Are you ready to earn a master’s in construction management online? If you have been working in construction for a few years and have a bachelor’s degree, you are well prepared to pursue this graduate-level credential. Construction management master’s degree benefits range from a higher salary to advancement opportunities in leadership, project management, and more autonomy in the field.
Various engineers, managers, business professionals, and financial experts may find ample opportunity by earning a master’s in construction management online. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports this competitive industry will grow 11% over the next ten years, and the average construction manager can make around $97,100 annually! By earning a master’s degree, you are proving to employers that you are ready to do the extra work and take on the immense professional responsibilities required of these practical leaders. But before enrolling in college, it is crucial to approximate your budget. The difference between the most expensive master’s in construction management online and the cheapest is just over $50,000! It pays to do some research before committing to the best programs.
GetEducated compared 19 master’s in construction management degrees from 19 regionally accredited online schools to create this ranking. Below is our list of the 10 ‘Best Buys’ for an affordable master’s in construction management online. Each program costs less than the national average for this degree.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$27,900
Least Expensive: East Carolina University ~$8,673.30
Most Expensive: Drexel University ~$60,390.00
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest master’s in construction management online degrees. The online construction management degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2022 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | East Carolina University | (NC) | $8,673.30 $30,588.30 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Western Carolina University | (NC) | $10,340.10 $29,185.20 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $11,516.40 | All Students |
4 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | (WI) | $14,024.10 $28,150.50 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | North Dakota State University | (ND) | $15,189.30 | All Students |
6 | University of New Mexico | (NM) | $16,235.80 | All Students |
7 | University of Florida | (FL) | $20,780.43 | All Students |
8 | Purdue University | (IN) | $22,974.00 $29,694.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | University of Houston | (TX) | $23,061.15 $38,839.15 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | The University of Texas at El Paso | (TX) | $23,460.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | (LA) | $29,304.00 | All Students | |
Everglades University | (FL) | $31,345.00 | All Students | |
University of Washington | (WA) | $31,440.00 | All Students | |
NewSchool of Architecture & Design | (CA) | $32,726.00 | All Students | |
Clemson University | (SC) | $35,189.00 | All Students | |
Rochester Institute of Technology | (NY) | $37,110.00 | All Students | |
Thomas Jefferson University | (PA) | $52,776.00 | All Students | |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute | (MA) | $53,130.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $60,390.00 $51,345.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
Accreditation & Program Notes
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
ACCE American Council for Construction Education
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter 2021 review of regionally accredited master’s in construction management online programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for construction management may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best master’s in construction management online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Master’s in Construction Management Online
With a growing need for sophisticated, effective buildings and infrastructure, the country and the world needs people who understand how to manage construction projects. Construction managers are critical to the success of a project, which is why a master’s in construction management online is such a fine choice.
If you have experience in the fields of construction, engineering, or architecture, these degrees could be the right choice for advancing your career while making you a stronger expert in the field.
Why a Master’s Degree?
You’ll notice that many of the jobs in construction management only require a bachelor’s degree. You don’t need a master’s to work in this field, so why is it such a good choice? Because when you have a master’s degree, you will broaden your area of expertise and form yourself into one of the most qualified candidates for a variety of positions in the industry.
You also increase your earning potential, as some of the highest-paying positions often require a master’s, or at least prioritize job candidates who have additional education, such as a master’s in construction management online. With a master’s degree in construction management, you deepen your understanding of the construction process, as well as how to lead and organize teams. Personal growth, above all, may be the best reason to complete one of these advanced degrees.
What to Expect from a Master’s in Construction Management Online
When you enroll in these programs, you can expect a wide variety of classes that make you more qualified for numerous high-paying positions. These programs increase your overall expertise in construction management, which helps you qualify for a wide variety of positions, including some of the most high-paying management jobs in the marketplace.
First of all, you need to have already completed a bachelor’s degree. Most schools will require a bachelor’s degree in construction management or a similar field, such as engineering, business, or supply chain management. You’ll also have to have a good GPA from previous studies, although this will vary by the program. Entry into these programs is highly scrutinized, and you may need professional experience or internships to be eligible.
Classes in these programs can cover a variety of topics, including construction practices, cost estimating, project management, and more. You’ll learn how to conceptualize a construction project and complete a project within a set budget and timeframe.
Many of these programs are offered through a university’s school of business, which means you may also take course that apply to business careers in general. This may include marketing, human resources, leadership, and basic accounting.
Popular Careers for Construction Management Graduates
Construction Manager
- Salary: $97,180
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Experience: None, but training may be required
A construction manager plans and coordinates construction projects. Their work can include preparing cost estimates, explaining technical information to other professionals, and selecting contractors, such as engineers, architects, and other specialists. Their work can include a variety of construction types, including residential and commercial construction, as well as public buildings or industrial facilities.
The pay in this career is high, and the top 10% can expect salaries over $169,000 a year, making this one of the most desirable positions for graduates of a master’s in construction management online program. With an expected growth of 11% between 2020 and 2030, there should also be plenty of opportunities for qualified candidates, especially those with a master’s degree.
Architectural Manager
- Salary: $149,530
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Experience: Over 5 years
Working for architectural and engineering companies, these professionals make detailed plans for the development of new products or buildings. They use their knowledge of architecture to solve technical problems and coordinate building activities. Their duties may include making detailed plans, hiring and supervising staff members, proposing budgets, and checking the quality of a team’s work.
This is one of the highest-paying positions in the marketplace. The median pay is strong, but the top 10% can expect salaries over $208,000 a year. To work in this field, you will need the right education, but you may also need experience in the industry. Many professionals have at least five years of experience as an architect or an engineer before working as an architectural manager.
Additional Requirements for Careers in Construction Management
To work in construction management, you may need licensing. Some states will require a license, although others do not. Professional certification, however, could further advance your career. Becoming a Certified Construction Manager (CCM), a credential offered by the Construction Management Association of America, for example, could increase your skills and career potential.