Top Construction Management Degree Programs In Minnesota
Minnesota’s construction industry is booming, with major infrastructure projects and sustainable building initiatives creating urgent demand for skilled professionals. If you’re looking to lead teams, manage budgets, and shape the state’s skyline, construction management offers a direct path to impactful work. Online programs let you gain industry-specific skills without pausing your current job, blending coursework in project planning, cost estimation, and green building practices with real-world application. Employers across the state—from Minneapolis-based general contractors to regional engineering firms—value candidates who can balance technical expertise with leadership, making this credential a practical investment in your advancement.
Salaries reflect the growing need, with construction managers in Minnesota earning between $85,000 and $120,000 annually depending on experience and specialization. The job outlook remains strong, projected to grow faster than average as aging infrastructure requires upgrades and new commercial developments expand. Major players like Mortenson, Kraus-Anderson, and Ryan Companies consistently seek professionals who understand local regulations, climate considerations, and emerging technologies like BIM software.
Several Minnesota schools offer respected online programs recognized for aligning coursework with industry standards, allowing you to learn from experienced practitioners while networking with peers statewide. The University of Minnesota is one institution that offers relevant programs. You’ll graduate prepared for roles like project engineer, site superintendent, or estimator—positions where your decisions directly influence project success. Whether you’re transitioning from hands-on trades or aiming to formalize years of field experience, an online construction management education bridges the gap between where you are and where Minnesota’s building sector needs you to be. Explore program options that fit your schedule and goals, then step into a career where every project leaves a visible mark on communities.
Best Online Construction Management Degree Programs in Minnesota
Below are the top-ranked Online Construction Management programs in Minnesota, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
University of Minnesota
Construction Management Bachelor's Degree
Key Highlights
- The Construction Management Bachelor's Degree program offers specializations in Commercial, Highway Heavy/Civil Works, and Residential.
- Graduates gain skills in construction technology application, project cost estimation, contract writing, project management, code compliance, and leadership.
- The program is accredited by ABET.
- Students learn to manage every step of the construction process, from initial design to final completion.
- The curriculum includes courses such as CMGT 3011, ACCT 2051 or APEC 1251, and CMGT 3001W.
Program Description
The Construction Management Bachelor of Applied Science program equips students with industry insight and business skills for success in the construction management field. Students learn to manage every step of the construction process, from initial design to final completion, including applying construction technology, estimating project costs, writing contracts, and ensuring code compliance. The program prepares graduates to lead crews and projects, managing stakeholders from design and engineering to real estate and ownership teams.
Program Features
- Accreditation: ABET
- Concentrations: Commercial, Highway Heavy/Civil Works, Residential
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Construction technology application, project cost estimation, contract writing, project management, code compliance, leadership
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $14,496/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $34,410/year
Sample Courses
MATH 1042, 1142, 1271, or 1371, PHYS 1101W...
Why Minnesota is Ideal for Your Online Construction Management Degree
Choosing Minnesota for your online construction management degree positions you at the center of a rapidly expanding industry, with state-specific growth outpacing national trends. Minnesota’s construction management sector is projected to grow by 12% through 2030, adding over 990 new jobs—a rate 50% faster than the national average for this field. This growth is fueled by aging infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy projects, and healthcare facility expansions in regions like Rochester’s Mayo Clinic corridor. Employers increasingly prioritize candidates who understand Minnesota’s unique climate challenges and regulatory landscape, knowledge embedded in local online programs through coursework on cold-weather construction techniques and sustainable building codes.
The Twin Cities metro alone accounts for nearly 60% of Minnesota’s construction management opportunities, with major firms collaborating directly with universities to shape curriculum around emerging technologies like drone surveying and modular construction. Graduates often leverage regional professional networks like the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota—which hosts virtual career fairs specifically for online students—to secure roles in high-growth sectors. As noted in a Reddit discussion among industry professionals, while experience remains critical, a degree can accelerate promotions to leadership roles, particularly in firms managing federal infrastructure grants requiring credentialed project managers.
Beyond urban centers, northern Minnesota’s renewable energy boom and Duluth’s port modernization projects create niches for managers skilled in green construction or logistics. Online programs often include partnerships with regional employers for capstone projects, letting you solve real-world challenges like retrofitting historic Minneapolis buildings for energy efficiency. With statewide job openings projected to exceed 400 annually through 2030, your ability to immediately apply coursework to local projects—without relocating—gives you a competitive edge.
Now is the time to align your education with Minnesota’s construction demands. By enrolling in a program designed for the state’s evolving market, you’ll gain not just a degree but a direct pathway to shaping skylines, infrastructure, and communities across the region. Start building the expertise that turns Minnesota’s growth into your career trajectory.
Where Can You Work After Graduating?
After completing an online construction management program in Minnesota, you’ll find diverse opportunities with employers across commercial, residential, and infrastructure sectors. Companies like Mortenson and Ryan Companies frequently appear in listings for project management roles, with Glassdoor highlighting both as top employers for project managers in the state based on salary and employee reviews. Mortenson, known for large-scale projects like sports stadiums and healthcare facilities, often hires construction managers with expertise in sustainable building practices. Ryan Companies emphasizes collaborative team environments and offers roles in commercial development, with opportunities to work on mixed-use spaces in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Both companies provide structured mentorship programs and competitive benefits like performance bonuses.
ZipRecruiter’s job board shows growing demand at mid-sized firms like Ames Construction and Kraus-Anderson, which specialize in highway infrastructure and regional commercial projects according to active postings. Ames prioritizes candidates with earthwork or civil engineering experience, while Kraus-Anderson often seeks managers for healthcare or education sector builds. These firms typically offer hybrid roles, blending office coordination with site visits across Minnesota’s expanding suburban corridors. Startups like Vertical Energy Solutions also appear in listings, focusing on renewable energy installations and offering faster-paced roles with equity incentives for early-career professionals.
Indeed’s job portal features openings at Hammers Construction Inc, a residential and light commercial builder in the Twin Cities metro with postings for project managers. They emphasize hands-on leadership, often hiring graduates willing to oversee multiple smaller projects simultaneously. Another employer, Premise INC, recruits for civil construction managers in Minneapolis, offering training in GPS-guided equipment systems used in roadwork projects. Both companies highlight flexibility in scheduling and prioritize promoting from within.
Minnesota’s construction hubs cluster around the Twin Cities, Rochester’s medical corridor, and Duluth’s port infrastructure projects. To maximize job prospects, connect with local chapters of Associated General Contractors of Minnesota or attend industry meetups hosted by the Minnesota Construction Association. Many firms actively recruit through LinkedIn and regional career fairs, so highlighting certifications like OSHA 30 or LEED Green Associate can strengthen applications.
What Can You Earn as a Construction Manager in Minnesota?
If you’re pursuing a career as a construction manager in Minnesota, salary expectations depend heavily on experience and location. According to Indeed’s 2025 data, the average annual salary statewide is $95,777, with entry-level roles (0-2 years of experience) often starting around $72,000. Mid-career professionals (3-7 years) typically earn closer to the statewide average, while those in senior positions (8+ years) can reach $120,000 or more. These figures reflect variations in project scope and employer size—for example, large commercial firms often pay more than residential contractors.
ZipRecruiter’s March 2025 report breaks down earnings further, showing an average hourly rate of $44.81, which translates to roughly $93,209 annually. This aligns closely with Indeed’s data but highlights regional differences: urban areas like Minneapolis-St. Paul tend to pay 8-12% more than rural regions. Specializing in high-demand sectors like infrastructure or renewable energy projects could push your earnings toward the top 10% of reported salaries, which exceed $128,000 yearly.
For metro-specific insights, Salary.com’s Minneapolis-focused data reports a significantly higher average of $147,993 as of March 2025, with senior roles in the city ranging from $131,000 to $165,000. This disparity underscores the impact of location—major cities often offer higher compensation due to cost of living and complex project demands. Certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or PMP credentials can increase your earning potential by 10-15%, while advanced degrees in construction management or engineering may open doors to leadership roles.
Minnesota’s construction manager salaries are competitive with the national average of $98,000, with urban centers like Minneapolis outpacing many U.S. regions. Over the next decade, industry growth in sustainable construction and infrastructure upgrades is expected to drive demand—and salaries—higher. Staying updated on emerging technologies like BIM software or green building standards could position you for faster career advancement and above-average pay increases.
FAQs About Online Construction Management Degree Programs in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Minnesota schools offer online construction management degrees? A: The University of Minnesota offers an ABET-accredited online Construction Management Bachelor’s Degree. Its curriculum covers estimating, planning, scheduling, and safety, directly aligning with industry needs.
Q: How long does it take to complete an online construction management degree? A: Most online bachelor’s programs take 4 years full-time. Part-time options may extend to 5-6 years. The University of Minnesota’s program follows a structured sequence but allows flexibility for working students.
Q: What accreditation should a construction management program have? A: Look for ABET accreditation, which ensures quality in technical education. The University of Minnesota’s program holds this accreditation, meeting standards employers trust for engineering and construction roles.
Q: Can you work full-time while studying online? A: Yes—online programs like Minnesota’s offer asynchronous courses and evening classes. Many students balance full-time jobs by taking 1-2 courses per term, though this extends completion time.
Q: What skills do employers look for in Minnesota construction managers? A: Employers prioritize cost estimating, project scheduling, safety compliance, and BIM software proficiency. Minnesota-specific skills like cold-weather construction methods and state building codes also matter.
Q: Are internships required for online programs? A: Some programs require internships; others make them optional. The University of Minnesota’s program encourages hands-on experience but doesn’t mandate it for online students. Schools often help connect you with local firms.
Q: Do Minnesota programs help with job placement? A: Yes—the University of Minnesota provides career services, resume reviews, and access to regional job boards. Many programs partner with groups like Associated General Contractors of Minnesota for networking events.
Q: How competitive are entry-level construction management jobs in Minnesota? A: With 12% projected job growth through 2030 (~990 new roles), entry-level positions are moderately competitive. Candidates with local internship experience or familiarity with Minnesota’s climate challenges have an edge.