Best Online Accelerated Construction Management Degree Programs

• A construction management degree can lead to a well-paying career in various sectors and industries.
• Accelerated online degree programs are designed to get you your degree faster.
• You can earn an accelerated bachelor's or master's degree online.
• Degree program specialties include civil engineering, retail, and construction technology.

Construction managers work closely with owners and oversee construction teams throughout the building process. With a median annual salary of $98,890 in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction management can be a lucrative career path.

Construction managers need to be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate strong leadership skills, and understand all steps in the construction process.

If a traditional four-year degree program in construction management doesn't seem like your speed, you can earn a construction management degree in an accelerated online format.

Whether you want to complete a bachelor's degree or continue on to a master's degree, pursuing an online accelerated program in construction management sets you on a path to earning your degree faster and could even save you money on your degree.

Accelerated Construction Management Online Degree Types

Construction management degrees prepare you to become a leader in construction. Although becoming a construction manager is straightforward, the degree leads to a variety of field options. When you pursue your degree, you can choose to specialize in specific areas of construction management.

Common construction management specializations include:

• Civil Engineering
• Construction Project Management
• Construction Technology
• Facility Management
• Real Estate
• Supply Chain and Logistics Technology
• Sustainability and Green Construction

Many of these concentrations are available whether you seek an accelerated online bachelor's or master's program.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Programs

An accelerated bachelor's in construction management program typically requires 120 credits. However, instead of taking four years to complete, it could take 2-3, depending on your schedule and if you transfer any credits. You'll learn important construction industry information as well as best management practices.

As a graduate, you can find a job as a field engineer, estimator, and entry-level construction manager.

Accelerated Online Master's in Construction Management Programs

Requiring 30-45 credits, an accelerated online master's in construction management is structured to be completed in 18 months or less. Programs may dive deeper into specialized subjects within construction management.

Typically, graduates with a master's degree will earn more than those with a bachelor's degree. Some employers prefer applicants to management positions to hold a master's degree.

Ways to Accelerate Your Construction Management Degree

Accelerated degree programs help you get your degree faster. Some programs accomplish this by offering non-traditional terms like intensive eight-week courses and summer courses. You can also shave time off your degree through CLEP exams and through your work experiences.

Test Out of Classes with College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams

What if you could get credit for what you already know? CLEP exams are subject-area exams that test your competencies in subjects like history, math, and science. Colleges that accept these exam results give you credit for these courses, so you don't have to take the classes.

Earn College Credit Through Work Experience

With many adults going back to college, many universities offer college credit for your work experience. You could earn credit for military service, professional training, and corporate credentials, depending on the college.

Taking advantage of these programs can save you time and money on your construction management degree.

Careers for an Accelerated Degree in Construction Management

Because a bachelor's in construction management degree prepares you to understand the ins-and-outs of construction and business management, you will graduate ready to work in a variety of construction roles.

With so many specialty options, construction management graduates can find jobs in diverse industries and sectors. Most construction management positions offer competitive salaries that pay well above the national average salary for all occupations. Popular career paths include management, engineering, and project management.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Construction Management Degrees

What is the best degree for starting a construction company?

If you are interested in starting a construction company, there are different paths you can take to form your own business. Because of the way it's structured, a degree in construction management is one of the best degrees for starting a construction company.

A degree in construction management pairs the understanding of various roles and pieces of construction projects with knowing how to operate the business side of running a construction company. This can make it a more valuable degree than a standard business degree.

Is a master's in construction management worth it?

Whether the cost of a master's in construction management degree is worth it depends on many factors, especially your long-term career goals. According to the BLS, on average those with a master's degree earn more than those with a bachelor's degree.

Having a master's degree could also help set you apart from other applicants when applying for management positions.

Do you need a degree to become a construction manager?

Although you could potentially work your way up in construction to become a construction manager, most construction managers hold at least a bachelor's degree.

Completing a bachelor's or master's in construction management will help you understand the nuances of the construction field and prepare you for any leadership roles.

What's the difference between a project management and a construction management degree?

If you are interested in managing projects but being on a construction site doesn't seem like a great fit, you could also explore a career in project management. Project managers oversee all areas of a project, from design to advertising to budgeting. They can work on business, technical, or creative projects.

Project managers typically work with clients starting at the designing process and can oversee construction managers. The responsibilities are often higher for project managers, and you will often oversee more pieces of the project. Construction managers only work on the management of construction projects.