Those who graduate with a degree in
construction management oversee the building of industrial, commercial
and residential structures. Bachelor's and master's degree programs are
available online and prepare graduates to enter management positions in
the field.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management Overview
This online program focuses on construction management, and students
learn about construction documents, estimating, accounting, safety,
building codes, project management and performance management. Students
are also given an opportunity to develop strong oral and written
communication skills.
Online bachelor's degree programs in construction management take
approximately four years to complete. Applicants must have a high school
diploma and taken the necessary standardized tests. Coursework, exams
and assignments are completed through a college's web based system or
through a virtual school. Instructors may educate students through
streaming lectures, DVDs or online tutorials.
Common Online Courses
The courses combine areas involving construction management and
organizational principles. Graduates must have an understanding of how
to manage a construction site and communicate with owners and investors.
Courses in this program include:
Building Construction Management Course
Students learn to manage industrial, commercial and residential
building projects in this course. Topics cover project team creation,
recordkeeping, managing documents, cost control, environmental
considerations and subcontractor management.
Building Systems and Codes Course
This course covers plumbing codes, mechanical equipment and
electrical systems for both residential and commercial construction.
Students also learn energy conservation and environmental impact,
inspection compliance and the organizations related to zoning and
ordinances.
Cost Control and Estimating Course
This course teaches students about cost and accounting concepts
associated with estimating building projects. Students also focus on
areas involving direct and indirect labor, material, equipment
depreciation, personnel and engineering costs. The course also
emphasizes the approaches and computerized applications used to increase
profitability, evaluate problems and improve progress.
While many graduates with a bachelor's degree can work in
construction management, opportunities are also available as a cost
estimator. Cost estimators help owners and investors make bids on
contracts by doing research on a property and evaluating the cost to
complete a project. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that
cost estimators earned a median salary of $56,510 per year in 2008
(www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education
While not required, certification is available through the American
Society of Professional Estimators. In order to become certified,
applicants must have experience in the field and pass a written
examination. Certification may open up promotional opportunities and
help individuals earn higher salaries.
Online Master's Degree in Building Construction Program Overview
A master's degree in building construction educates students in the
various aspects of construction management. Some schools may offer
specialty tracks in virtual design and construction, sustainable
environment, infrastructure development, international construction and
residential construction development. A research paper, thesis or
non-thesis option with additional coursework is usually a requirement to
complete a program. Students enrolling in this program need to have a
bachelor's degree and experience in the field.
Full-time students can complete this program in approximately one
year. In addition to having a personal computer and Internet, students
may need to purchase specialized software programs that educate them on
construction topics and financial matters. Students can communicate with
instructors and other students through chat rooms, instant messenger
and discussion forums.
Common Online Courses
Courses teach students about financing construction projects, using
environmentally friendly materials and integrating construction
technology. Students must also develop communication and leadership
skills to interact with construction workers, supply companies and
investors.
Cost Analysis Course
Students learn about the procedures in cost analysis and study all
phases of building construction, development and completion. Other
topics emphasized include budgeting, conceptual estimating and project
cost control.
Construction Materials Course
This class explores the materials used in building construction and
the impact of their properties. Some of the materials studied include
concrete, soil, backfill, aggregates and bituminous mixtures.
Environmental Regulations Course
This course covers environmental permits, laws and regulations
applicable to building construction. Some of the areas of concentration
include hazardous waste materials, onsite treatment systems and methods
of disposal.
Those who graduate with a master's degree in building construction
often work in management positions. Duties of a construction manager
include planning and coordinating all phases of a construction project.
The BLS reports that opportunities are expected to increase 17% from
2008-2018. This growth is due to an increase in population and the need
to make buildings more energy efficient. The median annual salary for
construction managers was $79,860 in 2008.
Continuing Education
Certification is not required, but may prove to potential employers
that an applicant has a certain amount of competency in construction
management. The American Institute of Constructors and the Construction
Management Association of America offers voluntary certification, which
requires a minimum amount of education, experience and the passing of a
written exam.
No comments:
Post a Comment