Construction management is an exciting field to consider. It is true that construction managers may go by any number of titles. But simply put, a construction manager handles planning and directing construction projects. The need for construction managers continues to grow. There are a few reasons for this growth. It is because of the increased population. It is also a result of continually updated federal, state, and local requirements for buildings. Trustworthy construction companies are needed more than ever. In order for a construction company to succeed, it needs strong and dependable construction managers with leadership skills. There are many varied types of construction projects. Most of the following degree programs are designed to prepare students for successful work. Students will be prepared for success in a wide variety of areas of construction management.
Pursuing an associate’s degree in construction management is a great option for those who wish to enter the field quickly. Most of these affordable construction management programs can be completed in two years. Along with some work experience, they can provide the necessary credentials for managing jobs within the construction industry.
Our list of the top 10 affordable construction management associate’s degrees began with a list of programs with a yearly tuition of under $8,000. This was based on tuition reported to College Navigator. These construction management degree programs were then ranked according to the quality of the program. This was based on graduation rate and student-to-teacher ratio.
Based on the results of this search, the top 10 affordable construction management associate’s degrees are:
- Renton Technical College
- Ogeechee Technical College
- Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- Lanier Technical College
- Casper College
- Indian Hills Community College
- Central Georgia Technical College
- Savannah Technical College
- Shoreline Community College
- Parkland College
Ranking the Cheapest Construction Management Associate’s Degree Programs
10. Parkland College
Champaign, Illinois
Associate’s Degree in Construction Management
Parkland College’s AAS degree in construction management is an affordable program. This associate in applied science and technologies can be completed in just two years. The 63-credit curriculum includes 17 general education credits and 46 required program courses. Elective options include business courses as well as technical course options. An example of a technical course is HVAC installation. The construction management degree prepares students to enter the construction industry. They will be prepared to hold technical, managerial, and supervisory roles. Graduates of this construction management degree will be ready to work in a variety of areas. These may include residential and light commercial building construction, heavy commercial building construction, or civil construction. Successful completion of the Parkland construction management AAS program allows graduates to be eligible for direct entry into the Mid-American Carpenters Regional Council Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program. The program offers a few pathway options. There are options both for those who would like to study full-time, and for those who would like to continue to work while earning their degree. More information about these options can be found on the school’s website.
Tuition: $7,797
9. Shoreline Community College
Shoreline, Washington
Associate in Construction Management, AA-DTA/MRP
Shoreline Community College offers an associate’s degree program in construction management. The program combines the studies of business, program management, and construction. This program is designed specifically for those who plan to transfer into a four-year program. This selective entry program works as an agreement between Washington state community colleges and universities. This prepares the students for easy transfer. The program requires the completion of 90 credits. These include 20 general education credits, 45 distribution requirements, and 25 credits of general electives. This curriculum is specifically designed to fill the AA requirements for those who plan to transfer to a four-year degree program. The program offers four convenient yearly entry points – fall, winter, spring, or summer.
Tuition: $7,725
8. Savannah Technical College
Savannah, Georgia
Associate’s Degree in Construction Management
At Savannah Technical College, students can earn an affordable AAS degree in construction management. The program prides itself on using the latest building science and sustainable building practices. The 64-credit program can be completed in four terms. It prepares students for a career in any aspect of construction supervision. The program covers basic carpentry skills such as laying foundations, framing and roofing. It combines these with essential management skills like accounting and code reviews. The completion of this AAS degree at Savannah Technical College can lead to your Georgia State Contractor’s License.
Tuition: $4,482
7. Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, Georgia
Associate Degree in Construction Management Technology
Central Georgia Technical College offers an affordable associate’s program in construction management. This program is offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The 60-credit program teaches students hands-on carpentry skills. Additionally, students will learn accounting, supervision, and management skills. They will also learn to print read. The program is designed for those who want to work in some aspect of construction supervision. Graduates will be prepared to work as a foreman, lead carpenter, or project manager. The program uses the NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) curriculum. This curriculum delivers standardized training and credentialing for the industry. The program is offered to students who are at least 16 years old and have either a high school diploma or a GED.
Tuition: $2,050
6. Indian Hills Community College
Centerville, Iowa
Associate’s Degree in Construction Management
At Indian Hills Community College, students can earn an AAS in construction management. This affordable program requires the completion of 60 credits. The program takes two years to complete. It also offers the flexibility for students to enter during any term. Conveniently, some of the general education classes are available online. This dual-track curriculum begins with the Construction Trades program. It continues with the Construction Management program. The Construction Trades program focuses on becoming a great project manager. The Construction Management portion of the program focuses on estimating, wiring, HVAC design, plumbing, concrete, advancing framing, and building science. According to the website, students will graduate with the ability to build their own house and run a business, among other things.
Tuition: $7,057
5. Casper College
Casper, Wyoming
Associate of Science in Construction Management
Casper College offers a 64-credit associate’s degree program in construction management. This program can be completed in just two years. This flexible program allows students to take up to 70% of their classes online. Casper College’s construction management program will equip their graduates with important skills. These skills include the ability to prepare budgets and estimates. Students will also learn to work with architects and engineers. They will also learn to manage workers as well as maximize efficiency. The curriculum provides students with a technical base of industrial management skills, as well as the ability to communicate with and lead people. Students will also learn the knowledge of the technical aspects of the construction process. This degree program is a good fit for those in various situations. It is available as a transfer program. It is also available as a program for those working in the industry who want to be promoted to a management position.
Construction management courses include:
- Construction Documents
- Architectural and Construction Planning
- Engineering Graphics
Tuition: $5,754
4. Lanier Technical College
Gainesville, Georgia
Construction Management Technology Associate of Applied Science
LTC’s AAS in Construction Management Technology is a great option for those looking to earn an affordable degree quickly. It is specifically designed for those who want to prepare themselves for a career in construction supervision. The four semester program requires the completion of 60 credits. It provides background skills in various construction areas. The curriculum for this construction management associate is built on a core of management and supervisory courses. The core classes include print reading, project management, accounting, and supervision courses. The curriculum also includes many hands-on carpentry courses. This allows students to get a full picture of the ins and outs of the construction industry. New students are accepted each semester. It is also worth noting that the program is eligible for financial aid.
Tuition: $3,517
3. Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Rock Spring, Georgia
Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers an affordable AAS program in Construction Management. The 66-credit program includes 15 general education credits and 51 occupational credits. It is designed to prepare students interested in working in some aspect of construction management. Participants in the program will learn basic carpentry skills. These skills include laying foundations, framing, roofing and exterior finishing. Additionally, they will learn essential management skills. These skills include accounting, construction drafting, code review, scheduling, and contracting. Graduates of the program will be prepared to apply their management skills to any part of the construction industry. This includes commercial office buildings, hospitals, industrial facilities, or stadiums. It also includes residential buildings, electrical systems, mechanical systems, highways, and airports.
Tuition: $2,539
2. Ogeechee Technical College
Statesboro, Georgia
Construction Management Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree
At Ogeechee Technical College, students can earn an affordable AAS degree in construction management. This degree can be earned in only four semesters. This four semester program is designed for students ready to begin their career as a construction supervisor. It provides background skills in many areas of construction. This 60-credit program accepts new students every semester. A perk of this program is that the students have the flexibility to attend day, evening, or online classes. The curriculum includes supervision courses, print reading, accounting, and project management. Additionally the school provides the students with hands-on carpentry classes. These classes are especially effective in preparing students for the reality of the industry. Graduates of the program will be fully prepared for immediate hire. They could be hired as entry level project managers, superintendents, or junior estimators.
Tuition: $1,328
1. Renton Technical College
Renton, Washington
Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management
Renton Technical College offers our #1 affordable associate’s program in construction management. This flexible 90-credit program allows students to study either part-time or full-time. Additionally, it allows entry to the program throughout the year. Students can enter in fall, winter, spring, or summer, although fall entry is preferred. The program can be completed in six quarters of study. The program teaches administrative and personnel skills. These skills are needed for a variety of leadership jobs within the industry. Examples of these jobs are project manager, superintendent, or estimator. The curriculum includes practical skills. Examples of these skills are reading and interpreting drawings and estimating costs. It also includes sequencing work activities and applying technology to measure results. The program is fully eligible for both scholarships and financial aid.
Tuition: $7,341
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a construction manager?
A construction manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and managing construction projects from start to finish. They are typically hired by the owner or developer of the project. Their primary role with the construction project is to ensure that the project is:
- completed on time
- within budget
- to the required standards of quality and safety
Construction managers may work on a variety of different types of construction projects, from large-scale commercial buildings and infrastructure projects to residential homes and renovations. Some of their key responsibilities may include:
- Developing and managing project budgets and schedules
- Coordinating and managing subcontractors, suppliers, and other construction professionals
- Ensuring compliance with building codes and other regulations
- Identifying and managing risks and issues that may arise during the construction process
- Communicating regularly with project stakeholders, including the owner, architects, and engineers
- Overseeing the construction site and ensuring that work is being done safely and to the required quality standards.
Why Should I earn an associate’s degree in Construction Management?
As is with many trade-based industries, experience is one of the very best credentials that you can pursue. Earning an associate’s degree in construction management is a great choice. It works as an effective pathway. You can learn what you need to know to enter the field while spending minimal time as well as minimal money. After earning your associate’s degree at an affordable school, you can start work immediately in the field and work your way up. Another thing to consider is that an associate’s degree can work as a degree building block. Should you decide to pursue a four year degree in construction management, you will have the associate’s degree as a base. There are some instances in which a bachelor’s degree is preferred or even required. In these situations, it will be easier to complete if you have already earned a related associate’s degree. Often, a company will pay for continued education. This will allow you to earn necessary degrees while continuing to work and earn money and gain experience.
Can I earn my Construction Management associate’s degree online?
Because of the hands-on nature of the industry, it is difficult to earn a degree in construction management online. However, there are some schools that allow you to complete some of the courses online. These days, more and more courses are being offered online. It is a good idea to visit the website of your school of interest in order to discover how much of the course load can or can not be completed online.
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