Online Construction Schools: How to Choose

Construction may entail the building or demolition of homes, buildings, bridges, or roads. Educational programs in construction may teach students building procedures, estimating, project management or engineering. Certificate and degree programs in several areas of construction and construction management can be found online.

How to Select an Online Construction School

Award Levels

Online construction programs generally focus on construction management, and are available at the certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's degree levels. They are designed for individuals entering the field and for professionals who want to diversify their skills or advance within a company.
Candidates interested in management positions, including project management, estimation and general contracting, may benefit greatly from earning a bachelor's or master's degree in construction management or professional certificates in specific management skills. Additionally, while certification in construction management is voluntary, it's increasingly preferred by employers. Several professional associations, including the Construction Management Association of America and the American Institute of Constructors, offer various levels of certification, which generally require at least a bachelor's degree.

Career Opportunities and Employment Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipated a 17% increase in construction management positions and 20% in construction labor jobs between 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). The bureau expected that the best career prospects would exist for experts in a specific field or those willing to move for a job. Additionally, the emergence of green technology would increase demand for workers with knowledge of environmentally sound construction and energy requirements in addition to expanding opportunities for retrofitting existing structures.

Program Delivery and Requirements

Construction management programs are available fully online. Classes may be taught using a learning management system, such as Blackboard or ANGEL. To participate in online courses, students need a computer with Internet access, an audio and video player and, depending on the class, specific applications, such as Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro.
Although online construction management programs don't typically include hands-on training components, many programs may require that students have practical construction experience or training, since this is integral to effective construction management. Programs that teach construction building skills, such as carpentry, electrical work or masonry, are available on-site through colleges and apprenticeship programs.

List of Online Construction Programs

Online Professional Certificate in Construction Management Programs

Professional certificate programs are intended for construction professionals who want to move into management or update their skills. These programs don't require that students have previously earned a degree, though some programs may recommend this. Online classes are generally self-paced for the convenience of working students. Printed textbooks are often required, with lectures and discussions online.
Comprehensive construction management programs emphasize the development of supervisory and communication skills as well as updates on current industry standards, such as environmental regulations or new types of building materials. Education in sustainable practices may also be included.
Many professional certificate programs focus on a specific construction management skill sets and cover practical management topics. These programs include instruction in planning and bidding on construction projects, including blueprint reading, contracts, insurance, materials, labor and project presentation.

Online Associate of Science Degree in Construction Management

This program is open to working construction professionals and students entering the field. Technical requirements typically include a computer with high-speed Internet access, a printer and programs for word processing, spreadsheets and slideshow presentations.
Courses in an associate's degree program cover all the information included in a certificate program, in addition to providing an extensive exploration of business management theories and methods. Students learn basic business principles, such as organization, marketing and finance, as well as business math for accounting and planning purposes. More advanced subjects include business law, ethics and psychology. Current industry topics, including building materials, software, specifications, regulations and safety, are presented concurrently.

Online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

While a bachelor's degree is not required for construction managers, employers prefer it for the depth of knowledge and experience it offers. Construction managers must know how to direct and oversee a complex range of tasks, from building, regulations and contracts to communication and human behavior. The bachelor's program aims to train students to manage a project, from the bidding stages to full structural completion. In addition to the same technical knowledge and skills learned in an associate's degree program, participants learn to exercise critical thinking abilities, apply ethics to hypothetical situations and coordinate schedules and work teams.
Technical requirements include a computer with high-speed Internet access, e-mail, a printer and downloadable plug-ins, such as Flash Player or Adobe Reader. Some courses may require students to purchase textbooks.

Online Master of Science in Construction Management

Many mid and upper level construction management jobs now require a master's degree for entry. Master's programs are generally designed with working professionals in mind, and students benefit from having several years of prior experience in construction management. Master's level students discuss similar topics as those in undergraduate programs, including cost analysis, emerging construction technology and safety, but studies are presented from a leadership perspective to develop executive skills.
Coursework also examines business and contract law, advanced risk analysis, decision-making and financial management. Master's level programs also cover procedures for managing foreign construction projects, which is a rapidly growing branch of the construction management industry. A master's thesis may be an option. All coursework is completed online through lectures, group discussions and presentations.
Some schools may require students to attend on-campus orientation at the beginning of their programs. Some programs are self-paced, other proceed on a schedule. All programs take about two years to complete. In addition to a computer with high-speed Internet access, students may need a webcam with microphone or headset for participation in discussions.