What is the difference between a degree in construction management and construction science?

Dear Shelby T,

First of all, .. congratulations for your potential career choices. You can do anything.

In very basic terms, CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT handles projects.

You will be overseeing the construction process and building from plans before the construction phase starts, to completion. When the building is finished. This can be for a small residential projects to large sky-scrapers.

With construction management you will be working on site, making sure the project is finished on time, within budget and according to the building plan. You will be dealing with manpower and supervising crews, and making sure daily schedules and goals are completed. You will also be responsible that all the materials are delivered and that the tools and equipment is there so that the construction team, can perform their duties. You will have to demonstrate leadership skills, and be able to communicate well with others.

You will have to understand architecture and engineering. Also understand soil qualities and foundations, laws, and safety standards.

CONSTRUCTION SCIENCE:

will be more in a lab setting, performing tests on products and materials, and discovering the attributes and merits of products and if they meet codes and standards in the industry. This can be testing strength of windows, performing earthquake tests , fire and combustion tests, testing tensile strength of lumber, ensuring the safety and reliability of products.

Famous companies that deal with the science side of construction, are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and Intertek. Tests are more in a controlled environment and there is less pressure in meeting deadlines.

There your knowledge base will be more in chemistry and physics and work with a team of scientist and experts in different areas of engineering.

I of course am not an authority in the field, but work closely with construction managers and rely on the data that the science of construction provides, to make decisions on product selections and how to present them to our customers. One example is fire ratings on sofa's made out of textiles, or the amount of light emitted by lamps and their lumens.

Whichever you choose I wish you all the best and feel so great that you are considering these choices.

It is a very stable job that provided high levels of satisfaction, especially when reaching the apex of the building. Not to mention that you will be invited to the inauguration. Earning potential is high, and it is also in high demand. Very competitive, but if you master it now, you will stand yourself above the crowds and win bids on astounding buildings.