Building and construction management degree programs train and prepare students to become professional construction managers in different areas of the construction industry. Students train to understand the different aspects of the construction process, including how to estimate building costs, how to ensure a safe working environment and how to schedule building, which is necessary for a construction project to be completed on time and within the budget. Building and construction management degree programs can be taken online from schools such as Ashworth College and Penn Foster Career Schools or offline at schools such as Gadsden State Community College--Gadsden, Alabama.
Building construction technology degree programs equip students with the skills necessary to join the construction industry. Program courses cover the principles and technologies of residential and light commercial construction, with emphasis on layout, cost estimation, construction materials, project management, construction methods and construction safety. Additional courses students take to enhance their career prospects include mathematics, computer applications, English, science and social science. Building construction technology degree programs can lead to employment as a contractor, construction superintendent, supervisor or even a construction technician.
Construction management degree programs are designed to equip students with the skills needed to venture in the commercial and residential construction industry. Degree programs prepare students to take up supervision and construction management responsibilities and cover courses such as architectural design theory, construction methods, construction communication procedures, estimating and bidding for residential and commercial projects, and methods of field supervision. Construction management degree programs are offered online as well as on-campus in schools such as Everglades University--Boca Raton, Florida (which has both online and offline classes) and San Joaquin Valley College (which has online classes). Graduates can find employment as foremen, first line supervisors, site managers and project managers, among other career opportunities.
Construction technology degree programs offer associate degree programs as well as bachelor's programs to help students meet entry-level qualifications to join the building trade. Associate degree programs train students to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to join the construction industry as construction laborers. Bachelor's programs provide additional management training to enable students acquire the skills to plan and build residential and commercial facilities in preparation for careers in construction contracting or as heads of construction projects. Construction technology degrees courses cover topics such as construction materials and methods, construction costs estimation, construction safety and project management.