9 Benefits of Having a Construction Management Degree

Nowadays, the demand for modern buildings and improved infrastructure makes careers in construction management especially attractive. Construction managers lead construction projects through all stages of development and for that reason, their value continues to grow. Having a degree in CM offers a number of benefits, including a rewarding career in construction and building.

This article discusses those benefits as well as all the career opportunities you will get if you decide to pursue a construction management degree.

Pursuing a Construction Management Degree Online 

Online construction management programs provide the necessary knowledge and tools to pursue or advance a career in the construction profession.

Most programs combine experience and education in both managerial and technical skills in order to prepare students for leadership roles in the construction field. Being comprehensive and management-oriented, the programs help students understand the impact of construction on the society and environment and prepare them to be efficient leaders.

Online construction management courses are developed and taught by experienced instructors and allow students to gain real-life experience through participation in internship programs.

There are a number of both fully-online and hybrid programs that provide premium distance education and prepare students for a career in construction. 

9 Benefits of Having a Construction Management Degree

1. Construction Managers Will Remain in High Demand
   
   The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the construction management field will grow at a rate of 11% by 2026, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. So, if you're a recent college graduate looking for your first job, or a construction manager seeking to advance your career, now is the best time to act.
   
2. People in the Construction Industry Can Count on Job Stability
   
   Because there's an increasing demand for both new structures and remodeling of various residential and commercial buildings across the country, people employed in the construction industry can count on job stability in the years to come. Moreover, according to the BLS, employers tend to hire candidates who possess on-the-job training but also hold a degree.
   
3. Earn a Significant Income
   
   A competitive salary is one of the most important benefits of having a construction management degree. According to the BLS, the top 10% of construction managers make almost $160K, which is over 300% above the average salary for all occupations. Meanwhile, the lowest 10% make about $55K, which is 45% above the average national salary.
   
4. Expect to Advance Your Career Fast 
   
   Acquiring a degree in construction management means that you'll be given a higher level of responsibility almost immediately after graduating. Many construction managers get an opportunity to manage multi-million dollar projects in the early stages of their careers.
   
5. A Sense of Independence 
   
   If you appreciate roles that offer autonomy and require taking initiative, then construction management jobs are just for you. This career path is ideal for naturally driven, self-sufficient individuals who are able to multitask.
   
6. Make Use of Your Leadership Abilities 
   
   Construction managers have key roles as decision-makers, which means that having leadership skills is of the utmost importance. If you're someone who seeks for a career that involves authority and decision-making, the construction manager will very likely be very rewarding for you.
   
7. An Opportunity for Intellectual Growth 
   
   Besides fast career advancement and a sense of independence, a position in construction management can also be very intellectually rewarding because it gives you an opportunity to put to use your problem-solving abilities, as well as your creativity.
   
8. A Chance to Sharpen You Skills 
   
   Acquiring a degree in construction management will enable you to expand your knowledge and expertise in the industry. Working on different projects and facing various challenges will help you get valuable experience, allowing you to become an efficient leader and decision-maker.
   
9. Ability to Travel 
   
   The ability to travel is another important benefit of having a degree in construction management, The position of construction managers often requires traveling and working on projects outside your home base. This is especially true for CMs living in less populated or small areas. So, if you're someone who enjoys the opportunity to see different parts of the country, and you don't mind staying in mobile facilities for weeks on end, this is the perfect job for you.

What Are the Different Career Paths for Construction Management Graduates?

Having a bachelor's or master's degree in construction management prepares you for career paths in project management and design.

All of the following fields seek individuals with both relevant experience and relevant education, as well as soft skills that might help them become efficient team leaders. CMs tend to possess time-management, technical, business, analytical skills. Moreover, many CMs are self-employed, which means they rely on themselves to find jobs, negotiate bids, and oversee projects.

1. Construction Managers
   
   CMs are responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, or budgeting activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures.
   Median Annual Salary: around $91K.
   
2. Surveyors 
   
   Surveyors provide construction, engineering, and mapmaking companies with the exact measurements of a property and determine its boundaries. According to the BLS, in 2016, more than 70% of surveyors worked for the private sector. 
   Median Annual Salary: about $61K.
   
3. Engineering and Architectural Managers 
   
   Engineering and architectural managers are responsible for planning, coordinating and directing activities and projects. Engineering managers supervise staff and make sure that the company uses sound methods. They mostly work in offices, but can also find job opportunities in construction sites and production facilities.
   Median Annual Salary: about $137K.
   
4. Landscape Architects 
   
   Landscape architects are responsible for planning and designing new spaces. They develop or upgrade public gardens, parks, playgrounds, college campuses, residential areas, and other spaces but also plan the locations of roads, buildings, walkways, flowers, and trees within these environments.
   Median Annual Salary: about $65K.

Final Words

As the nation continues to improve infrastructure and construct buildings, the demand for construction managers will continue to increase. By acquiring a degree in construction management, you'll be able to compete for these attractive jobs.

Besides providing job stability and increasing your earning potential, earning a construction management degree also allows you to take on a job position that can benefit the society and the environments you work and live in.​