Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
A growing number of entrants into this occupation have a strong academic background. Completion of a bachelor's degree program in construction science with emphasis on construction management can greatly enhance one's opportunities. About 130 colleges and universities offer four-year degree programs in construction science. These programs include courses in project control and development, site planning, building design, construction methods, construction materials, value analysis, cost estimating, scheduling, contract administration, building codes and standards, inspection procedures, and electives in engineering and architectural sciences, mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Recent graduates from these four-year degree programs usually are hired as assistants to project managers, field engineers, schedulers, or cost estimators. A growing number of graduates in related fields—engineering, architecture, and cost estimating—also enter construction management, often after having had substantial experience on construction projects.

Job Outlook:
Employment of construction contractors and managers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005 as the number and complexity of construction projects continues to grow. There will be approximately 265,000 construction contractors and managers by 2005. In addition to this rising demand, many openings should result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Prospects are expected to be particularly favorable, especially in rapidly growing construction management services firms, for experienced construction managers with a bachelor's (or higher) degree in construction science with emphasis on construction management.

Sources of Additional Information:

For information about careers for construction managers, contact: