Undergraduate Certificate versus a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Construction Management

Do you want to increase your opportunities and expertise in construction management without the commitment of a degree program? LSU offers online undergraduate and post-baccalaureate certificates in construction management, each tailored to specific educational and career objectives.  
 
Read more about the key differences between each program below. 

Eligibility: 

Undergraduate Certificate: Designed for individuals who have not yet completed a bachelor's degree, this program follows the same LSU admission requirements as the Bachelor of Science degree programs. It is ideal for high school graduates, skilled craftspeople, or those with some college coursework who seek specialized knowledge in construction management. 
 
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: Targeted at individuals with a bachelor's degree, the only admission requirement for this program is having already obtained a bachelor's degree. It serves as a means for individuals to gain additional expertise or transition into the field without pursuing a second bachelor's degree. 

Academic Level: 

Undergraduate Certificate: This program operates at the undergraduate level and encompasses foundational courses in construction management. Courses primarily cover fundamental concepts with limited inclusion of advanced topics. 
 
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: This program provides in-depth, advanced coursework in construction management. Students should possess at least a basic understanding of the field due to their prior completion of a related bachelor's degree or work experience. While students without a basic understanding can still complete the certificate, they may need to invest more time in studying supplemental materials provided in each of the six courses.

Course Content: 

Undergraduate Certificate: This program encompasses a broad spectrum of topics within the construction management field, including basic construction, materials, methods, estimating, scheduling, project management, and construction law. 
 
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: The certificate offers both core and advanced topics in construction management and requires a certain level of math skills. It delves deeper into subjects like project management, cost estimation, scheduling, risk analysis, statics and strengths of materials, and mechanical and electrical systems. This certificate sometimes serves as academic or experiential leveling for the online Master of Science in Construction Management. 

Duration: 

Undergraduate Certificate: With 24 credit hours of Construction Management courses, this program typically takes 1-2 years to complete. Actual completion time depends on the student's enrollment status, course load, and admission criteria. 
 
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: With 18 credit hours, this certificate program is shorter in duration, usually spanning six months to a year. 

Career Goals: 

Undergraduate Certificate: Ideal for those starting their education in construction management, this certificate is for individuals seeking entry-level positions in the field or those planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in the future. Importantly, all Construction Management courses in this program transfer to the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree. 
 
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: This program is ideal for those with a bachelor's degree who wish to enhance their career prospects in construction management. The certificate is designed for professionals seeking mid-level or management positions and those looking to transition into this career path.

Start Your Construction Management Career with LSU Online

Ultimately, the Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Construction Management and the Online Undergraduate Certificate in Construction Management from LSU differ in terms of eligibility, academic level, admission requirements, course content, duration, and career goals. The undergraduate certificate is designed for individuals with limited academic coursework or experience, while the post-baccalaureate certificate caters to those with a bachelor's degree who aim to change careers or deepen their knowledge in construction management.  
 
Both programs are perfect ways to begin a career in the field. Ready to take the next step in your educational journey? Learn more about each program, or apply today!