Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Online Construction Management Schools: How to Choose

There are many different levels of online construction management program, from certificate programs and associate's degrees for those who have no experience in the industry to master's degrees for working professionals who already have some construction management experience.

How to Choose an Online Construction Management School

Program Depth and Comprehensiveness

Depending on the degree level students choose, they will find much more or less comprehensiveness and depth in a construction management program. Most programs have the same general focus, with classes such as construction finance, project control, facility and machinery maintenance, construction law and personnel management. More advanced degrees, however, often focus more on the leadership aspects and less on such subjects as maintenance and facilities.

Format and Time Constraints

Because construction is a hands-on discipline, very few construction management programs are available fully online. Most are hybrid programs that allow students to take most of their classes over the Internet, but require students to take some courses in-person or on-campus. Time requirements may also vary from program to program. Though most construction management programs are designed to be flexible to give working adults options in taking the program, some may have stricter assignment due dates or class schedules than others. Students should be sure they know what their time commitment will be before enrolling.

Online Construction Management Programs

Certificate in Construction Management

A certificate in construction management may be either for graduate students, requiring an undergraduate degree in architecture, engineering or a similar subject for admission and providing college credit, or may not have any requirements at all regarding formal educational background. Normally, a certificate program in construction management is designed to give students who already have experience in the architecture or engineering fields knowledge of the business and management sides of construction projects.

Associate of Science in Construction Management

An associate's degree program in construction management is designed primarily for students who are considering entry-level jobs in construction management or who are already employed in the construction industry but wish to move into a management position. Students who complete an associate's degree in construction management may go on to work as project managers or foremen for small construction jobs or team leaders in larger projects.

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

A bachelor's degree in construction management is also normally for those who are seeking an entry-level job in construction management, but may not necessarily have previous experience in the industry. This program covers a wide variety of subjects, from the procedural and practical details of construction to finances, law and human resources management for a construction company of any size.

Master of Science in Construction Management

Master's degree programs in construction management are usually designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree, usually in engineering or architecture, and are already employed in managing construction projects. Because these degrees are normally for working professionals, most provide students with flexible scheduling options and are designed to be completed at each student's own pace.

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