People with an eye for architecture and design and a mind for business can put their skills to work with a degree in construction management. Working for contractors and management firms, construction managers take care of all aspects of a construction project, from the planning stages through every detail of the construction phase. This guide takes a look at education and career opportunities for those interested in a construction management degree.

A construction management degree program may be beneficial for those who want to gain an overview of the materials and methods used throughout the construction process. Students will be able to learn about large-scale projects from the planning to completion stages. To help college-bound individuals choose the best program for them, we weighed every construction management degree program in the country to create a ranked list of the top schools based on our criteria. Explore the top construction management degree programs here.

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When the blueprints leave an architect’s office, the job of a construction manager begins. Balancing the budget, hiring the appropriate subcontractors, purchasing materials, and managing the schedule are just some of the tasks involved with steering a project from start to finish. On-time and on-budget are the watchwords for a construction manager, two goals that are well-served not only by practical experience, but also by a solid education that teaches the fundamental skills necessary for the job. Major employers look for construction managers with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field.

Construction managers have an entrepreneurial spirit: four of 10 were self-employed in 2014.

Construction managers enjoy comfortable salaries, with top earners commanding well into six figures a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Construction is closely tied to the overall economy. As the economy improves, some 17,800 new construction jobs are predicted by 2024

More than 100 accredited colleges and universities offer construction-related programs; prospective construction managers may also enter the field through degrees such as architecture or engineering.

On-the-job experience is key to landing a job in construction management, but it’s also a good idea to have a college degree to back it up. While a high school diploma may suffice for some who have risen through the ranks, many employers prefer to see applicants with a post-secondary degree, explains the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To get experience and certification that increase their employment prospects, students can pursue degrees in construction management at various levels—associate, bachelor’s and master’s—both on-campus and online.

An associate degree provides introductory knowledge about the fundamentals of construction management, and is designed to arm students with skills in leadership, time management and critical thinking. To enroll in an associate program, students must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Students should also make sure prospective colleges are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Curriculum combines general education classes with specialized construction management courses, and generally takes two years to complete.

The following shows some examples of construction management courses that students can expect to take at this level:

More in-depth than an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree educates students in the fundamental principles and techniques of construction, as well as communication, mathematics, humanities, and behavioral and natural sciences, in preparation for administrative or managerial careers. Students should seek a university accredited by Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology and should expect to complete about 120-180 credit hours in the program.

Here are some examples of specialized construction management courses that students may take during a bachelor’s degree program:

Obtaining a master’s degree opens the door to higher-paying jobs and better career prospects as students become experts in the field. Prospective students should already hold a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field and have significant work experience. Students focus on more detailed areas of construction management, such as construction programming, cost control and project management. Programs also prepare students to receive certification as either an Associate Constructor (AC), or Certified Construction Manager (CCM). Master’s degrees usually require about 30 credit hours to complete.

Students should expect master’s-level courses to be in-depth and intensive. Here are some examples of classes students may complete:

Construction managers work with architects, cost estimators, civil engineers and other subcontractors to supervise the design, budgeting and production of a project. Managers work in both main offices and on-site field offices to monitor progress and make day-to-day decisions. Salary depends on the industry, company size, location, years of experience and level of education.

With a mandate of ensuring safety, inspectors visit construction sites to ensure that projects meet building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations and contract specifications.

General supervision responsibilities include estimating materials needs and ordering supplies; inspecting equipment; ensuring that safety regulations are upheld; and monitoring project progress. Supervisors act as liaisons between contractors and management to coordinate activities and resolve issues. While a college education is not required, a bachelor’s degree typically leads to advancement in the field.

Technicians assist civil engineers in the planning and design phases of project development. They visit job sites to evaluate conditions and collect and test materials. Employers often prefer technicians to have a degree from an accredited school, but it is not required.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014)

While not required, certification is a distinct advantage in construction management. Both students and professionals are eligible for varying levels of certification that can provide a competitive edge in the field.