MS in Construction Management Abroad 2024: Top Universities, Cost, Courses & Salary

Every year, students from across the world enroll in a Master’s in Construction Management for several reasons. First, the construction industry is growing rapidly. With this growth, the demand for skilled professionals goes up. This is evident from the fact that in the USA, job growth for construction managers is projected to increase by 10% from 2018 to 2028. This means more job opportunities and better career prospects.

Another reason is the high salaries. Top-earning construction management professionals can make around $120,000 per year in the USA. In the UK, construction management is on the critical employment list. Construction managers earn very good salaries in Australia, Canada, and Germany as well.

When you enroll in a Master’s program in Construction Management, you will study project management, construction engineering, and facility management. The curriculum also has courses on budget management, contract handling, and occupational safety and health. Most good universities’ Master’s in Construction Management programs also focus on sustainability practices and how to implement them in construction projects.

The duration of a Master’s program in Construction Management is one to two years. This can vary depending on whether you choose a full-time or part-time study schedule. Some universities also offer accelerated programs that can be completed in a shorter timeframe.

Graduates with a Master’s in Construction Management degree can become a construction site manager as that is the most viable role in sync with the curriculum of this program. The role is about overseeing all stages of building projects from start to finish. Another common career path is that of a construction project manager, where you will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of a project, including budgeting and reporting.

Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2024

Top countries to study an MS in Construction Management

Here is an overview of the top countries in the world where students can pursue some of the most prestigious Master’s in Construction Management programs:

Top universities in the world for an MS in Construction Management

Here is an overview of the top universities that offer MS in Construction Management programs:

Even beyond these, there are hundreds of universities that you can consider for a Master’s in Construction Management. However, the choice can be hard to make, given the dozens of factors you have to consider. SelectRight can make this choice easy and make sure you don’t miss on your best MS in Construction Management program just because you never considered a university.

Here’s how SelectRight works:

• Start by creating your profile on SelectRight. Enter all necessary details to tailor your search.
• SelectRight’s AI algorithm compares 40,000+ programs at 4,000+ universities abroad based on the criteria you set and the factors most important to you. This helps create a shortlist of the best options.
• Speak with experts from SelectRight to gain more clarity on which universities and programs will be the best fit for you.
• Review and compare your shortlisted options to make an informed final decision.
• Connect with other students who are headed to the same programs you are interested in and start building your community. This network can be invaluable for support and information sharing.

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Also Read: Spring Intake in USA 2025: Best Universities, Deadlines, Scholarships

Course curriculum for an MS in Construction Management

During your MS in Construction Management, you will learn a variety of subjects that are at the core of the field. Most universities offer students the opportunity to shape their education in their preferred way by choosing elective subjects. Also, students can expect real-world projects, internships, and research projects during their programs.

Here is an overview of the core courses, electives, and practical components of a typical MS in Construction Management program:

Core Courses

1. Project Management
2. Construction Law and Contracts
3. Construction Cost Analysis and Estimating
4. Sustainable Construction Practices
5. Construction Technology and Innovation
6. Leadership and Organizational Management
7. Risk Management
8. Procurement and Supply Chain Management

Elective Courses

1. Advanced Construction Finance
2. Integrated Design and Delivery Systems
3. Corporate Construction Finance

Practical Components

1. Real-World Case Studies
2. Internship or Practicum
3. Dissertation or Capstone Project

Also Read: Top Universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science 2024: Rankings, Tuition Fees  & More

Eligibility for studying an MS in Construction Management

The eligibility criteria for most MS in Construction Management programs across the world are similar. The language proficiency test can be other than TOEFL or IELTS if you are enrolling in a program in Germany. Whether GMAT/GRE scores are required, optional, or have a minimum cutoff depends on the specific university. However, here is an overview of the general requirements.

Bachelor’s Degree:

• Most universities expect you to have a bachelor’s degree in construction management, mathematics, civil engineering, environmental engineering, science, or a related field.
• Some top universities also expect students to have scored 85% or equivalent GPA in their bachelor’s degree.

Standardized Tests:

• Most universities accept GMAT or GRE scores as proof of academic proficiency for the program.
• If you are a non-native English speaker, you will need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE test scores. These are all English language proficiency tests.
• Some universities also expect students to score above a cutoff in these tests, such as an IELTS 6.5 band or higher.

Work Experience:

• Work experience is mostly not mandatory but can significantly boost your application strength.

Additional Requirements:

• You will need to submit a resume.
• Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional settings.
• A written or video essay.
• Proof of being able to fund the program, either via your own money or via an education loan.

GMAT/GRE requirements for studying an MS in Construction Management

There can be a lot of variations in terms of different universities’ stances on scores required for admission to Master’s in Construction Management programs. The following possibilities are:

• Some universities make GMAT/GRE mandatory.
• Some universities do not make them mandatory but still accept them and give some leverage to them when evaluating the academic profile of the student.
• Some universities do not consider the scores at all.
• Some universities prescribe certain minimum cutoff in GRE/GMAT scores, and to be able to apply, students need to have scored higher than the cutoff.
• Some universities prescribe certain minimum cutoff scores not on an overall level but on a section-specific level. For example, a university that expects students to have scored a minimum 50th percentile score or above in the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.

Keep in mind that GRE/GMAT scores are only valid for a certain period, so they must still be valid when your program starts.

Scholarships to study an MS in Construction Management

Students have access to many scholarships that can help reduce the overall expenses of pursuing an MS in Construction Management. Most top universities offering this program also have in-house scholarships. Once students apply to the university and are accepted into the program, they automatically become eligible for these scholarships. These scholarships can cover anything from 40% to 100% of tuition fees, and sometimes even more.

Most of these scholarships are merit-based rather than need-based. In addition to university-specific scholarships, there are general scholarships available that are sponsored by country governments, philanthropic organizations, and top corporations. Here is an overview of some university-specific scholarships available for students aiming for Master’s in Construction Management programs:

Here are some examples of general scholarships available for international students applying for Master’s programs in the top countries:

USA:

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
2. AAUW International Fellowships
3. PEO International Peace Scholarship

UK:

1. Chevening Scholarships
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
3. GREAT Scholarships

Australia:

1. Australia Awards Scholarships
2. Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards
3. Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS)

Most university-sponsored scholarships cover either all or part of your tuition fees. However, students still need to find funding for other related expenses of studying abroad, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. This is a substantial amount, especially for Indian students. Therefore, many Indian students need to secure an education loan to pursue their MS in Construction Management.

Numerous Indian public and private banks, as well as NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies), along with international NBFCs, offer education loans to students. However, it is challenging for students to compare these products because the information is not easily accessible, and it becomes very time-consuming to engage with multiple lenders. As a result, most students end up with an education loan where they pay a higher interest rate than they could have obtained had they explored more options.

Also Read: 10 Best Scholarships for Master for Indian Students in 2024

FundRight solves this problem by reversing the loan search process. Instead of students approaching banks for funding, students can create a profile on FundRight and lenders will review the student’s profile and come back with their most competitive offers.

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4. Upload all your required documents securely through the FundRight portal, eliminating the need to submit your documents to multiple lenders.
5. Wait as your loan approval decision is made, sometimes in as little as seven to ten days.

If you are looking to pursue an MS in Construction Management for Spring 2025, FundRight can save you at least INR 8-10 lakhs on your loan. Create your profile today and secure the best financial support for your education.

Career scope of an MS in Construction Management

Students can build highly rewarding careers after completing their MS in Construction Management. Many job roles are available for graduates, offering high salaries. Moreover, the number of jobs in the industry is expected to grow at rates higher than average, for the next 5 years.

Here is an overview of the career scope for students pursuing a Master’s in Construction Management, from top countries.

USA: Career Scope for an MS in Construction Management

In the USA, employment of construction managers is expected to grow by 10% from 2018 to 2028. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth translates to an additional 46,200 jobs in the field by 2028.

Salary Prospects:

• The median annual wage for construction managers was $96,000 as of May 2021.
• Top earners can make close to $120,000 per year (approximately INR 1 crore).
• Those on the lower end of the pay scale can earn over $60,000 annually (approximately INR 50 lakhs).

UK: Career Scope for an MS in Construction Management

In the UK, Construction Management is listed on the critical employment list, which indicates that demand outgrows supply. The field is expected to grow 11% by 2030.

Salary Prospects:

• The average pay for a construction manager in 2021 was £72,969.06 per year.
• Salary ranges for specific roles include:
  • Arbitrator: £39,200 – £65,000
  • Construction manager: £26,000 – £55,000
  • Building services engineer: £40,000 – £53,000
  • Site engineer: £20,000 – £55,000
  • Fire risk assessor: £32,500 – £37,500

Australia: Career Scope for an MS in Construction Management

In Australia, there are 131,800 Construction Managers employed (as of July 2024). A total of 6,300 job requirements for construction managers are added every year.

Salary Prospects:

• Median weekly earnings for Construction Managers are AUD 3,691, translating to approximately AUD 191,932 annually.
• Median hourly earnings are AUD 97.

Top recruiters for graduates of an MS in Construction Management abroad

Top infrastructure companies are always on the lookout for graduates of MS in Construction Management. Here is an overview of the top recruiters for graduates in USA, UK, and Australia:

USA:

1. Bechtel
2. Fluor Corporation
3. Turner Construction
4. Jacobs Engineering Group
5. Kiewit Corporation
6. Skanska USA
7. AECOM
8. DPR Construction
9. Gilbane Building Company
10. Hensel Phelps

UK:

1. Balfour Beatty
2. Laing O’Rourke
3. Kier Group
4. Skanska UK
5. Mace
6. Costain
7. Morgan Sindall
8. Sir Robert McAlpine
9. Interserve
10. Wates Group

Australia:

1. Lendlease
2. John Holland Group
3. CPB Contractors
4. Multiplex
5. Laing O’Rourke Australia
6. Hansen Yuncken
7. Probuild
8. Built
9. Grocon
10. Fulton Hogan

Also Read: MS in USA for Indian Students in 2024: Fee, Careers, Salary & Universities

Job prospects and salaries for graduates after studying an MS in Construction Management

After graduating, students can apply for a wide range of roles within the infrastructure industry. Some of these are:

Next, let’s understand the annual average salaries that graduates can earn in different countries after their MS in Construction Management.

USA: Salaries for Construction Managers

UK: Salaries for Construction Managers

Top-paying Locations in the UK

Australia: Salaries for Construction Managers

FAQs about MS in Construction Management