How to Become a Construction Manager in Mississippi

Construction managers play a critical role in overseeing the complex details of construction projects.

Known also as project managers or general contractors, they work closely with engineers, construction teams, and government agencies to ensure project success.

If you’re contemplating a career as a construction manager in Mississippi, keep reading.

This guide provides valuable insights to help you start a successful journey in this field.

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Construction Manager Job Description

A construction manager (CM) oversees the planning, financial management, and execution of construction projects.

Key duties include:

• Ensuring strict compliance with onsite specifications
• Recruiting skilled workers for various construction tasks
• Managing the timely delivery of materials
• Addressing and resolving any delays
• Providing clients with regular progress updates and reports
• Keeping project costs within budget

These responsibilities are crucial for the successful completion of construction projects.

Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step

You will need to fulfill some requirements to work as a construction manager.

Have a look at the steps you need to finish.

1st Step – Complete Education

To become a construction manager, you typically need a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree accompanied by relevant hands-on experience.

Construction managers can specialize in different sectors, including civil, industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural, and institutional projects.

Start with a high school diploma or GED.

This is the first step toward entering a bachelor’s degree program.

If you hold an associate degree, you’ll need additional hands-on experience to qualify for advanced roles.

Moving from an AAS to a bachelor’s program is relatively seamless and provides a solid foundation for further education.

A bachelor’s degree program typically takes four years and includes coursework in:

• Design
• Structural Science
• Engineering
• Materials Management
• Economics
• Alternative Construction Methods

If a bachelor’s degree isn’t the right fit for you, another option is to gain practical experience by entering the workforce directly.

Those with just a high school diploma can start their careers as independent contractors, gradually building their skills and expertise.

2nd Step – Become Licensed

A bachelor’s degree is generally adequate for launching a career in construction management.

However, obtaining additional certifications can significantly boost your job prospects and pave the way for more advanced career opportunities.

Consider pursuing these certifications to enhance your qualifications:

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
• LEED Green Associate
• Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Training Programs for Construction Managers in Mississippi

For those looking to further their education and credentials, here are some construction management programs available in Mississippi.

Clarkson University

Enhance your expertise in construction project management with the Master of Science in Construction Engineering Management (MSCEM) program.

The MSCEM program offers courses on campus, online, and in a hybrid format, ensuring flexibility to fit your schedule.

This program offers:

• Hands-On Learning:
  • Engage in project-based learning with practical, real-world applications.
• Flexible Options:
  • Complete your degree at multiple Clarkson campuses, entirely online, or through a combination.
  • Most students take two courses per semester, finishing the program in one to two years.
• Interdisciplinary Approach:
  • Develop a strong civil and environmental engineering foundation while advancing your construction engineering skills.

The MSCEM curriculum includes:

• Advanced construction engineering
• Sustainable infrastructure
• Current construction industry topics
• Advanced civil and environmental engineering
• Business management courses in
  • Finance,
  • Accounting,
  • Supply chain management,
  • Other key areas

The University of Southern Mississippi

The Construction Management BS program is offered 100%  online.

The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accredited this program.

Those who find the tuition too high may apply for one of the more than 20 scholarships available.

If you’re curious about what you’ll study, here are some of the subjects:

• Planning and Scheduling and Cost Control
• Safety, Contracts, and Construction Law
• Digital Graphics and Building Information Modeling
• Estimating
• Structural Design and Analysis
• Construction Project Management

For this course, you’ll have to complete 300 hours of internship with a company from the industry.

Construction Manager Salary in Mississippi

Once you’ve completed your training, curiosity about your potential earnings is normal.

The median annual salary for this role is approximately $119,427, but actual figures can fluctuate based on various factors, including your experience and the job’s location.

Typically, construction managers working in urban areas earn more than those in rural settings.

Please see the table below for a detailed overview of construction manager salaries across Mississippi.

Construction Manager Schools by State