Best Construction Management Degree Programs In Arkansas (2025)
Imagine building the future of Arkansas while advancing your career without putting your life on hold. Construction management is surging in the state as cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville expand infrastructure, commercial projects, and residential developments. With an online construction management degree, you could lead these transformative projects while maintaining your current job—no relocation or rigid schedules required.
Arkansas offers median salaries for construction managers near $85,000 annually, with experienced professionals exceeding $110,000 in high-demand areas. Major employers like Dillard’s, Tyson Foods, and Walmart’s corporate expansion projects consistently seek skilled managers to oversee complex builds. The field is projected to grow 8% statewide through 2032, outpacing national averages, thanks to ongoing industrial growth and aging infrastructure upgrades.
Online programs let you balance coursework with fieldwork, applying new skills immediately to real projects. You’ll gain expertise in cost estimation, sustainable building practices, and project lifecycle management—tools that position you for promotions or leadership roles with firms like Nabholz Construction or CDI Contractors. Programs from respected institutions blend industry-aligned curricula with the flexibility working professionals need, allowing you to network with Arkansas-based peers and instructors actively shaping the state’s skyline.
What matters most is finding a program that connects you directly to Arkansas’s construction ecosystem. One option to consider is Arkansas State University. Whether you’re coordinating hospital renovations in Jonesboro or managing logistics for a Bentonville retail hub, this career path turns your ambition into tangible impact. Explore how aligning your education with the state’s growth could redefine your future—and the communities you’ll help build.
Best Online Construction Management Degree Programs in Arkansas
Below are the top-ranked Online Construction Management programs in Arkansas, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
Arkansas State University
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Key Highlights
- The program incorporates in-demand industry proficiencies in structural blueprint reading, project bidding and estimates, CAD software, and Rivet.
- Students will gain practical experience through a program internship.
- Skills gained include building project management, construction material knowledge, and construction law.
- The curriculum includes courses such as Green Construction, Strategic Bidding and Estimating, and Building Information Modeling.
- Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours.
Program Description
The 100% online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management program at Arkansas State University is designed to diversify your knowledge from engineering and architecture to business and leadership. It helps you acquire in-demand industry proficiencies in structural blueprint reading, project bidding and estimates, CAD software, and Rivet. Students will examine green construction and create construction designs and proposals that can be used in their professional portfolio and will further enhance their credentials with practical experience in construction management, materials, basic engineering, and design through a program internship.
Program Features
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Building project management, CAD, Rivet, Modeling, Design principles, Construction material knowledge, Construction resource management, Construction law
Tuition & Costs
- Cost Per Credit: $282
Sample Courses
Introduction to Financial Accounting, Construction Physics, Green Construction, Strategic Bidding and Estimating, Architectual CAD...
Why Get an Online Construction Management Degree in Arkansas?
Pursuing an online construction management degree in Arkansas positions you at the center of a rapidly growing industry where demand outpaces national trends. The state’s construction management workforce is projected to expand by 11% through 2030, adding over 390 new jobs annually—a growth rate that surpasses the national projection of 9% for the same period. This localized surge stems from Arkansas’s focus on infrastructure modernization, renewable energy projects, and industrial expansions, particularly in logistics hubs supporting companies like Walmart and Amazon. With these sectors driving demand, online programs allow you to build expertise in sustainable practices and large-scale project coordination while staying engaged with Arkansas employers actively recruiting skilled managers.
The state’s construction ecosystem thrives on regional partnerships, with organizations like the Arkansas Associated General Contractors (AGC) offering networking events and certifications aligned with local project needs. Online programs often integrate these connections through virtual career fairs and guest lectures from industry leaders overseeing major developments, such as solar farm installations in Fort Smith or warehouse complexes in Bentonville. You’ll gain insights into Arkansas-specific challenges, like balancing rural infrastructure upgrades with urban commercial growth, making your skills immediately applicable to employers.
Financial incentives further enhance accessibility—Arkansas’s Workforce Challenge grants and employer-sponsored tuition programs frequently apply to construction management students, reducing out-of-pocket costs. As the state prioritizes workforce development in high-growth fields, graduates with online degrees remain competitive for roles managing projects funded by federal infrastructure bills or private investments in advanced manufacturing.
With Arkansas’s job openings for construction managers growing faster than the U.S. average, completing an online program now positions you to lead projects shaping the state’s next decade. Whether optimizing hospital builds in Jonesboro or coordinating green energy initiatives, your education becomes a direct pipeline to opportunities where innovation meets Arkansas’s evolving landscape. Start building toward leadership in a field where local demand creates lasting impact.
Where Can You Work After Graduating in Arkansas?
After completing an online construction management program in Arkansas, you’ll find diverse opportunities across the state’s growing construction sector. With over 700 construction manager roles currently listed on platforms like Indeed, positions range from site superintendents to project managers, offering entry-level and senior roles. Established firms like Baldwin & Shell Construction Company, a leader in Arkansas’ construction industry since 1946, frequently hire for project management and supervisory roles. Based in Little Rock, the company handles commercial and institutional projects, providing hands-on field experience and mentorship programs for recent graduates.
MasTec, featured in ZipRecruiter’s Little Rock construction management listings, specializes in infrastructure and renewable energy projects. This national firm has a strong presence in Arkansas, offering roles in project coordination, site safety management, and contract administration. Their focus on sustainable construction practices attracts professionals interested in emerging industry trends. Retail giants like Amazon and Kroger also hire construction managers in the state to oversee distribution centers and store expansions, with salaries often ranging from $68,000 to $115,000 annually. These roles emphasize logistics planning and vendor coordination, ideal for those interested in large-scale commercial projects.
Little Rock serves as a regional hub, with companies like Dillard’s Inc. and Target expanding their local footprints. Glassdoor’s list of top Little Rock employers highlights firms prioritizing collaborative team environments and professional development. Many employers in the area offer hybrid work models, combining office-based planning with onsite supervision.
To maximize opportunities, connect with regional industry groups like the Arkansas Associated General Contractors (AGC) or attend career fairs hosted by the Arkansas Home Builders Association. Update your LinkedIn profile with keywords like “construction scheduling” or “OSHA compliance” to align with local job postings. Little Rock’s mix of established firms and growing retail developers creates a dynamic market for construction management graduates, with roles often prioritizing practical experience in budgeting, subcontractor management, and LEED certification processes.
How Much Can You Earn as a Construction Manager in Arkansas?
If you’re considering a career as a construction manager in Arkansas, salary expectations vary significantly based on experience and role specialization. According to Indeed’s construction manager salary data, the average annual pay for this role in the state is $72,426. Entry-level professionals with 0-2 years of experience typically earn closer to $55,000-$65,000, while mid-career managers (3-7 years) often see salaries in the $70,000-$85,000 range. These figures reflect base pay but can increase with bonuses or profit-sharing opportunities common in the industry. Location within Arkansas plays a role too, with urban areas like Little Rock offering higher compensation than rural regions.
For senior professionals, Salary.com’s 2025 projections show a notably higher average of $127,070 annually, with top earners exceeding $140,000. This disparity from Indeed’s data likely accounts for senior-level compensation packages that include bonuses, incentives, and benefits like company vehicles or housing allowances. Specializing in high-demand sectors like industrial construction or sustainable building practices can push salaries toward the upper end of this range. Comparatively, Arkansas salaries sit slightly below the national average for construction managers (approximately $107,000), but the state’s lower cost of living balances this difference.
Those focusing specifically on project management might earn slightly less initially. Indeed’s construction project manager data shows an average of $71,116, with entry-level roles starting around $60,000. Certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) can boost earnings by 10-15%, particularly with firms handling large-scale commercial projects. Employers also value expertise in BIM software or lean construction methods, which often command premium pay.
Future salary growth looks promising as Arkansas’s construction sector expands, particularly in renewable energy infrastructure and warehouse development. With experience and targeted skills, you could outpace current averages, especially if transitioning into executive roles or consultancy. Staying updated on industry trends through online construction management programs may help secure these opportunities while maintaining competitive earning potential.
FAQs About Online Construction Management Degree Programs in Arkansas
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the admission requirements for Arkansas State University's program? A: Arkansas State University's BS in Construction Management requires 120 credit hours total, with 38 credits dedicated to major coursework Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Online at A-State. While specific GPA or test score requirements aren’t listed here, you’ll typically need to meet general university admission standards and complete prerequisite courses.
Q: Can you work full-time while completing an online construction management degree? A: Yes—A-State’s online program is structured for working professionals, offering flexible scheduling with asynchronous courses. Many students balance full-time jobs while progressing through the 120-credit curriculum at their own pace.
Q: How long does it typically take to finish an online construction management degree? A: Full-time students usually complete the 120-credit program in 4 years. Part-time learners may take longer, depending on how many courses they take per semester. Accelerated options might shorten this timeline.
Q: Are there scholarships available for Arkansas residents in these programs? A: Arkansas residents should explore A-State’s institutional scholarships and state-funded opportunities like the Workforce Challenge Grant. Check the university’s financial aid office for construction management-specific awards.
Q: What software skills do these programs teach? A: While specifics aren’t listed in sources, typical construction management programs include training in AutoCAD, project scheduling tools like Primavera P6, and cost estimation software. A-State’s focus on project delivery skills suggests hands-on tech training.
Q: Do these degrees prepare you for leadership roles in construction? A: Yes—A-State’s curriculum emphasizes project scope, budget management, and safety protocols Construction Management - Arkansas State University, directly building skills needed for site supervision or project leadership positions.
Q: How do online programs handle hands-on learning or internships? A: Many online programs partner with local employers to arrange internships near your location. Virtual labs and simulations may supplement fieldwork, ensuring you gain practical experience.
Q: Are there networking opportunities with Arkansas-based construction companies? A: A-State connects students with regional employers through virtual career fairs and industry partnerships. Arkansas’s active construction sector provides ample opportunities to engage with local firms during and after your program.