The state of Texas is projected to see a marked uptick in construction, per Oldcastle’s 2018 North American Construction Forecast Report, and now is a good time to start coursework toward increased job opportunities and compensation.
Lamar University’s online degree program combines coursework that teaches advanced skills in construction management on the foundation of a comprehensive business education. Students acquire the knowledge they need to take on projects and meet performance, operational, scope and other goals.
A Texas-Sized Opportunity
Not only is the construction market in Texas strong, at a 10-percent growth rate it is the strongest among the five largest states, with the Houston MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) tapping in at 14 percent, San Antonio MSA at 13 percent and Dallas MSA at 10 percent. Oldcastle attributes some of the growth to hurricane damage repair but also notes expanded growth in single-family housing and builder confidence as contributing to Texas’ standing.
As a reflection of the burgeoning construction market in Texas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecasted a faster than average growth in the number of construction managers needed over the next decade. The BLS anticipates an 11 percent growth, with those whose backgrounds reflect a combination of both education and experience to enjoy the best job prospects.
Through 2017, Texas has been named the “Best State for Business” for 13 consecutive years by Chief Executive Magazine. It has the world’s 10th largest economy based on gross domestic product and is home to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies. Construction in Texas contributed more than 5 percent to the state’s GDP in 2015, which is more than the national average.
The state is home to more than 6 percent of the nation’s construction firms and, of those, 87 percent have 20 or fewer employees. Construction-related wages and salaries exceeded $45 billion in Texas during 2015, 11 percent of the national total.
With a median salary of $91,370, construction management placed first on the U.S. News & World Report list of best construction jobs, based on factors including “a low stress level, good work-life balance and solid prospects to improve, get promoted and earn a higher salary.”
Key Qualities for Construction Managers
Through education and experience, successful construction managers develop key qualities that include analytical skills, business knowledge, customer-service, decision-making, leadership, speaking abilities, technical know-how, time-management and writing skills. Necessary attributes also include the ability to take initiative, especially if working as a self-employed, general contractor.
All of these can be developed and enhanced through the coursework found in Lamar’s top-ranked and accredited MBA in Construction Project Management program. Through comprehensive business courses that cover such topics as managerial economics, strategic management and enterprise resource planning, students add to what they know while acquiring new skills in areas such as data analysis.
Complementary to their business studies, students also take coursework specific to construction management that provides up-to-date knowledge through courses in planning and scheduling, safety management and cost estimating/analysis. The coursework incorporates construction ethics, with the opportunity to also delve into more specific areas of interest, such as legal practices and the concept of sustainability in construction work.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online MBA in Construction Project Management program.
Sources:
AGC of America: The Economic Impact of Construction in the United States and Texas
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Construction Managers
Oldcastle Building Solutions: 2018 North American Construction Forecast Report
