The best online construction management bachelor’s degrees lead to successful careers in the construction industry, which is one of the largest industries in the United States and worldwide! At its core, a bachelor’s degree in construction management is an undergraduate degree that ensures student readiness for the challenges of managing construction projects from start to finish.
The best construction management programs are offered by accredited national and regional universities, many of which have programmatic accreditation.
Here, you will find the best online bachelor’s in construction management degree programs for students that will provide both the technical and managerial foundation needed to excel in a variety of construction-related careers.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management will provide both the technical and managerial foundation needed to excel in diverse occupations in the construction industry! With your construction management degree, you possess knowledge and skills tailored specifically to construction management jobs, from being a construction manager to a quality and safety controller.
The best construction management degree programs feature curricula that cover essential topics in construction project management, finance and accounting, and compliance with laws and safety practices, among others.
If you’re already in the construction management field, your career advancement opportunities improve, too, with a bachelor’s degree. You can climb the ladder and become a site supervisor or a construction project manager, particularly when combined with relevant and sufficient work experience. With career advancement or promotion also comes increased earning potential, of course!
An online bachelor’s degree in construction management has diverse applications, thanks to the diversity of the construction industry itself. Residential buildings, commercial and industrial structures, and civil engineering infrastructures are just a few examples of the diverse projects that skilled construction managers can work in. Indeed, there is a constant need for skilled construction management professionals, even during economic recessions.
Online construction management programs offer stellar networking opportunities that students can take advantage of, whether they are new to the construction industry or a veteran. Networking opens doors to internships, employment opportunities, and professional development opportunities that will strengthen your place in the construction industry.
If you want to become an entrepreneur in the construction industry, you will gain both the business skills, construction management competencies, and confidence to start your own business. You can choose to become a construction company proprietor, general contractor, or a construction consultant.
Online construction management programs use learning management systems (where classes are conducted, course materials are delivered, and students are evaluated, among other learning-related activities. The use of a learning management system complements the emphasis on the use of technology in construction management, and these technologies include Building Information Modeling, Microsoft Project, virtual and augmented reality, and cloud computing.
Of course, technical skills are best when combined with transferable skills and online construction management programs emphasize skills development in both areas. Communication, critical thinking, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are among the soft skills that online students develop through didactic coursework and hands-on learning experiences.
It is important to note that it is crucial to choose from bachelor’s degrees in construction management online programs offered by accredited colleges and universities. Accreditation from colleges and schools commission agencies not only guarantees academic quality but also ensures that your bachelor’s degree and credentials are recognized by the construction management field and construction industry.
Aside from regional accreditation for their mother institutions, an online degree program offering the best construction management degrees should have accreditations from the ACCE-American Council for Construction Education or the ABET-Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Back to TopBoth B.S. and B.A. in Construction Management degrees equip undergraduates with a solid foundation in business management skills and construction management practices. But their main differences lie in the following aspects:
There’s no right or wrong between the B.S. and B.A. in construction management degrees. Instead, you must consider your personal interests and professional goals when making your choice.
Back to TopThe admission requirements, process, and criteria among online construction management programs differ, but the common requirements include:
Letters of recommendation, statement of intent, and current resume may also be required. Due to the technical nature of construction management, online programs usually have selective admissions criteria.
Back to TopOnline bachelor’s in construction management typically take four years of full-time study to complete, but the time it will actually take for you to earn the bachelor’s degree will depend on your transferable credits, course load per semester, and breaks between terms.
If you’re a full-time student, you can earn a bachelor’s in construction management in four years; otherwise, a part-time course load can extend your time-to-completion to 5-6 years.
Back to TopBachelor’s degree programs in construction management typically feature extensive curriculum with at least 120 credits. While the curriculum for online bachelor’s in construction management vary, these are the main parts of a construction management program:
Students who want to earn the online bachelor’s in construction management may also be required to complete either a capstone project requirement that demonstrates their mastery of the fundamentals or an internship in the construction industry.
Back to TopAccording to U.S. News & World Report, the average cost of an online bachelor’s degree is $51,091 for the entire duration. But the average cost differs for in-state and out-of-state students—$38,496 and $54,183 respectively—and for public and private institutions.
But the cost of attendance in online bachelor’s in construction management can be reduced via financial assistance. Most online programs offered by accredited institutions offer the same financial aid benefits for on-campus and online students including:
In terms of whether an online bachelor’s in construction management is worth it, we must say that it is! Many successful construction industry professionals possess the bachelor’s degree that, when combined with their extensive work experiences, makes them competitive for leadership positions.
Back to TopThe U.S. construction industry employs approximately 7.8 million people and construction spending has an estimated $1.823 trillion spending (January 2023). Indeed, such is the coverage of the construction industry that it employs 2.9% of the total workforce and accounts for about 4.3% of the gross domestic product! The bottom line: Your bachelor’s in construction management will be put to good use.
Construction managers are the most popular occupations because of the seamless transition from classroom to workplace. Plus, construction managers earn $98,890 in median annual wage.
Other popular construction management positions include:
These are just a few examples of where online construction management degrees can take graduates! Be sure to seek employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in other sectors, too, such as in renewable energy.
Back to TopLook into these organizations and take advantage of their networking and professional development opportunities:
Consider pursuing a master’s degree in construction management or a related discipline. You can also earn professional certifications, such as Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Project Management Professional or PMP and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design or LEED.
You may also want to consider continuous learning opportunities through online courses and workshops, industry seminars and conferences, and even mentorship opportunities.
Back to TopThe following graph depicts the average salaries of Construction Managers for each percentile in the U.S.
Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
SVG Attribution: Wikipedia
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
49%
Student body
6K
Northern Michigan University’s online B.S. in Construction Management program is intended for current construction industry professionals seeking career advancement opportunities while continuing to earn. Students can apply their relevant work experience to be converted into transferable credits or apply the credits earned from general education courses from an associate degree.
Students in the construction management degree program prepare for the challenges that come from the overall management of construction projects, from planning and budgeting to putting on the finishing touches. Graduates possess the competencies to become outstanding project managers, estimators, and construction managers.
Earning the bachelor’s degree in construction management requires completion of 120 credits. Coursework covers topics in construction documents, processes, systems and methods, masonry, survey, layout, and design, among others. Technical courses cover mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as soils and foundations.
Admission to the online program is on a selective basis with prospective students considered only if they have at least seven years of industry experience or its equivalent and three professional references.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
53%
Student body
8K
The hybrid ABET-accredited B.S. in Construction Management program is considered among the oldest of its kind in the region and one of the best in terms of academic quality, graduate outcomes, and industry impact. Launched in the 1970s, it has produced generations of outstanding construction managers who possess both business management and construction management skills.
Students must possess a keen interest and passion for built environments to get the most out of being in the construction management degree program. Small class sizes allow credentialed professors to provide personalized attention to students, encourage practical skills development, and impart valuable industry insights.
Graduates of the bachelor’s degree in construction management online program are sought-after in commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects. Their skill sets are the result of their didactic coursework, such as project cost estimating and engineering geology, with experience-based lab sessions.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
52%
Student body
13K
USM’s ACCE-accredited online B.S. in Construction Management program features an intensive 120-credit curriculum that emphasizes the balance between theory and practice. Courses include
Students in the construction management program must complete a 300-hour internship in the construction industry and complete a senior capstone course. This program is one of the most affordable in our ranking offering an undergraduate degree in construction management, and can be completed in 2-4 years. Total cost of attendance in the construction management degree online program can be reduced through scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
55%
Graduation
47%
Student body
25K
Students in the online B.S. in Construction Management program acquire industry-specific knowledge and skills that make them suitable for a wide range of construction management positions. Graduates report becoming successful construction project managers, cost estimators, and field engineers, among others, which open the way for managerial roles with more work experience.
The construction management program emphasizes both technical and transferable skills, meaning students must possess the aptitude to master the technical construction fundamentals while also gaining soft skills. Communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are strongly emphasized.
Students must complete at least 180 quarter units to earn the undergraduate degree in construction management. The curriculum includes didactic courses and capstone project classes. The topics covered include:
Graduates possess the knowledge and skills to see through construction projects from start to finish.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Graduation
24%
Student body
7K
Offered by Park University’s Robert W. Plaster School of Business, the online B.S. in Construction Management program provides students with construction industry skills and broad business management skills. After earning this degree, graduates can become excellent construction managers, project managers, and building inspectors, among other occupations.
The undergraduate construction management program features a 120-credit curriculum with business management courses like financial and managerial accounting, economics, organizational behavior, and financial management. Students pursuing the undergraduate degree in construction management must also complete industry-specific courses including:
Students are well-advised to keep up with the rigorous coursework through effective time management skills. But the challenges that come with earning the bachelor’s degree are well worth it because of the boost that it brings to your career advancement.
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
47%
Graduation
51%
Student body
<1K
Capitol Technology University’s online B.S. in Construction Management program prepares students for the challenges inherent in the management of complex construction projects in the residential, commercial, civil, and industrial sectors. Technical expertise is just as emphasized as transferable skills, too, with communication, leadership, and collaboration skills being notable.
Students in the construction management program also become adept in the cutting-edge technologies used in the construction industry. These include 3D printing and Building Information Modeling, as well as the best practices in sustainable construction. Networking opportunities are provided so that students can establish personal and professional connections essential in their personal growth and career advancement.
The 121-credit online construction management program is among the most extensive programs with courses that cover every vital aspect of construction management. Courses include but aren’t limited to:
Online students can also earn a minor in unmanned systems in preparation for FAA Part 107 licensure.
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
58%
Student body
2K
The online B.S. in Construction Management program is recognized for its emphasis on a broad knowledge base for 21st-century careers and on industry-specific skills. Students and graduates assert that their business management training pushed their career advancement chances even further.
The 123-credit curriculum can be completed in 41 months of full-time studies but students must be prepared for the rigorous nature and fast pace of the coursework. The courses cover topics essential for future managers, supervisors, and other leaders of construction projects including:
Students in the construction management program must also complete the LEED Certification and Green Sustainability course that prepares them for the LEED Green Associates exam. There’s also a construction management capstone course
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
74%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1171/25
Offered by the private evangelical Christian university as an online program, the B.A. in Business Administration Construction Management Emphasis program attracts individuals interested in the skills to manage construction projects. Many students are also interested in entrepreneurial ventures in the construction industry. Note that the online program has a strong Christian-centric perspective embedded in the courses.
The well-rounded curriculum of the construction management online undergraduate program features courses in math and sciences, natural and social sciences, and life sciences. These general education courses are intended to widen the students’ worldview while the electives allow them to customize their learning experiences. Electives can be chosen from either the construction management or business administration programs.
The courses in the online construction management degree program include:
Practical internships are required for program completion.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
69%
Student body
30K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/25
The ACCE-accredited online B.S. Construction Management program allows students to apply for transferable credits for professional certifications that can result in faster time-to-completion and lower cost of attendance. Graduates report high returns on investment, thanks to their high job placement rate in construction management positions.
LSU’s Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management is respected by industry professionals because its graduates are work-ready, too. With their standout professional competence and personal traits, graduates are ready for the challenges of both the domestic and global job markets.
Earning the bachelor’s degree in construction management requires completion of 123-125 credits. The coursework prepares students for successful careers through a combination of business skills and technical know-how in construction management.
Courses in the online construction management degree program include:
Online students can also earn multiple certifications, such as OSHA Certified Occupational Safety Specialist, and earn a minor in technical sales or business administration.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
68%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/25
Oregon State University’s online B.S. in Construction Engineering Management program has a comprehensive and intensive 182-credit curriculum that develops the student’s leadership skills on and off job sites. Students learn both the traditional methods and digital technologies that characterize construction engineering management as a profession.
Construction management majors tackle rigorous industry-specific courses like construction estimating, safety, contracts, and specification. Their technical knowledge includes electrical and mechanical facilities, highway location and design, and virtual design and construction, and their business management skills are sought-after.
The thing that distinguishes OSU’s online construction management degree program is its emphasis on the engineering side of construction projects. Students prepare for effective collaborations with engineers, architects, and contractors, among other stakeholders in construction projects.
They also develop competence and confidence due to their interdisciplinary training with a strong engineering background. Courses in this regard include engineering computation and algorithmic thinking, design engineering and problem solving, and civil and construction engineering materials.
Students pursuing the bachelor’s degree in construction engineering management can also add a certificate or a minor. Online students also benefit from the excellent student support services provided by OSU.
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
84%
Student body
42K
Median SAT/ACT
1350/28
The hybrid B.S. in Construction Management program is a degree completion program accredited by ABET’s Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission. Prospective students must have 30 transferable credits to be considered for admission into the 120-credit program.
The bachelor’s in construction management program requires students to choose from five tracks and create a personalized program of study with their academic advisor. Track choices include Commercial, Highway Heavy/Civil Works, and Residential. Students who are unsure are assigned to the Commercial track, but can change at a later date.
The courses in the online construction management degree program include:
Students must also complete a construction management capstone. Prospective students must have a demonstrated interest in the field of construction management and good academic progress.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
54%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/23
Earning the online B.S. in Construction Management degree from Arkansas State can open doors to career advancement opportunities that may not be possible with an associate degree and work experience combined. Students who want to earn the bachelor’s in construction management degree must complete 120 credit hours and may transfer up to 90 credits from an associate degree.
The rigorous courses include:
There’s an internship requirement in the online construction management degree program that helps students to gain practical experience in the construction industry and apply their newly-acquired knowledge. Graduates also receive effective career services that enable them to get ahead of their competition and achieve their career goals.
Professors with advanced degrees and professional certifications lead the construction degree online courses and encourage students to gain knowledge and skills vital to their professional success.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
39%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/20
CSU takes great pride in its online B.S. in Construction Management program because of its emphasis on interdisciplinary education. Students learn the fundamentals of construction management along with business administration and civil engineering technology, a combination that allows them to quickly adapt to the ever-changing needs of the construction industry.
Graduates are adept at residential, commercial, industrial, and civil construction projects as construction managers, general contractors, and project managers, among other leadership positions.
Courses in the bachelor’s in construction management program include:
Classes in the online construction management degree program lasts between four and 16 weeks with 8-week classes being the most common.
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
41%
Student body
9K
Indiana State’s ACCE-accredited online B.S. in Construction Management program prepares students for managerial and supervisory positions in the construction and related industries. There’s a strong emphasis on both technical know-how and managerial skills as well as on sustainable construction management practices and effective environmental control systems.
Students must complete the academic requirements of the 120-credit curriculum to earn the bachelor’s in construction management degree. Transfer credits are accepted, too, but all students must complete the core construction management courses including:
Students in the online construction management degree program are also eligible for financial aid and veterans benefits.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
69%
Student body
27K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/26
With its accreditation from the Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management Education Programs, graduates of the online B.S. in Project Management with a Construction Management Emphasis program can enjoy substantial credits when applying for any PMI certification. This is a significant differentiator since professional certifications will boost career advancement opportunities!
The bachelor’s in construction management degree program has a 120-credit curriculum that allows students to choose from specializations and certificates. Students can also pursue the online construction management degree while working on a full-time basis and meeting personal commitments. The rigorous coursework ensures students gain vital knowledge and skills for leadership roles in complex construction projects in particular and large-scale projects in general.
Construction management students must complete project management core courses including:
The construction management concentration requires completion of five concentration courses, too, including Fundamentals of Construction Management, Construction Cost Estimating, and Sustainable Development.
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
39%
Student body
102K
SNHU’s online B.S. in Construction Management program has an interdisciplinary approach that allows students to learn the fundamentals of construction management and the construction industry. Business management skills are emphasized alongside engineering know-how that allow graduates with the bachelor’s in construction management degree to become well-respected professionals.
The 123-credit curriculum features courses in:
Students also learn project management skills and the computer applications and software used in construction projects. Experiential learning opportunities are provided, too, in the form of laboratory work, studio work, and projects-based courses. Students may also earn industry certifications along with the bachelor’s degree.
The online construction management degree program is also notable for its affordable tuition, supportive online community, and accessible faculty and staff members.
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
69%
Student body
16K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/24
The online B.A. in Construction Management program welcomes full-time students and working professionals and adult learners who prefer part-time enrolment. The Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering is also known for its diverse student body that contributes to richer learning experiences and networking opportunities for students. The online construction management program also has the coveted North America’s Building Trades Unions endorsement.
Students who want to earn the Bachelor’s in Construction Management offered at Rowan University must complete 120 semester hours, of which 30 hours must be at Rowan University. The courses include:
Transfer credits are awarded for college-level coursework and work experience, too, such as AP, CLEP, and prior learning assessment.
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
59%
Student body
1K
The ACCE-accredited online B.S. in Construction Management program is designed for students who already have an associate degree (i.e., degree completion). Students develop the specialized technical knowledge and soft skills that allow them to assume leadership positions in the construction industry and its related sectors. Professional ethics and sustainable practices are emphasized among students.
The online construction management bachelor’s degree program has a 121-credit curriculum with concentration courses in:
Professional development projects and capstones are also required for students to earn the undergraduate degree. Study-abroad opportunities are also available. Students use numerous software like Autodesk, Building Information Modeling, and RSMeans.
Tuition + fees
$16K
Graduation
11%
Student body
1K
The NAU Online B.S. in Construction Management program enables students to build their knowledge and skills in the diverse aspects of construction projects in the residential and commercial sectors. Students learn the entire construction process, from planning to evaluating their safety, cost efficiency, and compliance with building codes.
The curriculum features 180 credits of 100% online coursework that includes general education, major core courses, and open elective courses. The online construction management bachelor’s degree courses include:
Students must also complete a capstone course to earn the respected online bachelor’s degree in construction management.
The online B.S. in Construction Management program has among the fastest time-to-completion at 32 months but students must keep up with the fast-paced and challenging coursework. This is an organic extension of SJVC’s associate degree program in construction management. Students with an associate degree from other institutions can apply for transferable credits.
Courses include:
Students learn the Critical Path Method in construction management where every phase of the construction process can be planned, implemented, and monitored with efficiency. Learners also gain a deeper understanding of the technical skills that successful construction managers possess, such as cost estimating and cost control.
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?
If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.
In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).
While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.