Build Your Future in Leadership with a Construction Management Diploma
Are you looking to take your construction career to the next level? The Construction Management Diploma at Iowa Lakes equips students with the technical knowledge, leadership skills, and project management expertise needed to oversee residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects. In just three terms, you’ll gain the hands-on training and management experience necessary to supervise job sites, coordinate teams, and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
This fast-track diploma program blends practical construction training with essential business and management principles, preparing graduates for entry-level leadership roles in site supervision, project coordination, and construction planning. Whether you want to advance in the field or start your own business, this program provides the knowledge and skills needed for career success.
Explore career opportunities and salary expectations through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Construction and Extraction Occupations Outlook. Ready to start your journey in construction management? Connect with an enrollment coach today!
Find Your It!
Hands-On Training & Leadership Development
Gain Essential Construction Management Skills
The Construction Management Diploma provides students a well-rounded education in technical construction practices and project leadership. Key areas of focus include:
- Construction site planning and scheduling
- Blueprint reading and estimating
- Budgeting, materials management, and procurement
- OSHA safety regulations and compliance
- Team coordination and leadership development
Advance Your Education with an AAS Degree
Students who complete the Construction Management Diploma can choose to continue their education by enrolling in the Construction Technology AAS Degree. This additional training opens doors to higher-paying roles in construction supervision, project management, and commercial construction leadership.
With a growing demand for skilled construction managers, this diploma prepares you for entry-level leadership roles in a field with strong career growth and job stability. Whether your goal is to manage job sites, work in commercial construction, or start your own contracting business, Iowa Lakes provides the hands-on training, industry connections, and leadership skills needed to succeed.
Program Details
Length
2 Terms
Degree
Diploma (30 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
BUS 102 – Intro to Business
The basic fundamentals of business. Basic business and economic concepts and terminology; management, marketing, finance, human resource management, accounting and other business areas.
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
CON 932 – Internship
The Construction Internship II provides on the job training for area of student interest. This course will have a manager’s or supervisor’s emphasis with job shadowing and leadership skills the main focus. Students will be required to document their time and discuss with instructor during scheduled meetings.
MGT 101 – Principles of Management†
Principles of Management provides the student with a conceptual framework for understanding the basic theories of management. Emphasis is placed on the internal and external environment, ethics, planning, goal setting, decision making, organizational structure, motivation and group dynamics, and effective control mechanisms for establishing and accomplishing business objectives.
MKT 140 – Principles of Selling
Studies the concepts of selling. Includes an understanding of the customer; realizing the importance of product knowledge; securing and conducting sales presentations, analyzing and handling different types of customers; steps in selling; and the importance of maintaining good will. Personality development and principles of selling are stressed.
Term 2
ACC 111 – Intro to Accounting
Introduces the basic principles of accounting and the recoding of simple business transactions using the double entry system. Includes the accounting procedures of journalizing transactions, posting to the ledger, making a trial balance, creating receipt and disbursement of cash.
CON 125 – Construction Estimating II
Construction Estimation II is an extension of the concepts learned in the first year in Construction Estimation. Processes learned in the first year class will be implemented and put into practice. Industry professionals will present different methods they use along with computerized estimation programs. Students will develop different estimation sheets for a specific task and implement into practice.
CON 351 – Computer Generated Blueprint and Design
This course is an overview of basic computer aided residential construction drafting and design. It explores concepts, issues and methods in computer-aided design. Emphasis is placed on the creation of two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional models using the design program.
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
BCA 212 – Intro to Comp Business Apps
In a Windows environment, the focus of this course is to use hardware and software as business productivity tools. Training includes a hands-on introduction to computer applications vital in business and industry . The course covers computer terminology, operating system, email, and Internet applications . Hands on training is provided for software business applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
MKT 110 – Principles of Marketing
This course is designed to give students a clear understanding of the elements of the marketing mix (4P’s) and explanation of environmental issues that are employed in business to gain a competitive edge in the global economy. Includes identification of consumer and organizational needs and an understanding of the basic consumer behavior components.
Choose CSC 110 or BCA 212
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
Industry Certifications & Specialized Training
To give students a competitive edge, the program includes industry-recognized certifications, preparing you for advanced opportunities in construction leadership, safety compliance, and specialized trades. Certification opportunities may include:
- OSHA 10 & OSHA 30 Safety Certifications
- Forklift and heavy equipment operation
- Construction project management training
Building with Purpose: The House as a System Concept
At Iowa Lakes, the Construction Technology AAS program is built around the House as a System concept—an approach that integrates structural integrity, energy efficiency, sustainability, and modern building techniques to create high-quality, long-lasting structures. This whole-building perspective ensures students gain expertise in how different construction elements—framing, insulation, HVAC, and electrical systems—work together for optimal performance.
Students don’t just learn in a classroom—they build real-world projects every year, ranging from full-sized homes to cabins and specialty structures. Through a partnership with the Emmetsburg Economic Development Corporation, students apply their skills on live job sites, gaining practical experience in new home construction, renovations, and community projects. This hands-on training prepares students for real construction jobs and contributes to the local community’s growth and development.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.4%
Potential Careers
General Contractor, Estimator, Construction Management, Building Inspector, Maintenance, Self Employment, Real Estate, Insurance Adjuster, Carpenter, Foreman, Project Manager
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$52,957
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$60,970
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Corey Menning Assistant Professor | Construction Technology 712-852-5341 | cmenning@iowalakes.edu |