Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Construction
Majors Overview November 24, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in construction and their education requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Programs in Construction
Students seeking the knowledge and skills they would need for managing entire construction firms or construction sites would benefit from enrolling in a master’s degree in construction management. Schools most commonly offer the Master of Science (M.S.) in Construction Management.
Individuals with a background in construction or a related field would benefit from such programs. Most applicants to the program have real-world experience in the construction field and are also required by the admission criteria to hold a bachelor’s degree in the discipline.
Program coursework includes materials management issues, scheduling conflicts, human relations disputes, and construction industry trends, in addition to other topic areas. Professional certification may be available to program graduates with sufficient experience.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a baccalaureate degree in a subject such as facilities management, construction, engineering technology or architectural technology. Prospective students’ level of real-world construction site experience also finds consideration by many schools. Typical admission requirements include the submission of GRE scores, grade transcripts, and a portfolio of past work.
Coursework
Program coursework covers courses devised to make students adept at planning construction sites, managing expenditures and assessing the risks involved with construction projects. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Cost estimating
•Global construction management
•Management of land use
•Construction documentation
•Construction management and law
•Construction scheduling
•Labor relations
Job and Wage Outlook
In 2010, over 485,000 in the nation were employed as construction managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Two out of three of those individuals were self-employed, often owning a business enterprises. In 2012, construction managers brought in an average annual wage of $82,790 (BLS). Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, construction management professionals are expected to see a 16% job growth (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
There is an increasing trend among construction managers to seek professional certification even though certified credentialing is not mandatory. The Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) and Associate Constructor (AC) certifications are available through the American Institute of Constructors.
Professionals can use the certifications to enhance job credentials and to gain access to other related organizations in the field. The Certified Construction Manager credential is offered by the Construction Management Association of America to those with varying levels of work experience and education.
