10 Best Degrees for Con­struc­tion What to study for a con­struc­tion career

Key Takeaways for Students:

• Higher-level construction careers are in high demand
• There are many paths to a career in construction
• The key elements/skills for a career in construction include problem-solving, time management, and skill with numbers

Construction is a high-demand industry. Still, the construction industry struggles with a shortage of skilled workers and leaders. Getting into a career in construction is viable for just about anyone, and there are several ways to get your new job.

Laborers can generally join projects without experience and as little education as a G.E.D. However, other positions require further preparation, including a degree in construction or related fields.

Rank	Degree	Potential Salary
1.	Engineering	$128,230
2.	Construction Management	$104,900
3.	Mathematics	$104,860
4.	Project Management	$98,580
5.	Architecture	$93,300
6.	Public Relations	$66,750
7.	Philosophy	$60,000
8.	Communications	$57,000
9.	Construction Technology	$55,700
10.	Physical Fitness	$44,500

How Did We Choose the Best Construction Majors?

The best degrees for construction are the ones that let you develop your skills for a practical job. Construction-related degrees are all over the place, from architecture to math. Sure, there are college degrees for construction management and construction technology. But you can be a leader in construction with all kinds of backgrounds.

The college majors for construction here are in order of their salary potential according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s not a guarantee, but it gives you an idea of what you can make with each degree.

But by spinning that degree into a career in a booming construction industry, the sky’s the limit!

Disclaimer: Data was accurate at time of publication.

1. Engineering

Earning an engineering major involves studying science, math, and business principles. In addition, most engineering programs teach students how to identify and solve problems, design and conduct experiments, communicate effectively, and understand ethical and professional responsibility.

Your first years will likely include a range of natural science, social science, math, and humanities; these classes prepare you for the many fields that teach various skills, including teamwork, leadership, analysis, and problem-solving. Engineering applies to several work areas, so the coursework starts with foundational, introductory courses before moving onto advanced topics in later years; seniors often conclude with computer systems, electrical engineering, applied mechanics, or management classes.

Engineering course requirements vary by school, but the most common include taking foundational math, science, and engineering courses. For example, these courses might consist of:

• statistics
• calculus
• linear algebra
• biology
• physics
• geology
• chemistry
• circuits
• engineering analysis
• fundamentals of programming
• problem-solving
• introductory electronics
• engineering of systems
• introduction to materials science
• engineering economics and sustainability

Depending on the field you choose in your junior year, you’ll move on to more advanced civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering branches. Because engineers can wear many hats, engineering students learn technical, academic, and professional lessons throughout their four years.

Construction engineering primarily focuses on planning, designing, and managing infrastructure projects like:

• bridges
• highways
• railroads
• airports
• buildings
• industrial plants
• dams
• reservoirs

An engineering degree prepares you to build a promising career in this field.

2. Construction Management

Finally, if you’re interested in a long-term career in construction that eventually involves managing others, then getting a degree in construction management will teach you the skills necessary to do so. Some of the responsibilities you may have when you serve as a construction manager include:

• Updating clients on the progress and status of a project
• Maintaining the budget, including project expenses and construction workers alike
• Hiring subcontractors and supervising what they do
• Dealing with safety concerns, delays, unmet deadlines, and other issues
• Collaborate with specialists like civil engineers and architects

Civil engineering and construction management courses have lots of overlap, but they are two different fields with varying education and professional requirements. The primary distinction between the two is the fact that civil engineering focuses on the whole of an infrastructure project, including the planning, budgeting, environmental study, legal permits, and construction materials.

On the other hand, construction management involves dealing with a construction project’s onsite aspects. Hands-on experience is more important in this field because construction managers work directly with techniques and materials, and engineers transform designs into actual constructions.

Essentially, a construction manager is responsible for ensuring the project is completed in a way that satisfies their employer. They budget, coordinate, plan, and supervise the project from its first to final steps. In most cases, you’ll work closely with both managers and engineers alike, serving as the bridge between the two, bringing various project components together.

Additionally, specialists must work with local, state, and federal authorities to ensure construction projects conform to all relevant laws. For example, as a construction manager, you would be in charge of making sure the project complies with all environmental regulations. In other situations, you might focus on local earthquake safety laws.

3. Math

Math might not be the first subject that comes to mind when you think about construction careers. But math skills are important for many construction jobs, even if there’s no specific math class required.

Why? Construction involves a lot of practical math, like figuring out how much material to order or the size of a room. Plus, math helps you find solutions to problems on the job site.

So, if you’re good with your hands and like solving problems, but math isn’t your strong suit, a math degree could be a great way to boost those skills and prepare for a career in construction!

Construction workers use a variety of math in the field, including:

• Basic algebra
• Area and volume
• Fractions and decimals
• Trigonometry
• Measurement and conversion
• Area formulas
• Cost calculations
• Tolerance and error
• Ratio, scale, and proportions
• Volume formulas
• Right angle trigonometry

4. Project Management

Project management is a business program that teachs time management, cost, scope, risk, communications, human resources, quality control, procurement, and project integration.

Studying project management will teach you how to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of leadership and management functions, theories and models, and effectively serve as a leader
• Function as a self-directed learner who engages in continuous professional growth with experiential learning practices
• Apply the principles of organizational design, systems, and improve operations and strategy
• Apply the appropriate methods and demonstrate the behavioral and ethical competencies needed to successfully organize projects for optimal performance using operational and strategic goals
• Utilize management tools, research skills, and analytical methods needed to identify problems in the organization and come up with effective solutions
• Exhibit effective leadership communication skills
• Understand organizational communication methods and strategies

Project managers in construction are the ones who keep things on track. They make sure the project stays on schedule and within budget. They also manage the workers and materials needed, and make sure everything meets quality standards. Project managers also watch out for any problems and keep everyone informed about how the project is going. By keeping things organized and communicating well, they help make sure the construction project runs smoothly.

5. Architecture

Architecture combines art and science to create big structures and engineering projects. To study architecture, you’ll need to be good at math and drawing.

Architects make sure buildings are safe and strong. It takes a long time to become a licensed architect, but there are construction careers you can get into with less schooling.

Building design isn’t just about looks! Architects often handle budgets, follow safety rules, and work with builders. Architectural engineering focuses more on the engineering side of things, like using science to design buildings. These engineers work with other engineers and architects on construction projects.

Studying architectural engineering educates you in a range of engineering sciences and systems, including:

• electrical and lighting systems
• structural systems
• construction engineering and management
• heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems

6. Public Relations

Businesses often collaborate internally and use outside help to maintain a good relationship and positive image with their consumer base.

Public relations programs are similar to other undergraduate degrees, especially in communications and business. Most of these courses begin with general education classes in core subjects like English and math before moving to public relations in later years. Public relations students often focus on studies in communication and writing, and those classes may specifically focus on skills needed to be successful in a PR career.

When construction companies add public relations to the mix, they can improve their exposure and credibility, leading to more profits and a stronger market position.

In the same way that a construction project starts at the drawing board, so does public relations. After all, customers come back because of a strong reputation; with education in public relations, you can help a construction company speak on industry topics with authority and highlight relevant news to increase credibility, making you a valuable asset to the team.

PR is a vehicle to highlight company accomplishments and gain exposure through several channels. Awards and accolades are an excellent way to be recognized for quality work and other essential contributions to the construction field. Winning an industry award can do wonders for a brand when it knows how to leverage it; people want to know when your business is qualified to speak on specific topics. The easiest way to do that is to merchandise success.

7. Philosophy

Earning a philosophy degree involves studying the nature of existence, truth, knowledge, and ethics. You consider the most basic questions about who we are. And you’ll learn to reason effectively, improve your logical and critical thinking, and write persuasively.

But philosophy isn’t just about pondering big ideas. Studying it helps you develop valuable skills that can benefit you in any career, including construction! Through philosophy courses, you’ll learn to think critically, meaning you’ll be able to examine problems from different angles and identify their strengths and weaknesses. You’ll also hone your reasoning skills, allowing you to build strong arguments and back them up with evidence. Plus, you’ll improve your communication skills, learning to express your ideas clearly and persuasively.

Imagine working on a construction project. A critical thinker trained in philosophy can analyze the blueprints and spot potential problems before they arise. They can also effectively communicate these concerns to the team and work together to find solutions. This kind of critical thinking is essential for maintaining high safety standards and ensuring the project runs smoothly.

So, while a philosophy degree might not directly teach you how to build a house, it equips you with the critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills that are valuable assets in any field, including construction!

8. Communications

Earning a communications degree is about studying how to communicate information effectively. You need good communication skills no matter what industry you want to build a career in; you need to maintain strong relationships with clients and investors, sell products or designs, and ensure everyone in and outside of the business is on the same page.

Getting a communications degree will help you build awareness of ways to communicate information to a diverse audience within the boundaries of your specific business goals. Strong communications skills are essential to provide meaning to company goals and to present the business and its services in the best possible way to clients.

If a construction worker isn’t clear about their directive, he needs to interpret it quickly and ask the appropriate questions to clarify what he needs to complete the job. Countless construction terms are essential to know in this industry; a promising worker has a deep knowledge of the vocabulary associated with his discipline. For construction workers, that means knowing the names of processes, techniques, tools, and methods used in the trade.

Modern construction workers also often require strong written communication skills due to the rapid evolution of communication technology. You might receive your information through texts or email while you’re in the field; the most successful construction workers have mastered written communication skills, including accurate spelling and punctuation, to communicate ideas to clients or supervisors clearly and concisely.

Finally, giving and taking orders on a job site requires effective communication with others. When you speak, others must understand what you’re saying and apply the information provided to their specific work.

9. Construction Technology

Whether you want to be a kitchen and bath remodeler, a hands-on carpenter, or a project manager, a construction technology degree provides the foundation you need to build a promising career in construction.

A bachelor’s program in construction technology teaches students various construction management methods, building planning, and cost estimating. While you can often easily find entry-level employment in construction after graduating, you can also pursue a master’s degree. First, however, the four-year degree program educates you on plenty of technical engineering and standard construction procedures.

Students enrolled in these programs learn to follow blueprints, create cost estimates, purchase and handle building materials, implement schedules, and manage construction crews. Some examples of courses you might complete include:

• Computer-aided drafting
• Programming and engineering
• Surveying
• Soil mechanics
• Construction practices
• Construction materials

A degree in construction technology can lead to several different positions in the construction industry, including:

• Construction manager or superintendent
• Contractor
• Estimator
• Field supervisor
• Building planner
• Construction safety specialist

Graduates interested in pursuing continuing education options in construction can pursue advanced degrees in construction technology, industrial technology, or construction management, all of which would result in a Master of Science. Each degree program traditionally takes two years to finish, providing the leadership skills necessary to build a better career in construction.

10. Physical Fitness

Physical fitness programs traditionally prepare graduates for careers as exercise instructors, team managers, coaches, athletic trainers, or health club facility directors. Most of these degrees are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You’ll typically learn about kinesiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, and biomechanics for undergraduate study.

You can obtain an associate degree in exercise science within two years; these programs prepare you for an entry-level career in physical fitness, teaching you what you need to know to get stronger and become a better athlete. Ultimately, students will receive a strong foundation in physical fitness and learn how to promote health through physical activity. You may take classes in:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Nutrition
• Biology
• Injury prevention
• Health and wellness

Several tasks you must perform in construction require strength, but the work itself is not ideal for building muscle. Construction is too repetitive; you spend too much time completing the same jobs in the same way using the same equipment each day. Once you’re used to using the 16-ounce hammer, you don’t get a heavier one to get better with.

In other words, it’s best to bring physical strength and stamina to the job rather than expect to develop it there. To that end, a physical fitness degree can teach you the foundations.

What Will I Learn in a Construction Major?

Those interested in working in construction must have diverse skills that may seem basic but are essential for getting the job done. Construction isn’t about swinging a hammer; the most successful artisans must leverage their entire skillset.

• Physical strength and stamina: Construction jobs are physically demanding and require more strength and stamina than most others. Physical tasks are unavoidable, so having a foundation for strength is an asset. You don’t have to be the strongest person in the world, but you must be able to handle the long days.
• Communication and coordination: Succeeding in a career in construction requires communicating and working well with others. People prefer to work with strong leaders with proven track records of teamwork skills. Furthermore, you’ll have access to more career opportunities if you can coordinate your suppliers, crewmembers, and equipment operators.
• Basic language and math literacy: Basic language and math skills play into your ability to coordinate and communicate with others. Knowing algebra also helps you estimate how much material a certain task might require. There’s much more math in construction than you might expect; for example, it’s essential to measure and cut materials precisely to reduce waste.
• Openness to new ideas: Technology continues to grow at an accelerated pace, so it’s crucial to adapt to new methods and techniques to complete projects more efficiently. The most skilled construction workers learn new ideas and skills to position themselves as leaders; after all, if you’re the only one in the crew who knows how to do something, you’ll stand out to supervisors.
• Cleanliness and organization: Knowing where you put your equipment, tools, and materials prevents you from spending too much time on the day’s preparation. Having the skills to maintain a clean and organized workspace is an underappreciated skill with tremendous value.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking: Construction projects can be unpredictable; the weather can damage materials, tools may go missing, and any number of things can otherwise delay tasks. How you handle these scenarios will help you stand out as a leader.

The more specialized you are in a trade, the more money you can earn throughout your career. Combine these skills with years of knowledge, and you’ll be rewarded with a multitude of career opportunities.

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