Construction Management Graduate Certificate

Analytical skills. Construction managers must be able to plan strategies, investigate project cost variances, and solve problems over the course of a project.

Business skills. Construction managers need to prepare and follow project budgets, hire and manage staff, and coordinate with other workers and managers. Self-employed construction managers must generate their own business opportunities and be proactive in finding new clients.

Communication skills. Construction managers must be able to clearly convey information orally and in writing. In addition to talking with owners and clients, managers must give clear orders and explain complex information to construction workers and discuss technical details with inspectors and other specialists, such as engineers.

Decision-making skills. Construction managers need to choose personnel and subcontractors for specific tasks and jobs. They also must make myriad judgment calls about projects to ensure that they adhere to deadlines and budgets.

Leadership skills. Construction managers must effectively delegate tasks to construction workers, subcontractors, and other lower level managers to ensure that projects are completed accurately and on time.

Technical skills. Construction managers must have an applied knowledge of concepts and practices common in the industry, such as construction technologies, contracts, and technical drawings.

Problem-solving skills. Construction managers are routinely faced with finding solutions to problems that arise on a construction site. They address these problems using brainstorming techniques, analysis of potential options, and implementation of reasonable solutions that support the projects goals.

Critical thinking skills. Complex issues that construction managers face throughout the project timeline require analysis, assessment, and interpretation of the information objectively and rationally to arrive at well-informed conclusions that support the success of the project.

Construction management represents an industry that coordinates multiple independent businesses, contractors and building trades to erect structures in the built environment. The construction manager works closely with owners, engineers, architects, suppliers, municipalities, and sub-contractors throughout the construction process to assure all of the project goals have been met. 

This certificate program provides a sound basis of knowledge to allow students with undergraduate degrees from a wide range of disciplines to work in the construction industry, and provides education in both the technical aspects, as well the fundamentals of business management techniques.

Students who complete this program will seek employment in many parts of the construction industry, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, as well as infrastructure and heavy construction. Typical careers include supervising construction projects, estimating and cost control, scheduling, and project management.

The Construction Management Median Salary from BLS is $101,480 and the field is growing at a 5% rate, which is above average. 

As a Construction Management student, you will benefit from one-on-one advising with a faculty member throughout your time at RWU. Our faculty members are experts in the field and have connections throughout the industry to assist you in finding construction internships and full-time jobs.