In construction, the pressure to deliver never lets up, but life keeps moving outside the job site. For John Switzer, that reality meant finding a way to improve his skills without stepping away from work and family.
So, he did what any good project manager would do: he made a plan. With the online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from LSU, John proved to himself that the right program and the right mindset can propel you to the next chapter without pausing life.
Learn more about his journey!
Meet John Switzer
What program and school did you graduate from, and why did you apply to your program?
I graduated from the Construction Management program at LSU Online. I applied because my employer indicated strong potential for career advancement, and with a full-time job and a family, an online program was the most practical and flexible option.
How did online learning differ from your expectations?
Online learning aligned closely with my expectations. It required strict time management and a consistent routine—dedicating time each night and on weekends to stay on track. Balancing family, work, and academics was challenging, but very similar to managing complex construction projects in my current role.
What was your favorite course or topic? Why?
Three courses made a significant impact: CM 4101 Scheduling and Cost Control, CM 4202 Construction Enterprise, and ACCT 2000 Accounting. Each course directly applies to my daily responsibilities and helped prepare me for my recent promotion.
What did you appreciate most about the faculty and support services?
The faculty and support teams were always friendly, responsive, and supportive. They were very accommodating with course scheduling and consistently replied quickly to emails, which made the online experience smooth and encouraging.
How has the program impacted your personal and/or professional life?
Personally: The program helped me build a more stable career path, allowing more time with my family and less time away from home.
Professionally: I earned a promotion from Superintendent to Project Manager, and the program played a major role in preparing me to pass the North Carolina General Contractors Licensing Exam.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering the program?
Be prepared to practice strict time management. The more you fully invest in the program, the more prepared you’ll be for a Project Manager role—rather than entering the industry at an assistant-level position or in a take-off/estimating role. Graduating with honors is achievable if you stay disciplined and engaged.
What skills or knowledge from the program have been most valuable in your journey?
In CM 4202, learning to create a schedule of values, present a construction project, and understand cost flow throughout a project’s duration has been extremely valuable. Additionally, gaining a solid foundation in contract and business law has been essential in my work.
What accomplishments related to this experience are you most proud of?
Earning my B.S. in Construction Management and becoming a licensed North Carolina general contractor.
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
I am grateful to the Construction Management Department for preparing me for the next stage of my career, and to the LSU staff for always being available and ensuring that online students receive the same level of support as on-campus students. I highly recommend this program to anyone pursuing a management or leadership path in the construction industry, as well as to experienced professionals seeking career growth and willing to put the same energy into academics as they have into field work.
Your Future in Construction Leadership Starts with LSU Online
The online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from LSU is designed for working professionals who want to move into higher-level leadership roles without taking a break from their careers.
Through flexible online coursework focused on scheduling, cost control, construction enterprise, finance, and business law, students gain all the tools to lead complex projects. Whether your goal is promotion, licensure, or long-term career stability, this program helps prepare you for the responsibilities that come with managing people, budgets, and large-scale builds.
If you’re ready to position yourself for your next opportunity, explore the online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and apply today.
Explore the Online BS in Construction Management
Explore the BS in CMFAQs
What does LSU’s online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management curriculum cover?
LSU’s online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, offered through LSU Online, covers topics such as scheduling and cost control, construction enterprise, accounting, contract law, and business fundamentals. John Switzer identified courses like Scheduling and Cost Control, Construction Enterprise, and Accounting as especially relevant to his professional responsibilities. The curriculum is designed to help students strengthen the analytical, financial, and project management knowledge used throughout the construction industry.
How did the online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from LSU lead to a promotion for John Switzer?
After completing LSU’s online Bachelor of Science in Construction Management offered through LSU Online, John Switzer advanced from Superintendent to Project Manager. He shared that the program helped strengthen his understanding of scheduling, cost control, and construction law — skills that supported his transition into project management responsibilities. The degree also helped support his preparation for the North Carolina General Contractors Licensing Exam.
What is the difference between a Superintendent and a Project Manager in construction?
In construction, a Superintendent typically oversees daily field operations, including job-site coordination, safety, and construction activities. A Project Manager generally focuses on broader project responsibilities such as budgeting, scheduling, subcontractor coordination, and overall project planning and delivery. LSU’s Construction Management curriculum helps students build knowledge in areas related to both field operations and project leadership.
How do construction professionals balance online coursework with full-time field work?
John Switzer described balancing online coursework and construction work as an exercise in organization, consistency, and time management. He completed coursework during evenings and weekends while continuing to work full-time and support family responsibilities. The fully online format provided flexibility by allowing him to complete coursework without the added challenge of commuting or attending scheduled in-person classes.
Why should experienced construction workers pursue a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management rather than entry-level roles?
For construction professionals with field experience, earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management may help strengthen leadership, business, and project management knowledge. Coursework in areas such as scheduling, cost control, construction law, and operations management can help support professional growth and expanded responsibilities within the construction industry. Combining hands-on experience with formal education may also help professionals prepare for long-term career advancement opportunities.
