online masters in construction management
In this article, we profile the top 15 most affordable online master’s in construction management programs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for construction managers will grow 11 percent through the year 2026. Due to the anticipated employment growth rate, more colleges and universities offer master’s in construction management online programs. We reviewed a number of accredited colleges and universities that offered online master’s in construction management programs and ranked them below.

Top 15 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Construction Management Programs Methodology

We looked at 39 colleges and universities listed by reputable sites like the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered master’s in construction management online degree programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools to find the top 15 programs. We applied the following criteria to narrow our list: Regional accreditation, master’s in construction management online programs or closely related disciplines offered, institution rankings with at least one major publication like U.S. News and World Report, and graduate tuition and fees less than $30,000 per year. We then listed the top 15 online master’s in construction management programs according to raw affordability.

Below is our list of the 15 most affordable master’s in construction management online programs.

#15 – NewSchool of Architecture and Design

Online Master’s in Construction Management

San Diego, California

Website

Newschool of Architecture and Design - online master's in construction management
NewSchool of Architecture and Design – Master’s in construction management online programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $28,212

The NewSchool of Architecture and Design offers a master’s in construction management online designed for working professionals seeking to leverage their increased knowledge and skills gained in a graduate degree into upward career mobility in the building and design industry. The program is entirely online and can be finished in just 12 months. Students can sign up for part-time or full-time course schedules and are not required to finish in 12 months. Courses may include advanced project delivery systems, current practices in construction management, emerging trends in project management, leadership challenges in project management, and implementing building information modeling. Graduates go on to careers as construction managers, project managers, estimators, BIM specialists, and LEED specialists.

#14 – Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Online Master’s in Construction Project Management

Worcester, Massachusetts

Website

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
Only 11 courses – Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s master’s in construction management online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $27,294

Worcester Polytechnic Institute provides candidates with an online master’s in construction management designed to teach students how to manage complex and difficult construction projects from inception to completion. The program is offered through the institutions Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The 11-course degree is divided into 33 credits. Courses may include advanced project management, building information modeling, capital facility planning and funding of public private partnerships, computer based simulation for the management of construction firms, and risk management and decision making. U.S. News and World Report ranks Worcester Polytechnic Institute #59 in national universities and #45 best online graduate engineering programs.

#13 – Norwich University

Online Master’s in Business Administration in Construction Management

Northfield, Vermont

Website

Norwich University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
One of the few online MBA in construction management programs – Norwich University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,360

Similar to online construction management programs, Norwich University offers an MBA online degree with a concentration in construction management. The program teaches core business principles and skills that translate to all industries as well as specific knowledge as it relates to construction management and related contexts. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs as well as the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs. Some construction management courses include contracts and insurance, project finance and accounting, and project management technique/tools and practices. U.S. News and World Report ranks Norwich University #74 in regional universities North.

#12 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online Master’s in Construction Management

Manchester, New Hampshire

Website

Southern New Hampshire University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
No GRE or GMAT scores – Southern New Hampshire University’s master’s in construction management online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810

Southern New Hampshire University provides individuals with a master’s in construction management online designed for working professionals. The program focuses on the integral components and aspects of planning and managing construction projects. Courses may include construction law and contracts, construction materials and methods, resource planning and decision making, and strategic human resource management. The institution is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education. Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis, so students can start without having to wait. GRE or GMAT test scores are not required for admission. U.S. News and World Report rank Southern New Hampshire University #112 in regional universities North.

#11 – University of Illinois

Online Master’s in Construction Management

Urbana, Illinois

Website

University of Illinois - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
Ranked & accredited – University of Illinois – master’s in construction management online.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,126

The University of Illinois offers a master’s in construction management online through its Grainger College of Engineering. All courses are available online with no campus visit requirements. The course delivery allows students to view courses just hours after they occurred live. Students upload homework electronically and take proctored tests in their area. Some courses allow students to stay connected through Skype and other video or messaging applications and platforms. The 36-credit degree may include some classes such as CEO construction equipment and methods, construction case studies, sustainable construction methods, and VSC visual sensing for civil infrastructure engineering and management. U.S. News and World Report rank University of Illinois #46 in national universities.

#10 – Louisiana State University

Online Master’s in Construction Management

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Louisiana State University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
100% online – Louisiana State University’s master’s in construction management online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,023

Louisiana State University offers an online master’s in construction management designed for working professionals seeking the convenience and flexibility of a 100% online degree that can be completed anywhere in the world. The program teaches technical and managerial skills and knowledge needed to plan, implement, and manage complex construction projects at both the residential and commercial levels. The program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) and blends concepts such as project delivery, building information modeling, and decision-making. The program totals 12 courses delivered over seven week terms and can be completed in as few as 24 months. U.S. News and World Report rank LSU #12 in best online graduate engineering degrees.

#9 – University of Florida

Online Master’s in International Construction Management

Gainesville, Florida

Website

University of Florida - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
Affordability! University of Florida’s master’s in construction management online!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737

The University of Florida’s master’s in construction management online offers one of the most affordable and prestigious degrees of its kind that prepares students for high level construction management positions on a global scale. The program is designed to teach students the knowledge and skills to work in the construction industry outside their country of citizenship working for corporations in establishing construction projects all over the world. The program is delivered entirely online and is for those already working in the construction industry or a related sector. Housed within the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, the School is the oldest of its kind in the country and was one of the first to receive accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education. U.S. News and World Report rank University of Florida #16 in best online graduate engineering programs.

#8 – Arizona State University

Online Master’s in Construction Management

Tempe, Arizona

Website

Arizona State University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
Only 10 classes! Arizona State University’s master’s in construction management online.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,134

An online master’s in construction management such as the program at Arizona State University is designed to prepare graduates for advanced positions where technical skills, planning and management, and communication are critical to the success of the organization and individual project. The 30-credit program includes 10 classes delivered over 15-week terms. Offered through the Del E. Webb School of Construction, the program includes such courses as alternative project delivery methods, construction company financial control, facilities operation and maintenance, and principles of leadership for project managers. U.S. News and World Report rank Arizona State University #9 in best online graduate engineering programs.

#7 – Florida International University

Online Master’s in Engineering Management

Miami, Florida

Website

Florida International University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
Ranked and accredited – Florida International University’s master’s in construction management online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,097

Online construction management programs such as the one at Florida International University focus on preparing students for the fast paced industry of construction through the development of technical and business skills needed to plan and oversee complex construction projects with multiple moving parts. Students learn all aspects of construction management from finance, planning, integration, human resources, communication, and more. The cohort style program requires students to enroll in four courses per semester over three semesters. Construction management courses include construction cost analysis and control, decision and risk analysis in construction, principles of construction scheduling, and topics in international construction. U.S. News and World Report rank Florida International #54 in best online graduate engineering programs.

#6 – Eastern Kentucky University

Online Master’s in Construction Management

Richmond, Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
Only 18 months to finish the master’s in construction management online program at Eastern Kentucky University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,570

Eastern Kentucky offers one of the few online construction management programs that can be completed in less than two years. The program is designed for current industry professionals that desire increased business and technical skills and knowledge within the context of the construction industry. The 30-credit program can be finished in just 18 months. A bachelor’s in construction management is not required for industry professionals with at least three years of experience. The GRE or GMAT is not required for those with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Courses may include creative problem solving, economics for lean operations, LEED principles and procedures, and productivity assessment and analysis. U.S. News and World Report rank Eastern Kentucky University #76 in regional universities South.

#5 – Purdue University

Online Master’s in Construction Management

West Lafayette, Indiana

Website

Purdue University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
Purdue’s master’s in construction management online program takes 24 months.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,992

Purdue University offers a top-ranked online master’s in construction management at affordable tuition rates designed to prepare students for high level construction management positions domestic or abroad. The program features synchronous classes on weeknights over the course of 15 weeks that allow students and faculty to interact in a dynamic learning environment. Candidates who are accepted and matriculate to the program can finish in just 24 months. Students take a total of three courses the first term followed by just two courses during the subsequent semesters. Classes may include construction management training and development, comprehensive construction management, energy conserving building retrofit, and risk management in construction. U.S. News and World Report rank Purdue #5 in best online graduate engineering programs.

#4 – South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Online Master’s in Construction Engineering and Management

Rapid City, South Dakota

Website

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
Ranked and affordable – South Dakota School of Mines and Technology – master’s in construction management online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,350

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers one of the top online construction management programs in the industry. The program is simultaneously flexible and rigorous with a curriculum focusing on engineering, business, and construction management principles. Candidates need to have completed calculus 1, probability and statistics, and six credit hours of natural and physical science including three credits of chemistry. Recommended core classes include advanced construction management, construction company management, construction project management, and engineering and construction ethics. U.S. News and World Report rank South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in multiple engineering programs including #256 in best engineering schools.

#3 – North Dakota State University

Online Master’s in Construction Management

Fargo, North Dakota

North Dakota State University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
As little as 15 months – North Dakota State University – master’s in construction management online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,487

North Dakota State University offers an affordable master’s in construction management online for students seeking leadership positions within the construction industry. The program prepares graduates to sit for the Associate Constructor Exam. The program offers very flexible time to completion timelines, allowing students to complete the program anywhere from 15 months to five years. Courses may include advanced project planning and control, construction specifications and contracts, decision making and risk analysis, and scheduling and project control. U.S. News and World Report ranks North Dakota State University in multiple categories for its 2019 rankings including #148 in best engineering schools and #215 in national universities.

#2 – East Carolina University

Online Master’s in Construction Management

Greenville, North Carolina

Website

East Carolina University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
Ranked by U.S. News! East Carolina University – online construction management programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,485

East Carolina University provides an online master’s in construction management through its Department of Construction Management for individuals with a bachelor of science in construction management or a related degree such as civil engineering, management, business, architecture, marketing, and accounting. Primarily for mid-career professionals, the degree can provide upward career mobility into top tier construction management positions both domestically and abroad. Courses may include advanced computer applications in construction, critical analysis and evaluation of construction documentation, global management of construction, and residential land use management and design. U.S. News and World Report rank East Carolina University #194 in national universities.

#1 – Western Carolina University

Online Master’s in Construction Management

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Website

Western Carolina University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Construction Management Online Programs
Western Carolina University – #1 most affordable master’s in construction management online degree program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,361

Through its College of Engineering and Technology, Western Carolina University ranks as the number one master’s in construction management online for affordable tuition. The program is appropriate for current construction management professionals working in commercial construction, land development, and large-scale residential projects. The 30-credit program includes 3-credit courses such as advanced materials and methods, construction operations and safety, fundamentals of project management, and leadership in construction management. The degree is delivered entirely online, making it an excellent choice for students seeking an affordable graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. U.S. News and World Report ranks Western Carolina University #34 in regional universities South.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a master’s in construction management online degree?

A master’s degree in construction management prepares graduates to plan and oversee large-scale construction jobs within a wide variety of contexts. Construction managers are also known as project managers, general contractors, and construction supervisors. These individuals are tasked with the planning, coordination, and supervision of all phases of a construction job. Because there are several types of construction projects, these individuals may find themselves working in residential, commercial, government, military, and international projects of various sizes. Typically those with a master’s degree in construction management are in charge of larger scale projects and oversee a variety of personnel including laborers, contractors, site supervisors, and lower level project managers.

Construction managers generally have an office, but spend the majority of their time in the field providing accountability, leadership, and decision making towards the completion of the project. Their main task is to make sure the project or projects are completed on time and under budget while maintaining compliance and quality of work. Their hours vary according to the size and scope of the project. Additionally, many construction managers work more than the standard 40 hours per week and may be on call 24/7 in order to respond to unexpected issues or to meet tight deadlines. Construction managers can work both domestically and abroad.

What is the job outlook for individuals with a master’s in construction management online degree?

Our data analysis is derived from figures established by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS is the principal government agency that measures labor markets and their associated metrics such as salary, outlook, work environment, and more.

According to the BLS, the job outlook for construction managers compares favorably to other types of management jobs as well as all other occupations. From 2016-2026, construction management positions are expected to increase by 11 percent compared to eight percent for other types of management jobs and seven percent for all occupations.

While new construction jobs are driving the increase, another important variable driving growth is the renovation and retrofitting of existing structures to make them more energy efficient and safer. In addition to new and existing structures, improvements to large-scale infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems are also in need of upgrading and improvements.

Additionally, a large number of construction managers are expected to retire in the next decade, which results in more job openings for qualified individuals with master’s degrees in construction management. And because the construction industry is so tied to economic health, areas with thriving economies can expect a glut of new construction and capital projects that need qualified personnel.

How much will I earn with a master’s in construction management online degree?

Individuals with a master’s in construction management can expect to earn salaries much higher than the average occupation. The average annual remuneration for all occupations is approximately $39,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures the average construction manager salary at $93,370 per year. Looking further into the data, the numbers show the lowest 10% earn $55,240 per year compared to the highest 10% of earners who make $161,510 annually.

These statistics include construction managers with a bachelor’s degree and above, so it is reasonable to expect those with a master’s degree may have compensation data towards the median and upper end of the pay spectrum. Construction managers working in heavy construction and civil engineering sectors earn the most pay with an average salary of $97,180. Nonresidential building construction managers earn the second highest compensation at $95,150 per year, while specialty contractors make $90,170. Residential construction managers earn the lowest compensation among the four major industries with an average salary of $83,640.

While construction managers certainly earn excellent salaries, it is also common for them to receive performance bonuses for completing projects on time and within the scope of their budget. Additionally, bonuses are also given for the amount of business they generate. These bonuses can add up to several thousand dollars per year.

What are the admissions requirements for master’s in construction management online degree programs?

Admission requirements for online construction management degree programs vary. The institutional ranking and the program purpose are arguably the two main reasons admission standards vary from program to program. Typical requirements for entrance and admission found among the vast majority of programs include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, transcripts from all institutions attended, a completed application form, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Top-tier programs that are in high demand will have these same admission requirements but with often with higher standards. Top programs will require a bachelor’s degree in construction management or a similar discipline such as engineering or management from a regionally accredited institution rather than a nationally accredited institution. Moreover, students will typically need a strong undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 or sometimes as high as 3.5 compared to mid-tier programs that may admit students with GPAs ranging from 2.25-2.75. Top-tier programs will also require GRE or GMAT test score minimums with no option for waivers, which is far more stringent that programs that do not require test scores or provide easy to qualify for waivers.

While students can earn an excellent education from any of these programs, it is important to know the admission requirements of the programs they are considering applying to.

How long does it take to earn a master’s in construction management online degree?

Since online degrees are mainly for working individuals with a variety of personal and professional obligations, it is not surprising that the length of time it takes to complete a master’s in construction management online degree varies greatly. Administrators who oversee online degree programs understand students want to finish their degrees in a timely manner with maximum flexibility and convenience. As such, the majority of graduate level construction programs can be earned in 2-3 years’ time with continuous enrollment at levels that are realistic for an individual who also works full-time.

While most programs can be finished in this 2-3 year timeframe, some programs are designed for maximum efficiency and can be completed in just 12-15 months. These programs typically are for experienced mid-career professionals with academic backgrounds in construction management who can take full-time course loads every semester.

Conversely, online master’s in construction management programs are flexible and understanding that their students have several responsibilities outside of school. It is not uncommon for programs to allow students up to 5-6 years to complete the degree without having to repeat classes or reapply for admission. These parameters give students peace of mind that they can choose to stop out and take a break from school should the need arise.

BCO Staff
July 2019

Sources: College Navigator

Related programs:

This concludes our list of the top 15 most affordable online master’s in construction management programs.