As construction professionals struggle to balance shifting industry markets, not to mention their own workplaces and home lives, finding time to bolster or change career directions is tougher than ever. Many are finding online construction- management and construction-technology degree programs a more efficient way to gain needed education or credentials to get ahead than traditional college classrooms. But academic providers worry some online-only programs may have more promotional sizzle than content meat.

One new online provider seeking new students—and investors—is the Institute of Construction Management & Technology (ICMT), a Phoenix-based online program now entering its second year of operation. The school now has 100 students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees in construction management and construction technology as well as 13 specialized certificates, claims Steve Cooper, president and CEO. ICMT touts an average undergraduate per-course price of about $300, with a BS degree costing $6,000.