Programs offer abundant opportunities in one of the US’s most vibrant sectors
Construction Management is more than just building construction.
The process of Construction Management involves more than just physical building projects. Many skills and talents are required to be a successful constructor. This all starts with education and training.
Construction Management and related degree programs accredited by the American Council of Construction Education (ACCE) provide an excellent foundation for students pursuing careers in industrial and commercial construction along with residential home building and heavy construction projects such as roadways, bridges, and airports.
The construction field is an ever-evolving discipline that encompasses all critical aspects of a building’s life cycle and the activities involved in construction projects. Career paths in construction include cost estimation, scheduling, project management, and facility management. Additionally, construction requires planning, coordination, financing, and controlling all tasks before and during a project.
There are more than 100 ACCE-accredited programs across the United States and Canada, offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees and apprenticeship opportunities. These programs are designed to align with industry needs, focusing on learning outcomes identified by employers. ACCE accreditation ensures that programs meet rigorous standards, including curriculum quality, faculty credentials, program resources, and strong connections with local construction industry employers, often through Industry Advisory Committees or Boards.
What Students Learn in ACCE-Accredited Programs
Students in construction programs develop skills in estimating costs and quantities of labor and materials, scheduling and sequencing projects and adhering to safety and zoning requirements. Graduates are equipped to manage all aspects of construction projects, including finances, materials, human resources, machinery, and time, within the parameters of contractual obligations.
Classroom and laboratory work are supplemented by hands-on experience through internships and practical projects. Students must complete courses with business and management departments at their schools to develop business leadership and soft skills critical for success in the construction industry.
For instance, students at some universities participate in creative projects such as building mobile chicken coops to improve farm operations or constructing tiny houses to learn about sustainable building practices. These projects serve as teaching tools and opportunities for students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
Commitment to Industry Standards
ACCE-accredited programs require students to achieve specific learning outcomes that reflect industry expectations. These programs, led by professional faculty and dedicated students, aim to meet or exceed these standards, contributing to regional and national economic development.
Opportunities for Real-world Experience
Construction programs emphasize the importance of practical experience. Many have student chapters affiliated with national organizations like the Associated General Contractors, Associated Builders and Contractors, National Association of Home Builders, and others. These organizations host student competitions that help students develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
Competitions also provide opportunities to interact with industry professionals and receive guidance from faculty advisors.
Additionally, industry leaders and organizations support construction students through scholarships, including those offered by ACCE for individuals intending to teach in construction programs.
Industry Connections and Job Opportunities
Each ACCE construction program is supported by an Industry Advisory Board or Committee representing construction firms and associations. The members of these advisory boards often hire students for internships and full-time roles upon graduation. Internships at active construction sites give students hands-on experience and prepare them to transition smoothly into their professional careers.
Many programs also host annual job fairs that attract contractors, developers, real estate firms, banks, and Fortune 500 companies looking to fill high-demand positions in the construction sector.
By combining rigorous academic training with practical experience, ACCE-accredited construction programs prepare graduates for rewarding careers in a dynamic and growing industry.
AUTHOR
Khalid Siddiqi, Ph.D.
Chair, ACCE Board of Trustees
American Council of Construction Education
Professor Emeritus of Construction Management
Kennesaw State University
ACCE Lifetime Member