Construction Management Degrees are Designed to Train Important Job Skills
Construction is one of the world’s largest industries, and it continues to grow. NAU’s construction management degree can train you for the skills to step into leadership roles that go beyond the job site. Not only do you learn about the construction industry; you can also build transferable skills that employers value across many sectors, including:
- Leadership and teamwork: Managing crews, subcontractors, and clients requires strong communication and coordination.
- Budgeting and financial planning: Understanding costs and staying within budget is central to every project.
- Technical knowledge: Coursework covers building codes, engineering basics, and construction technology.
- Problem-solving: Projects rarely go exactly as planned. Critical thinking helps you adapt to challenges.
- Project management tools: You learn to use scheduling and estimating software to streamline processes.
These skills are relevant to construction and roles in project management across other industries.
Employers Often Require Construction Management Degrees
While some construction managers work their way up through years of on-the-job experience, the standard pathway to construction management is a bachelor’s degree.
A degree signals to employers that you have developed technical foundation knowledge and leadership training to undertake the responsibility of construction management. When coupled with real-world experience, NAU’s BS Construction Management degree can position you for career advancement and higher earning potential.
Construction Management Degree Can Lead to Interesting and Rewarding Work
In the field of construction management, every project is different, whether you supervise the construction of a new hospital, oversee an office renovation, or coordinate highway expansion. Even when you specialize, you’ll find that every job has its own unique challenges and rewards.
As a construction manager, you are also able to see the tangible results of your efforts. Unlike some careers where outcomes are abstract, construction managers can point to a completed building, bridge, or community center and know they helped bring it to fruition. The work can be personally rewarding because you can make a difference in your community. As the manager, your impact can be even greater, since you can guide projects that improve housing, infrastructure, and public spaces.
Construction management can also offer opportunities for professional growth. While you may start with smaller projects, you may eventually advance to overseeing multi-million-dollar developments. That progression, combined with competitive pay and demand, makes a construction management career both challenging and rewarding.
Construction Management Degrees Can Lead to Positive Job Outlook and Salaries
The job market for construction managers is projected to grow well above average through 2034. This growth is tied to new construction projects and the need to renovate or replace aging infrastructure. Your salary will likely vary depending on where you live and work and the industries you serve. For example, while the median salary for construction managers is $107,000, workers in heavy and civil engineering can earn more than $120,000 and the top earners receive more than $175,000 in 2024.
Variety of Career Paths to Pursue with a Construction Management Degree
A bachelor’s degree in construction management from NAU can open doors to leadership roles across many sectors. Here are a few paths you can pursue:
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Construction Project Manager
Project managers oversee entire construction projects, from pre-construction planning to final inspections. In this role, you track budgets, hire subcontractors, and make sure deadlines are met. It requires strong organizational and leadership skills since you manage multiple moving parts daily.
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Cost Estimator
As a cost estimator, you analyze project plans to determine materials, labor, and time requirements. You also create detailed estimates that help clients and companies make informed decisions. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/cost-estimators.htm
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Site Supervisor or Superintendent
Superintendents manage daily on-site operations. That means you make sure subcontractors follow plans, enforce safety standards, and solve problems as they arise. While this role is often more field-based, a degree can help you move into higher management positions.
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Facilities Manager
Some construction management graduates move into facilities management, overseeing the operation and maintenance of buildings after construction. In this field, you focus on efficiency, safety, and sustainability, making this a good path if you’re particularly interested in long-term building performance.
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Sustainability or Green Building Specialist
With demand for eco-friendly construction rising, some managers specialize in green building practices. You may work on LEED-certified projects, renewable energy integration, or sustainable materials.
Is a Construction Management Degree from NAU Right for You?
If you like to organize, problem-solve, and lead others, construction management may be a good fit. You can see the direct results of your work in the form of finished buildings and infrastructure, and it can offer long-term stability since construction is essential in every community.
At National American University, the online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management program is designed for working adults, military service members, and those seeking career change. Offered completely online, NAU’s program provides you with the flexibility to balance your education with your career and family responsibilities.
For successful graduates, this degree from NAU can open doors to leadership roles, increase your earning potential, and equip you with skills that transfer across industries. Fill out the form to learn more now.
