Whether you’re fresh out of high school or a construction professional ready to expand your career options, an online bachelor’s degree in construction management supplies the skills you need to reach leadership roles in the construction industry. You’ll cover vital topics such as project management, building codes, construction law, and safety while enjoying the flexibility to continue working as you complete your online construction management degree coursework.
In this guide, we’ll spotlight three of the best online construction management degrees and offer vital information covering admission requirements, coursework, tuition, and financial aid. Continue reading to see which schools stand out and what to expect from an online bachelor’s in construction management. Check back later this year to review our full college rankings list.
Top Online Bachelors Degrees in Construction Management for 2024
We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Parkville, MOPrivate not-for-profit $
Park University offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. This program combines aspects of business management with construction management, with a curriculum that covers topics in construction planning, project management, and financial management. Students learn about plan analysis, budgeting, scheduling, safety, supervising, organizing, materials, and law in the construction industry. This program prepares students for careers as facility managers, site engineers, building surveyors, construction managers, building inspectors, and operations managers. This program also offers internships as electives for students seeking real-world, hands-on experience in the field.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $550/credit online; $430.55/credit on-campus
- Mode: Online, on-campus
- Accreditation: ACBSP
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
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Pueblo, COPublic $
Colorado State University Pueblo offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. This program provides courses in business, construction management, and civil engineering technology to give students the current and relevant skills needed to be successful in construction management. This degree is designed for students looking for careers as construction managers, foremen, general contractors, project managers, and field supervisors. CSU offers a special NFSF scholarship specifically for construction-related programs, awarding students up to $2,500.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $400/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Terre Haute, INPublic $
Indiana State University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. This is a managerial-focused program to prepare students for leadership roles in construction professions. Students learn technical skills, management techniques, and how construction impacts the world; you’ll study building design and planning, environmental control systems, project management, budgeting, bids, critical scheduling, inspection, utilization of manpower, and technical skills in elevation, boundaries, and structure. This program requires an internship to give students hands-on experience in the field.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $456/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Marquette, MIPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Baton Rouge, LAPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Moorhead, MNPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Glassboro, NJPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Boca Raton, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Park University
Established in 1875, Park University is a private institution based in Parkville, Missouri. The university is home to about 10,000 students and numerous online and on-campus programs. Among the school’s programs is an online bachelor’s degree in construction management that’s offered through Park’s business school.
Park’s 120-credit online bachelor’s degree in construction management offers students the foundational business and leadership skills needed to complement construction-related classes, such as construction engineering, construction planning, plans analysis, and construction project management. Before graduation, students also have the opportunity to complete an internship in the field.
Prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED. Submit official high school or college transcripts with your application.
Program Highlights:
- Construction Management BS
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $453 per credit in-state | $453 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Fully-Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University (LSU) is the state’s flagship public research institution. Founded in 1860, the university enrolls over 35,000 students yearly. LSU’s department of construction management is home to a 100% online bachelor’s program that full-time students complete in about four years.
Accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), this online construction management degree offers a diverse curriculum and specialization areas in facilities management and industrial, commercial, residential, and heavy highway construction. Alongside general education requirements, core construction management classes include construction plan reading, construction surveying, construction estimating, soils in construction, and construction safety.
First-year applicants typically have a 3.0 GPA from a college prep high school curriculum. Prospective students must also submit SAT or ACT scores. Transfer students with 30 or more transferrable hours must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
Program Highlights:
- Construction Management, BS
- Credits: 123-125
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $379 per credit in-state | $379 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Fully-Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ; ACCE
Indiana State University
Based in Terre Haute, Indiana State University (ISU) is a public institution that dates back to 1865. Among the school’s dozens of undergraduate programs is a bachelor’s in construction management that students complete online. This program promotes the managerial skills and technical proficiencies that graduates can leverage into leadership roles in the construction field.
Throughout this 120-credit online bachelor’s degree in construction management, students complete 39 credits of general education classes, while the remaining 81 credits are dedicated to major coursework. Construction management classes include introduction to construction, architectural graphics, environmental control systems, construction accounting, construction project management, and design of temporary structures. Before earning their diploma, students must complete a capstone course and an internship at an approved site.
Prospective ISU students apply online, and first-time college applicants must include official high school transcripts. While ISU does not require the SAT or ACT for admission, the school does require them if applicants wish to be considered for various merit-based scholarships.
Program Highlights:
- Construction Management, BS
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $342 per credit in-state | $445 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Fully-Online
- Accreditation: HLC; ACCE
What Will You Learn in an Online Construction Degree Program?
The best online construction management degrees offer you a broad range of knowledge and marketable skills that can jump-start your career in the construction industry. These programs cover subjects such as building science, construction methods, project planning and management, cost estimating, contract administration, construction law, and safety regulations. Students also familiarize themselves with sustainable construction practices, leadership and communication, and technological innovations in the industry.
As you move through your online construction management degree curriculum, you’ll encounter a mix of both theoretical coursework and hands-on experiences, such as internships and collaborative group projects. Graduates often pursue careers in construction project management, site supervision, construction operations, and various fields in both the public and private sectors.
Continue reading as we showcase some of the main topics you’ll encounter when completing an online bachelor’s degree in construction management.
Main Topics You’ll Cover
- Building Science and Technology
- Project Management
- Construction Law and Ethics
- Safety Management
- Cost Estimating and Control
- Communication and Leadership
- Construction Operations
Years 1 and 2 Curriculum
The first two years of your online bachelor’s degree in construction management will likely focus on the fundamental concepts and principles of the field. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you’ll go on to hone more advanced and specialized skills. In the following section, we spotlight some standard early classes you’ll likely encounter as a first- and second-year online construction management degree student.
Common Courses
- Fundamentals of Construction Management: This foundational class introduces the basic concepts and principles of the field, including building materials, methods and techniques, and construction administration.
- Computer Applications: Students explore the use of various computer applications commonly used in the construction industry, including computer-aided design, building information modeling, and project management software.
- Technical Communication: Great leaders are often exceptional communicators. This course examines how to communicate technical information effectively through oral presentations, visual aids, and written reports.
- Materials and Methods: This essential course studies various construction materials, including concrete, masonry, and metals, while also introducing the systems employed in construction and cost management.
- Surveying: This class introduces the fundamental concepts of surveying. Throughout the course, students become familiar with topics such as topography, topographical maps, and contours.
Years 3 and 4 Curriculum
In the latter half of your online construction management degree program, you’ll typically complete advanced coursework that builds on the foundational knowledge developed over your first two years. In addition to gaining more specialized knowledge, during your junior and senior years you’ll also hone some of the soft skills vital to leadership roles in the construction field. In addition to standard coursework, students gain hands-on experiences through internships, co-ops, and degree-culminating capstone projects. Check out some upper-division classes typically found in the best online construction management degree programs.
Common Courses
- Project Management: Throughout this course, students develop essential project management techniques while gaining experience with vital topics such as critical path scheduling, resource allocation, and project control.
- Construction Contracts and Law: This course challenges students to familiarize themselves with advanced contract law and dispute resolution techniques, including claims management, arbitration, and litigation.
- Sustainable Construction: Construction professionals interact with the environment in an intimate way. In this class, students explore sustainable building practices, including green building materials, energy-efficient design, and LEED certification.
- Construction Safety and Risk Management: Managing the safety of your crew is vital, and this course introduces advanced safety and risk management techniques. Students learn to prevent and mitigate construction accidents while exploring hazard analysis, safety training, and emergency response.
- Construction Operations and Logistics: This class challenges students to learn how to manage construction operations more effectively. Standard topics include personnel management, construction equipment management, supply chain issues, and logistics.
Admissions Requirements for Top Construction Management Programs
If you’ve decided that an online construction management bachelor’s is for you, it’s time to consider your next steps. Top programs are relatively competitive, so you’ll want to get your ducks in a row to collect all requisite information and submit an application free of omissions or mistakes. When considering prospective programs, review each school’s admission requirements, as these vary between schools. Consider these tips when navigating the admission process.
- Research programs: The best online construction management degree programs have solid reputations, experienced faculty, and accreditation. Ensure that any program you’re considering aligns with your academic and professional goals.
- Review admission requirements: Find schools that match up with your qualifications, including GPA, standardized test scores, and prerequisite courses. Some schools are eschewing ACT/SAT scores, while others, like Everglades University, offer an entrance exam instead of standardized tests.
While standardized, applications still allow you to tell your story and highlight your achievements. Be sure to underscore academic skills, extracurricular activities, and volunteer experiences. You’ll likely submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or admission essay. Here’s a solid list of the things you’ll likely provide in your online construction management degree applications:
- A fully completed application
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, coaches, bosses, or faith leaders
- Official transcripts from your high school and any colleges you previously attended
- A personal statement or admission essay, which is your chance to tell your story and explain what makes you a quality candidate for admission
- A resume outlining work and volunteer experiences along with any other extracurricular activities
Financing Your Online Construction Management Degree
Pursuing your online construction management degree can help jumpstart your career, but it can involve a significant investment of both time and money. As a result, understanding the true cost of college and how to plan for it is vital. How much your online degree costs depends on various factors, including residency or whether the school is public or private.
Generally, paying in-state tuition at a public institution offers the most inexpensive academic pathway. Students at the private Everglades University pay about $20,000 annually, while in-state degree-seekers at Indiana University can pay as little as about $9,000 annually. When seeking the best school for you, be sure to factor in cost alongside your other considerations.
The cost of your online degree involves more than just tuition. For example, the cost of books and technology fees also add up. Thankfully, financial aid options help cover the cost of your online construction management degree. After you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you’ll learn if you have access to federally backed financial aid options. These include loans, grants, and work-study programs.
Even if you receive funding from FAFSA or directly from your school, you still might be left with a considerable bill each semester. Thankfully, there’s a seemingly endless list of scholarships. If you have questions about funding your education, be sure to reach out to your school’s financial aid office—these professionals are ready to help you secure the funding you need to earn a college degree.
Take a moment to check out how much various online construction management programs cost in the graphic below.
| School Name | School Type | Total Credits | In-State Cost | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University | Public | 123-125 | $379/credit | $379/credit |
| Indiana State University | Public | 120 | $ 342/credit | $ 445/credit |
| Park University | Private not-for-profit | 120 | $453/credit | $453/credit |
| Colorado State University-Pueblo | Public | 120 | $360/credit | $360/credit |
| National University | Private not-for-profit | 180 quarter units | $442/quarter unit | $442/quarter unit |
FAQs About Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Construction Management
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What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in construction management?
An online bachelor’s degree in construction management can lead to a variety of careers within the construction industry. In addition to securing jobs as project managers or site supervisors, graduates also work in fields like architecture, engineering, or real estate development. Those with ample experience or advanced degrees often move into leadership and executive roles. Common careers for construction management graduates include:
- Residential Construction Manager
- Commercial Construction Manager
- General Contractor
- Field Engineer
- Sustainability Consultant
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Is earning a construction management degree worth it?
Deciding whether an online construction management degree is worth it is up to you. You’ll want to weigh the degree against your career goals, priorities, and personal circumstances. That said, construction management is a growing career that offers relatively lucrative salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for construction managers is nearly $100,000 per year, and the top 10% of earners make more than $163,800 annually. Additionally, the BLS projects that construction manager positions will expand by a faster-than-average rate of 8% by 2031.
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Are online construction management degree programs 100% online?
Construction management degrees vary in their level of online instruction. While many programs are offered online, some may require students to certain attend in-person classes, complete in-person internships, or complete on-site construction projects. Be sure you have a clear understanding of any in-person requirements. Additionally, not all 100% online programs are created equally, with some leaning on self-directed asynchronous classes, while others may have synchronous components that require you to attend live virtual classes.
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How long does it take to earn a bachelor’s degree in construction management?
The time it takes to earn your online bachelor’s degree in construction management varies based on multiple factors, including specific program requirements, course load, and your status as a full-time or part-time student. As a full-time student, typically you’ll graduate in about four years, while part-time learners will take longer. Additionally, accelerated coursework impacts your graduation timeline.
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What accreditation should a construction management degree program have?
When looking for the best online construction management degrees, seek out schools that hold institutional accreditation. Effectively a stamp of approval, accreditation means that a school offers quality academics while providing robust student services. Additionally, you may want to prioritize construction management programs that hold programmatic accreditation. Look for programs accredited by the ACCE or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Job Outlook with a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management
For graduates with a construction management degree, the employment outlook is generally positive. According to the BLS, construction management jobs are projected to grow by as much as 8% over the next decade. In addition, the BLS projects about 41,500 annual job openings for construction managers. When factoring in the various careers associated with construction management, graduates can rest easy knowing that they’ve earned a valuable degree that’s linked to several growing fields. In the graphic below, we spotlight the median annual earnings and job growth associated with various construction management jobs and associated careers.
| Career | Median Annual Earnings (2021) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Manager | $98,890 | 8% |
| Cost Estimator | $65,170 | -2% |
| Project Management Specialist | $94,500 | 7% |
| Construction Inspector | $61,640 | -4% |
| Facilities Manager | $99,290 | 7% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics