Online Courses in Construction Project Management

Online construction project management courses are found in graduate programs which require students to have a bachelor's degree in a related construction field. They may also be required to have several years of construction management experience prior to enrolling in the online classes for a graduate certificate or master's degree.

Overview of Online Construction Project Management Courses

Online construction management programs address the continuing educational needs of management professionals whose work schedule or location prohibit classroom study by digitally capturing class lectures as online video for students to view at their convenience. Course materials like handouts, lecture notes or assignments, are also available to online students through a school's website. Some schools require limited on-campus interaction with faculty and fellow students prior to an online program. Online course participants may also need up to five years of construction management experience. Students can earn a graduate certificate, Master of Science (M.S.) in Building Construction Management or Master of Civil Engineering (MCE). Construction project managers may find employment with architectural and engineering firms, and more than 60% were self-employed or owned construction firms in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov).

Requirements for Online Courses

Construction project management students need a computer with high-speed Internet access and a fairly sound understanding of the virtual online environment. Many schools allow students to access assignments and videos at their leisure; others require students to participate at a scheduled time through Web conferencing programs like Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro. To participate in real time, students need a webcam and a hands-free microphone and earphone headset to listen to lectures and contribute to class discussions. Students may also need to download and install the free Adobe Flash player to view video content.

List of Online Construction Project Management Courses

Introduction to Construction Project Management Course

This introductory course provides a broad overview of construction project management issues, such as bidding procedures, realistic cost analysis, budgeting, construction planning and scheduling. Students also learn other processes of the industry including construction monitoring, record-keeping and accounting procedures, and insurance and safety concerns. The roles of the owner, architect and contractors are also explored.

On-Site Construction Project Management Duties Course

The role, responsibilities and specific tasks of the project manager on a construction site are central to this course. Instructions include location analysis, preparation and logistics, providing temporary office and housing facilities, and procuring temporary water and electrical services. Other on-site construction management lessons include field reporting, record keeping and maintaining good working conditions and worker morale.

Construction Project Management Safety Issues Course

This course delves into a detailed examination of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and principles construction managers must abide by to ensure the safety of all involved. Students learn to analyze and devise minimum safety standards to guarantee secure on-site working conditions.

Financial Risk in Construction Project Management Course

Students in this course examine the theories, procedures and practices necessary to develop accurate and reliable construction estimates and final bids. Topics include subcontractor bid comparisons, unit and volume pricing, direct and indirect construction costs and overhead. The risks of financing locally and internationally, as well as the function of purchasing bonds and insurance are also covered.

Construction Project Management Law Course

Students in this course are introduced to the legal issues of the construction industry. They examine the conditions and regulatory implications of construction contracts, sub-contracts and labor laws. Other legalities this course addresses include ethical and professional obligations as they relate to changes in agreements, delays, mistakes and early termination.

International Construction Project Management Course

The development of the World Trade Organization (WTO) treaty allows construction project managers to work outside the United States. For students interested in working internationally, this course provides an overview of the global industry and the standards by which it operates. Students will also examine the social, economic and political ramifications of working abroad.