by our College Data Analytics TeamGeneral Construction provides students with the necessary knowledge to erect buildings and structures. This is an ideal major for hands-on learners who love to build things and learn how things work. This may include the study of masonry, carpentry, installation and other technical knowledge.
Some of the courses students will take in this major are blueprint reading, physics, math, and chemistry. This major is commonly offered as a certificate, however can be taken as an associate's degree.
Construction was the 284th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 1,813 degrees in this year alone. Our 2025 Best Construction Schools ranking analyzes 3 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for construction students. Explore this or one of our many other custom construction rankings further below.
Logical thinkers and problem solvers do well in this major. Students will often be confronted with problems and puzzles they have to solve. You should enjoy working with your hands and have an eye for detail. Many complications can arise if you are not careful when drawing up a design or assembling materials.
Communication skills will also help you interact with managers, co-workers and clients. Most programs require student to acquire an apprenticeships in order to gain work experience and to learn the fundamentals first hand. You will work alongside a professional within the field, in addition to hours in the classroom.
construction degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic construction program qualifications, to serve in some construction careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are various different levels of construction degrees. Construction programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest construction degree you can get. The time it takes to complete a construction degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to construction, with approximately 0.8% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for construction workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 39.3% |
| Some College Courses | 32.9% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 21.3% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 6.3% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 0.8% |
The chart below shows what degree level those who work in construction have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the construction career you are seeking.
Students who pursue a career in construction often obtain jobs as masons, carpenters or builders. If interested in management students can take classes to prepare themselves for this role or gain experience through work.
Want a job when you graduate with your construction degree? Construction careers are expected to grow 12.6% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to construction.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Trades and Extraction Worker Supervisors | 678,300 | 12.6% |
Recently graduated construction students earned an average of $39,995 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $12,838 to as high as $86,741. As you might expect, salaries for construction graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for construction graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers construction grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Construction Trades and Extraction Worker Supervisors | $70,540 |
With over 170 different construction degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased construction school rankings to help you with this.
Construction is one of 6 different types of Construction Trades programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Construction Trades | 1,813 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Electrical & Power Transmission Installers | 26,459 |
| Building Management & Inspection | 5,269 |
| Carpentry | 3,899 |
| Plumbing & Water Supply | 2,888 |
| Masonry | 284 |
