Construction Project Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Construction Project Management equips professionals with the strategic and technical expertise needed to lead complex building and infrastructure initiatives from conception to completion. This program integrates industry-specific knowledge with proven project management methodologies to ensure efficiency, compliance, and successful delivery across diverse construction environments.
- Facilities Operations and Maintenance: Focuses on the ongoing management and upkeep of built environments to ensure functionality, safety, and longevity of facilities.
- Construction Estimating: Teaches accurate prediction of material, labor, and equipment costs to support budgeting and bidding processes.
- OSHA Standards: Provides in-depth understanding of occupational safety and health regulations critical for site compliance and worker protection.
- Sustainability in Construction: Explores eco-conscious design, materials, and practices that reduce environmental impact and meet green building certifications.
- Construction Drafting and Plans: Develops the ability to interpret and create technical drawings essential for accurate project execution.
- Project Planning and Scheduling: Emphasizes the development of detailed timelines and resource allocation strategies to keep projects on track.
- Risk Management: Addresses identification, assessment, and mitigation of potential threats to project scope, cost, and schedule.
- Cost and Time Management: Builds skills in monitoring financial performance and schedule adherence to prevent overruns and delays.
- Contracts and Procurement: Covers legal agreements, vendor selection, bidding processes, and contractual responsibilities in construction.
- Accounting for Construction: Introduces financial principles specific to construction projects, including cost tracking and revenue recognition.
- Statistical Analysis: Applies data-driven techniques to forecast trends, evaluate performance, and support informed decision-making.
- Decision-Making in Project Contexts: Enhances analytical thinking and strategic judgment under uncertainty, balancing competing project demands.
- Human Resources in Construction: Focuses on team leadership, labor relations, workforce planning, and effective communication across diverse project teams.
Construction Project Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Construction Project Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Construction Project Management degrees, including Construction Managers, Project Management Specialists and Business Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,436,270 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Construction Managers 11-9021 | $106,980 | $65,160 - $176,990 | 348,330 | $51.43 |
Project Management Specialists 13-1082 | $100,750 | $59,830 - $165,790 | 1,006,160 | $48.44 |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011 | $97,270 | $46,460 - $210,530 | 81,780 | N/A |
Construction Project Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $77,433 in Arkansas to $127,740 in Alaska—a 65% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,436,270 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Construction Project Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Construction Project Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Construction Project Management is found at Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) (7 graduates), and Kennesaw State University (KSU) (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 12 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
7 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | tri-c.edu |
Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Other Award
|
5 | Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Construction Project Management programs
How much can I earn with a Construction Project Management degree?
Salaries for Construction Project Management graduates vary by role and location. Construction Managers earn a median of $106,980 annually, while Project Management Specialists earn around $100,750. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $127,740 compared to $77,433 in Arkansas. Approximately 1,436,270 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Construction Project Management programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Construction Project Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) (7 graduates), Kennesaw State University (KSU) (5 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Construction Project Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Construction Managers, Project Management Specialists, and Business Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 1,436,270 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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