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Online Master’s in Construction Management Degree MS in Management Concentration

Matthew Seawright standing with his arms crossed in a shipping warehouse with someone behind him, stacking boxes.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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Program Overview Why get a construction management master’s degree?

From technological advancements to worker safety and materials regulations to environmental protection, the job of a construction manager is more complex than ever. At Southern New Hampshire University, you can gain the real-world expertise and project management skills demanded by employers in your field by earning an online Master of Science (MS) in Management with a concentration in Construction Management.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Planning and management techniques
  • Construction process methods
  • How to support and develop your team
  • Communication and relationship skills
  • Critical thinking and data analysis
  • Ethical reasoning applications
Matthew Seawright working on a laptop and keyboard and wearing a headset.

Courses & Curriculum Construction management courses that help you strategize

In the master’s in construction management online program, you’ll examine budgeting, estimating, bidding, and different facets of construction materials and methods. Courses focus on quality management and productivity levels of construction projects, as well as legal aspects of the construction industry.

Degree Courses

Online construction management courses

The management master's coursework at SNHU can help you develop necessary skills like effective business communication, data-driven decision-making, developing and supporting talent, project management, strategic planning, and supporting and fostering stewardship of an organization's culture and brand.

Courses may include:

Course ID: MGT 510
Business leaders are responsible for cultivating, maintaining, and fostering an organizational culture that accurately represents the organization internally and externally, encourages and supports people, and holds organizational members accountable to the vision, mission, and goals of a business. This course provides students with the skills, theories, and practices necessary to identify a strong culture that permeates the ethics, decision-making, and behaviors of the organization. Students will work through advanced cases and apply these experiences to their own learning and organizations.
Course ID: MGT 600
This course serves as an advanced exploration into ill-structured situations requiring strategic plans and effective resource management. Students are asked to develop strategies around personnel management, budget allocation, performance metrics, and goal setting. This course prepares students for the advanced concentration courses in their area and serves as a precursor to the integrated capstone experience.
Course ID: MGT 605
This course examines budgeting, estimating, and bidding strategies for various types and sizes of construction projects. Using a project-based approached, students are exposed to project budgetary considerations; conceptual, rough order magnitude, and definitive estimating; pricing for equipment, labor, and materials; bid preparation and strategies; and conducting a competitive analysis. Students completing this course are prepared to create budgets, estimates, and bid proposals for any type of construction project.
Course ID: MGT 610
This course explores the different facets of construction materials and methods. Using a case study approach, students analyze the construction process, including work methods, techniques, and strategies; methods of equipment selection; reading and interpreting plans and specifications; and material specifications. Additional topics include the procurement of materials, codes, and regulations. Students completing this course obtain the skillsets applicable to real-world construction projects.
Course ID: MGT 615
This course examines legal aspects of the construction industry, including interpretation of the law, contract administration, and risk management. Using a case study approach, students analyze cases to apply legal concepts and principles, interpret the law, and determine the performance and flexibility of contracts. Additional topics include ethics, dispute resolution, liability, labor laws, insurance, and bonds. Students completing this course are exposed to pertinent laws and contractual requirements and limitations associated with construction management.
Course ID: MGT 630
This course focuses on quality management and productivity levels of construction projects. Students analyze real-world cases to evaluate techniques, tools, and practices in implementing and monitoring quality control processes as well as equipment management to include managing and quantifying labor and equipment productivity. Additional topics include scheduling, cost and cost control measures, safety, risk management, and quality measurements. Students completing this course recognize the relationship between quality and productivity.
Course ID: MGT 701
This capstone course is the culminating experience for the M.S. in Management program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements.
Course ID: OL 500
This course is a study of individuals and groups and their interaction. Students examine theories of motivation, communication, leadership, power and change with practical relation to contemporary issues. They also study organizations for key design variables and reward systems aimed at improved performance and organizational efficiency through employee motivational programs, participative management and cooperative decision making.
Course ID: OL 600
Examine key regulatory procedures and human resource requirements as they relate to applications in organizations. Analyze the strategic role of the human resource manager in performing functions of recruitment, hiring, training, career development and other contemporary processes within the organizational setting. Study concepts aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK).
Course ID: QSO 500
This course presents an overview of the various primary and secondary research methodologies used in the business world and the application of statistical techniques to those strategies. The focus of this course is the design and execution of a practical, primary research. It is recommended that this course be one of the first three taken in degree programs in which it is required.
Course ID: QSO 640
This course includes the study of concepts, tools, and practices of project management. The course adopts a managerial process approach to Project Management, which consists of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing the project. Major topics will include project scope, project time, project cost, project quality, project risk, project resources, project communications and how to be an effective project manager. Cases are utilized to integrate the learning in the course and provide decision- making experience for the student.

Visit the course catalog to view the full MS in Management with a concentration in Construction Management curriculum.

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Upcoming term starts: March 24, 2025 | June 9, 2025

Next term starts:
Jan. 6, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with a construction management degree?

The expectation of growth in building and renovating within the construction industry is expected to keep up with population growth and evolutionary needs. That's because the need to improve portions of the national infrastructure will also spur employment growth as roads, bridges and systems are upgraded or replaced. What's more, additional oversight is now required for today's innovative construction processes and building technology.1

Occupations

Construction managers often work from a main office but also visit the construction site, where they monitor the project and make daily decisions about construction activities. Daily responsibilities may include:

  • Working with owners, contractors or design professionals
  • Planning, scheduling or coordinating construction project budgets, schedules and activities
  • Inspecting or reviewing projects to monitor compliance with safety codes and environmental regulations

Industries

Work as your own boss estimating, planning and supervising construction projects from start to finish.

Coordinate specialized construction within a larger projects' schedule, budget and client specifications.

Manage large-scale construction projects by gathering bids, managing designers and allocating labor/materials.

Supervise and coordinate construction work on residential units to the homeowners' specifications.

Coordinate work of site excavation and infrastructure ahead of residential or commercial projects.

Work with stakeholders to facilitate government and private sector projects for roads, bridges and public spaces.

$104K+

Median annual wages for construction managers in 2023, according to the BLS.1

38K+

Openings for construction managers projected each year, on average, through 2032, says the BLS.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Ashrafi Ahmed '19.
Ashrafi Ahmed '19.
With my architectural background, I always wanted to work onsite and gain in-depth knowledge in construction management for large-scale projects. This program helped me understand the functional difficulties of a construction manager with the eye of lateral thinking.
Ash Ahmed '19

Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered

Of course. Management programs are popular at many universities that offer online paths to your degree.

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online MS in Management program with 3 concentration options: construction management, emergency management and healthcare.

In our online MSM program, you'll dive deep into the science, philosophy and practice of effective management. Courses focus on decision-making, human behavior, corporate communications and project management. These are desirable skills in every industry.

You'll take 4 construction-specific courses in your online program, where you'll work on projects and case studies that can help you build your skill set – making you a more attractive job prospect for employers.

Earning your construction management degree online is ideal for those already in the workforce. If you're already working in construction – or another field – it can be difficult to figure out how a traditional college class schedule can fit into your life. Beyond work, you may also have family responsibilities or other obligations you don't want to miss out on.

That's why SNHU's coursework is accessible 24/7. We understand the barriers that may have prevented you from reaching your goals sooner. With round-the-clock access, you can do your coursework at noon or midnight – whenever it's most convenient for you.

Kevin P. Hurst Jr. '20G required the flexibility.

"It's truly an online program that can be done anywhere, from anywhere," he said. "My work required me to travel all over the world to locations that were very remote and had limited internet connection. I couldn’t risk a delay of any kind."

Plus, there's another major bonus to earning your construction degree online: It's more affordable. Online education has a reputation for not breaking the bank – and that goes for classes at SNHU, too.

We're known for having one of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. Each credit hour is only $637, meaning your entire 36-credit master's degree could cost you just $22,932. And that's before financial aid is even applied!

Again, getting your degree online is not only a smart idea, but it's a plan that's doable.

It depends. While a hands-on construction job requires a lot of training, it typically does not require a college degree. On the other hand, if you're looking to move up the ranks to become a construction manager, a degree can certainly help.

What would you learn from a construction management degree program? All of the skills that can take you further.

At Southern New Hampshire University, knowledge you'd develop in the master's in construction management program includes:

  • Bid preparation and proposals
  • Budgets
  • Construction law
  • Contractual requirements
  • Equipment selection
  • Material specifications
  • Pricing
  • Quality control processes
  • Safety and risk management

"I see the need for much better educated onsite construction management," said Ryan Whitaker, adjunct faculty at SNHU. "Expecting a craft workforce that is much less skilled than even a decade ago, and often short staffed, to perform at a high level without managerial guidance rarely works out. I see a high need in construction, quality and safety managers throughout major construction organization and on large construction projects."

In addition, the best degree to get is one that's accredited. Programs that are accredited are looked upon more favorably by employers.

At SNHU, we're accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditation organization that ensures standards are being met.

The MS in Management with a concentration in Construction Management is also accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

The cost of your degree will depend on the school you choose.

At SNHU, our mission is to keep our online tuition affordable – so you have one less barrier in the way of your goals. The total tuition cost of our entire 36-credit MS in Management with a concentration in Construction Management program is $22,932. That's only $637 per credit.

There are other ways to make your degree at SNHU even more affordable.

One is by transferring credits into your program. We're known for our generous transfer-credit policies, and with graduate degrees, we accept up to 12 credits. That's a third of your degree – and that can drop your overall tuition cost to $15,288 for an entire master's degree.

Another way to bring the cost down may be through financial aid. Every student who wants financial assistance should file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). One of our Student Financial Services counselors can walk you through the process should you be eligible to receive funding. What's more, they can also help you create a customized payment plan so that you can keep your out-of-pocket costs down.

Contact an SNHU admission counselor today to learn just how affordable our master's degrees can be.

That's up to you and your schedule. It also depends on how many credits your program has. Some master's degrees in construction management can be completed in as few as 15 months.

Southern New Hampshire University's graduate program is one such program; It can be completed in just over a year. To do so, you'll have to go to school full time, which at SNHU, means that you take 2 classes per 10-week term.

But that type of schedule doesn't always work for everyone. Especially those who have families, work full time or have obligations that make specific class times at brick-and-mortar locations close to impossible. SNHU students also have the opportunity to enroll in 1 class at a time, meaning that you'd be attending school part time. Lots of our students do this – so you're in good company.

Kevin P. Hurst Jr. '20G took advantage of SNHU's transfer policy.

"I transferred in two courses," he said, meaning he was able to also save on the cost of 6 credits of his program. But making the transition from 1 class to 2 per term helped him cross the finish line quicker: "I did graduate faster than initially expected because I went from a part-time to full-time student. I graduated in 19 months."

You'll want to work with your academic advisor to determine what type of schedule would work best for you.

We'd like to think every degree is worth it. So if you're looking to move into construction management, then a master's degree in construction management is definitely worth it.

At Southern New Hampshire University, your construction management coursework is part of a concentration of our MS in Management program. That means you'll be learning leadership skills that can apply to any industry – in addition to the construction-specific management courses.

"My degree program was worth it," said Kevin P. Hurst Jr. '20G. "Business, project management and construction management were merged very well. All of the instructors were current and well informed. Everything that I was learning helped me out right away at work."

Plus, construction managers are in need. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that through 2032, the workforce should see 5% growth – faster than the average of all jobs.1

In that time frame, the BLS sees the need for construction managers for the construction of new residences, office buildings, retail outlets, hospitals, schools, restaurants and other structures. Those projects could also boost employment growth as roads, bridges and sewer pipe systems are upgraded or replaced.1

Growth could also be attributed to the need to retrofit buildings to make them more energy efficient. Managers may be more likely to head up the renovation and upgrading of buildings than oversee new large-scale construction projects.1

Look into a construction management program today to see if it aligns with your career goals.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm (viewed April 18, 2024).

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2Deloitte, 2022 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook, on the internet, at https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/energy-and-resources/articles/engineering-and-construction-industry-trends.html (viewed Jan. 25, 2022).