{"id":878,"date":"2024-12-17T15:15:25","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T21:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arch.tamu.edu\/arch\/news\/2024\/12\/prepare-for-industry-challenges-with-a-construction-management-degree\/"},"modified":"2024-12-19T14:54:08","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T20:54:08","slug":"prepare-for-industry-challenges-with-a-construction-management-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arch.tamu.edu\/arch\/news\/2024\/12\/prepare-for-industry-challenges-with-a-construction-management-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"Prepare for Industry Challenges with a Construction Management Degree"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The construction industry is in the midst of an exciting period of growth. Spurred by unprecedented demand in the housing market, the industry has the power to address some of the greatest concerns of our time, like the need for affordable housing, along with the desire to alleviate rental market pressures. Meanwhile, all signs point to a boom in construction for manufacturing<\/a> and other industrial applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, these opportunities are accompanied by numerous construction project challenges, ranging from labor shortages to zoning concerns and, increasingly, sustainability issues. Construction management can drive powerful solutions, but there is one main challenge that stands in the way: a shortage of skilled construction managers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a great time to enter the field and take advantage of rising wages and exciting job opportunities. Depending on your previous experience and education, you may need to develop additional skills, especially competencies such as resource allocation or budget management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The solution? Earning your Master of Science in Construction Management. Keep reading to learn what this program involves and how it can prepare you for a bright future in the construction industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The MS in Construction Management is a career-driven, graduate-level program that provides a thorough overview of critical business concepts. This is especially true as they relate to unique concerns within the modern construction industry. Coursework is available fully online, with synchronous formats driving immediate feedback and strong relationships with instructors and fellow students alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This degree’s 36-credit curriculum will be most appealing to those who have already obtained their Bachelor of Science in relevant fields such as engineering or architecture. At that point, those individuals may now want to use their unique knowledge and experience to help guide others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While a graduate-level construction management education covers a wide array of concepts and experiential learning opportunities, a few key knowledge areas stand out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Project management plays a crucial role in the construction industry. This ensures that resources are properly allocated and that a complex series of deadlines are consistently met. However, professionals who aspire to work in construction management have a strong understanding of the industry’s technical elements but struggle to grasp the nuances of project management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, the value of an MS in Construction Management for technically trained students who lack project management expertise. Through targeted coursework, these highly motivated students can take a deep dive into construction practices as they relate to project management. Advanced courses delve into scheduling techniques, risk analysis, and other concepts relevant to effective construction project management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most effective construction management professionals possess exceptional communication skills. After all, these leaders need to interact with a variety of stakeholders, ranging from executives to vendors, subcontractors, and even clients. Nuanced communication will ensure that construction managers appropriately convey complex information while inspiring action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also essential is a thorough understanding of leadership theories and styles, as different situations may call for different strategies. With the MS in Construction Management, this understanding is achieved by taking a deep dive into organizational theory and lean project delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sustainability is increasingly a priority within the construction industry, with the recognition that sustainable practices in site and material selection can make a world of difference. Green construction is driven by a concern for the environment and the direct and indirect savings throughout a facility\u2019s life cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOnline Master’s Degree in Construction Management: What You’ll Learn <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key Skills and Knowledge Areas Developed in a Construction Management Degree Program <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Project Management Expertise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Leadership and Communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sustainable Construction Practices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n