii, California, Alaska
Cost estimators assess the cost and time required to complete a building project. They analyze data and factors affecting project execution and make adjustments to meet project goals.
Construction and Building Inspector
- Average Salary: $62,860
- Job Outlook: -3%
- Number of Jobs: 129,300
- Highest-Paying States: California, Alaska, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Washington
Construction inspectors, also called field inspectors, ensure that construction projects comply with the building codes, zoning rules, and project requirements. They monitor construction projects to ensure overall compliance with construction regulations.
Drafter
- Average Salary: $57,960
- Job Outlook: -2%
- Number of Jobs: 191,800
- Highest-Paying States: Maryland, New York, Maine, West Virginia, California
Drafters use construction software to convert architectural and engineering designs into technical drawings. They work under the supervision of engineers or architects.
Surveying and Mapping Technician
- Average Salary: $46,200
- Job Outlook: 4%
- Number of Jobs: 54,800
- Highest-Paying States: California, Rhode Island, Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Surveying technicians analyze the shape of the earth for engineering and construction purposes. They work with the surveyors to research land data and use survey records to make valuable calculations in construction.
Should You Get an Associate Degree in Construction Management?
Yes, you should. If you have a passion for management and the construction industry, an associate degree is your best option to begin your career. It offers the technical skills to explore high-level career options in the industry and offers foundational education for advanced degrees. A construction management associate degree will prepare you for long-term success in the industry.
Construction Management Associate Degree FAQ
Successful completion of a construction management associate degree program provides the technical skills to enter a broad range of professions such as site inspectors, quality control supervisors, cost estimators, construction supervisors, and construction managers.
It usually takes two years to get an associate degree in construction management, and a bachelor’s degree takes four years.
Yes, it does. The average annual salary of a construction manager is $97,180. Professionals in the highest 10 percent earn more than $169,070 a year.
It can be highly stressful. A construction manager has to constantly supervise every stage of the project and keep projects on schedule within the set requirements. As a result, they are often overstressed by the heavy workload.
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