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.
A major in Construction covers Construction Trades, General. Read on to learn the key facts every construction major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering construction programs.
In the U.S., construction is a widely-pursued major, with 2,761 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Construction Schools ranking analyzes these 81 schools to determine the best overall colleges for construction students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of construction programs later in this article.
Programs in Construction emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations construction graduates commonly enter.
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.
Skills built by a construction program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a construction major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several construction degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 615 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 519 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,321 |
People currently working in careers related to construction tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 34.1% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 20.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 16.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 10.8% |
| Some college courses | 8.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 8.7% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in construction careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
Majoring in construction opens doors to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to construction.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to construction.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 646,091 | 3.6% |
| Solar Energy Installation Managers | 484,877 | 9.2% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of construction graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $39,670 |
| 4 years | $37,868 |
| 5 years | $45,686 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for construction graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers construction grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $83,555 |
| Solar Energy Installation Managers | $57,985 |
With 81 different construction programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased construction school rankings to help you.
Those considering construction, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Construction Trades | 2,761 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | 35,577 |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection | 6,978 |
| Carpenters | 5,356 |
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services | 3,471 |
| Mason/Masonry | 378 |
| Construction Trades, Other | 281 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
