Masters in Construction
Management Online

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

While most Universities and Colleges ask for some GRE or GMAT programs, a few don’t lay so much emphasis on them as the gating criteria. These institutions do not impose the criteria of GRE or GMAT scores as they understand that these courses are designed for working students who would rather gain hands-on experience on the job than have to spend time studying for the GRE or GMAT.

You can go through the top online Master’s in construction management. No GRE programs that we have mentioned below for you:

The University of Alabama, Birmingham

Eastern Kentucky University

Drexel University

Louisiana State University

Compared to an undergraduate program, a Master’s program is an advanced one in its approach and design. Most of the students vying for a Master’s degree are raring to go for a job after completing the degree. A Master’s program is more focused and offers highly specialized education to make the student’s industry-ready. This keenness to get started with a great job brings in another aspect of return on investment of money and time. While we take you through the fee aspect in another section, we would like to emphasize the importance of time or duration of the program that some students like to consider while choosing the right Online Master’s degree in Construction Management.

Some universities offer accelerated programs to enable students to compress their learning in a very short time and earn their degree by completing an industry project. These programs can be a bit more academically rigorous and challenging, and at the same time, are accredited by the recognized agencies. A few of these programs take about 16-18 months. In contrast, a few others offer highly accelerated online construction management degrees, enabling students to complete the degree in as quickly as nine months.

We have curated below a list of Universities offering some of the fastest online construction management degrees accredited.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

15 Months

2. Everglades University

12 Months

3. Norwich University

18 Months

Student loan debt has been hitting the news headlines for all the wrong reasons for several years now. The student loan debt statistics for 2020 show how serious the student loan debt crisis has become for borrowers across all demographics and age groups. There are 45 million borrowers who collectively owe nearly $1.6 trillion in student loan debt in the US. Student loan debt is now the second-highest consumer debt category – behind only mortgage debt – and higher than both credit cards and auto loans. As per data of the Institute for College Access and Success, the average student loan debt for members of the Class of 2018 is $29,200, a 2% increase from the prior year. Hence, the Master’s in Construction Management degree online cost becomes a really important consideration for the student.

The online Master’s degrees offer an affordable way to learn the same academically rigorous curriculum and earn similarly accredited degrees.

There are different ways that a student can pay for the online Masters in construction management.

Scholarships

which are need or merit-based and do not have to be paid back

Grants

which are need-based and do not have to be paid back

Loans

which have to be paid back with interest; federal loans are preferred over private

Fellowships

Employer reimbursed tuition is another way of paying for your online Master’s degree. Suppose you are working somewhere and have negotiated a sabbatical that your employer will pay for or a prospective employer who will absorb you in their organization and pick up the fee tab. In that case, this option works for you.

FAFSA

You can go for FAFSA or The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a form that determines your financial aid from the government and most colleges. The form collects personal and financial information from students and parents and applies a formula to determine your Expected Family Contribution or EFC.

You can get more information on how to pay for the Best Financial Guide

Scholarships for Masters in Construction Management Students

While there are quite different ways to pay for the Master’s in construction management as outlined in the previous section, aspiring students can also seek financial support from certain scholarships to fund their tuition fees. Scholarships for Master’s in construction management programs offer fully funded or partial support, and you can find a list of Construction Management scholarships for students in this section.

• Siebel Scholars: Siebel Scholars Program provides USD 35,000, one of the highest scholarships for pursuing Construction Management. The number of scholarships available is 90, and the deadline for application varies.
• IFMA Scholarships: IFMA scholarships range up to USD 10,000 and are awarded to graduate students enrolled in facility management or facility management-related programs (FM related programs include, but are not limited to, construction management, architecture, interior design, and some engineering disciplines). Working students are also accepted for this award. Students applying for the IFMA Scholarships must have a minimum 3.2 GPA. The deadline is May 15, 2023, for the upcoming academic year.
• SOPREMA: SOPREMA established its scholarship program to commit to the continued success and growth of our industry by investing in the next generation dedicated to the building envelope. The SOPREMA Scholarship helps graduate students pursue construction management at an accredited college or university for the upcoming academic year. The scholarship award is up to USD 5000, and the deadline is March 27, 2023.
• Construction Management Association of America: The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (MACCMAA) awards a limited number of scholarships to qualified students to help them defray the costs of pursuing a degree in construction management. Applicants must be enrolled in a construction management degree program or another CM-related degree program and show a strong interest in a career in CM. Students must reside or attend a college/university in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware.

Online programs in Master’s Construction Management programs are bound to take you to the next orbit of a stellar career in the fast-growing Construction Industry. The average pay in 2019, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), was $95,260, and the number of jobs in the Construction Industry grew by 8%. The online Master’s in construction management salary tilts the scales in its favor, and needless to say, it makes a strong case to enroll for an MCM program right away.

Technically, you don’t need any certifications. However, it’s still a good idea to have an educational background in construction management. Just like field experience is a “nice to have” and not mandatory for construction managers, a construction certification is helpful but not 100% necessary for all job seekers. An online graduate Certificate in Construction Management or an Advanced Certificate in Construction Productivity is a few among many that can give you an edge over others for a flourishing career in Construction Management.

• For one, the Construction Management Association of America offers a Certified Construction Manager designation to those who meet minimum work experience requirements (which range based on pre-existing education) and pass a formal exam. The exam costs $425 for non-CMAA members and $325 for members. Should construction managers need to retake the exam, CMAA knocks the price down to $125.
• If you’re looking for certifications that would look great on any contractor’s resume, start with Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) training. As the name implies, OSHA focuses on preparing contractors for safety management in the field. Its 10-hour courses are meant for entry-level workers, whereas its 30-hour courses were created for construction managers — particularly those who work directly with safety. OSHA training costs vary.

It’s often said that your network is your net worth. An online master’s course in Construction Management is not just for building a strong academic foundation in Construction fundamentals but also a great point to start networking with professionals for your career ahead. There are various professional organizations and groups that you can be associated with as a Member and stand to gain a lot in networking and career opportunities that come along with them. There are more than five great professional organizations for construction management professionals, but finding just a few is a great place to start.

As per Forbes, Construction Management has been named one of America’s best jobs, but these professionals need a support group just like any other professional. Through membership with an association that caters to their field, these individuals can find learning and networking opportunities to help them grow in their careers. We list down the five most important below:

• Associated Builder and Contractors: American Builders and Contractors is a nationwide association representing over 25,000 construction firms across the United States. Through its 79 chapters, the membership body represented every aspect of the construction field. It was created based on the merit shop philosophy, which requires its members to develop professionals and work to an ethical standard. Through ABC’s involvement in governmental regulations, legal advocacy, continuing education, and championing employee benefits, this shop-only association provides the construction workforce with a solid foundation on which their practices are based.
• Construction Management Association of America: CMAA was founded in 1982 and has grown to create training and educational opportunities for its 16,000-member body. Individuals, corporations, and construction firm owners from both the private and public sectors make up this association, which has nearly 30 regional chapters all over the company. Because of its dedication to construction management, it is considered a professional organization that sets the industry’s standard for management practices. Through certifications, conferences, and workshops, members can learn about the new advancements in management procedures and build a better and safer industry for all construction professionals.
• American Institute of Constructors: The American Institute of Constructors, known as AIC, is a professional organization aimed at providing training and networking opportunities for all the subfields located within the construction industry in America. The institute is dedicated to providing a standard for both individuals and construction firms, and membership is considered a mark of professionalism. It enables professionals to receive certification, attend workshops and conferences, and network with like-minded people within the industry, to create a standard of ethical practice that all members aspire to reach.
• Associated General Contractors of America: The AGC is a general contractor’s association that boasts members from nearly every subfield in the industry. From building to a utility to federal construction, members work worldwide and are bolstered by a strong association that advocates on their behalf. The association offers training and networking opportunities either; it currently supports a political action committee that strives for better standards, both in construction and for their members. From contracts and law to labor and public relations, this association takes every opportunity to provide a higher standard for its members.
• Design-Build Institute of America: One of the most interesting professional organizations for construction management professionals is DBIA. This institute works on the design-build model, pairing construction managers with designers with a single responsibility point. This is becoming more popular in the commercial sector and offers both types of professionals the chance to network with each other and build lasting relationships. The institute provides certification to this effect as well as conferences and continuing education opportunities.