For people wishing to advance their career in the construction industry, an online certificate program in construction management could be the perfect option. These flexible and often self-paced programs take less time and money than earning a degree, which can be ideal for people who already have a degree or those who can’t go back to school full time. If that wasn’t enough, construction managers have a median annual salary of $106,980 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), meaning the right program could have the potential to propel you into a six-figure career.   

What are online construction management certificates?

Construction management certificate programs are truncated education programs designed to prepare students for a career in construction management. They typically consist of about four to six college courses that can usually be completed in a year or less, but this varies between programs.  

Many construction management certificate programs are now offered entirely online. This provides a level of flexibility that can make them especially appealing to working adults or those who may not be located near a school that offers this type of program.  

Jessie Brummett, Marketing Manager for the University of San Diego’s Professional and Continuing Education programs, said that the students enrolled in USD’s construction management certificate program are typically early career professionals, career changers or those up for a career promotion.  

“We have heard from our students that our certificate program greatly increases the chance of salary advancement and management opportunities. However, this is a beginner friendly program and would also be applicable to college or high school students interested in the field of construction management,” Brummett said. 

Admissions requirements

Certificate programs usually fall into one of two categories: undergraduate or graduate certificates. Undergraduate certificates usually have minimal admissions requirements beyond a high school diploma or GED and are therefore more beginner friendly. Graduate certificates (at times called post-baccalaureate certificates) are meant to build upon someone’s existing education. They require that applicants have an undergraduate degree and/or professional experience in the field.  

“Typically, construction management certificate programs do not require experience and/or prior education. However, the students who commonly pursue these types of certificates typically have previous experience and are choosing to pursue a certificate program over a degree,” Brummett said. “This certificate will provide you with all of the knowledge necessary to improve your skill set, but of course, prior education and experience are always an added benefit!” 

What you can learn in a construction management certificate program

Most construction management certificate programs consist of about four to six college classes. Every school’s course sequence and curriculum are going to be a little different depending on how their program is structured.  

Here are just some examples of the types of courses you could take and what they teach you:  

• Construction management fundamentals—Learn about the principles of construction management, best practices, roles and responsibilities, common project management tools and more.  
• Construction methods—Gain a better understanding of current construction methods and equipment, which heavy equipment is best suited for certain jobs and relevant safety standards.  
• Construction project management— Discover how project management is unique within the construction industry. 
• Scheduling and planning—Learn how to plan and schedule construction projects from start to finish using relevant tools and software while staying within budget.  
• Contract administration—Learn about construction contracts, construction law, liabilities and other legal matters related to construction projects.  
• Risk management—Understand how to communicate with relevant stakeholders, estimate risk potential, manage resources and keep projects moving forward to avoid and overcome setbacks.  

“USD’s construction management certificate focuses on the basic understanding of core topics and terminology used in the construction industry, i.e. scheduling, estimating, project management, safety and leadership,” Brummett said.  

Brummett explained that the core learning objectives for USD’s program are as follows:  

• Review tools, techniques and methods for managing project life cycles, stakeholder governance and social responsibility in the construction industry 
• Evaluate global advances in technology and society, and how they affect construction project management 
• Define scope management and identify the common aspects of construction project management that create special scope challenges 
• Learn how to measure project performance utilizing Earned Value Management, estimating and forecasting 
• Master project procurement management processes 
• Anticipate the health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) considerations that could negatively impact your project 
• Complete an in-depth review of financial and accounting management and systems 
• Conduct project analysis, audits, create reports and provide the expertise necessary for monitoring and controlling project finances 

Online learning and what to expect 

In an online construction management certificate program, classes are typically conducted in one of two ways: as live online lectures where you interact with your instructors and classmates in real time (much like any in-person class) or as self-paced courses you can complete on your own time. These are called synchronous and asynchronous courses, respectively.  

Many programs include a mixture of both types of learning formats, while others may be entirely synchronous or asynchronous. Asynchronous courses tend to be more common for this type of program due to their flexibility—students don’t have to log on at a specific time each week and can instead progress through the course materials when and where they want. This is why they can be more management for people with jobs that may not have the ability to log online for a virtual class in the middle of the day.  

“Our certificate is catered to the schedule of a typical student seeking a construction management certificate,” Brummett said. “The majority of our students are already working full time and unable to attend evening classes, so online is the most convenient mode of study. Our teachers are very involved in the course as well, so students will have guidance throughout the courses.” 

How to choose the right program for you

Once you start looking for online construction management certificate programs, you’ll need to start narrowing down your list of options so that you can figure out what’s best for you. Some helpful strategies to that end may include:  

• Make sure the learning objectives match your career goals. “Consider each individual course within the certificate program. Are all of these individually adding to my overall learning goal?” Brummett said. “Ensure the program delves into each core topic!” 
• Consider how much experience you might need. Before enrolling in any program, make sure you understand whether you need to have any prior construction experience. Many programs don’t require this, but since some do, it’s always important to verify. Even if it’s not required, having some experience or relevant education can still be helpful and allow you to hit the ground running.  
• Research reputation. Certificate programs are meant to help students advance within a particular career field. Any worthwhile program should be able to demonstrate their ability to do just that with positive testimonials from former students. You might also consider asking if you could get in touch with a recent graduate if they don’t have this information readily available.  
• When in doubt, contact a program adviser. If you’re ever unsure about a program or would like more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to the program adviser or coordinator. They are there to answer any questions you may have and can help determine if their program is a good fit for you too. Their contact information is usually listed on the program’s website.  

What can I do with a construction management certificate? 

Unsurprisingly, construction management certificate programs are meant to equip you with the skills needed plan and coordinate construction projects from start to finish. Depending on your prior education and experience, you may qualify for a number of construction manager roles upon completion. According to the BLS, the largest share of construction managers are self-employed. The next largest employers of construction managers include:  

• Specialty trade contractors 
• Nonresidential building construction 
• Residential building construction 
• Heavy and civil engineering construction 

You could also take your education a step further and get a master’s degree, such as a Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM). A graduate degree could expand your job prospects, making you more qualified for higher level roles at larger construction firms.  

Parting words

Whether you’re a construction professional wanting to move up, a career changer or someone just getting started in their career, earning a certificate in construction management can be an excellent alternative to getting a formal degree. Plus, with many construction management certificates now being offered online, these programs are designed with convenience and flexibility in mind.  

Programs can range from being beginner friendly to requiring several years of experience in the field, so it’s important to explore your options and make sure you find the program that meets your needs and level of expertise. You can start by clicking our Find Schools button to take the first step towards a career in construction management. 

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