Academic Programs and Services
Facility Management — Construction Option
The Facility Management program leads to an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Facility Management. Facility Managers are the people who plan and manage the buildings, grounds and systems of large businesses and institutions. Often working behind the scenes, as a group they are involved in a broad array of activities: planning, management, finance and real estate, design, and building operations issues, including security and communications. The field is rapidly professionalizing, and opportunities abound in this highly-regarded industry. This program provides students with a foundational education addressing the multi-disciplinary character of the field, thereby allowing for diverse job opportunities. The core of the Facility Management curriculum addresses gaining the basic technical knowledge of construction materials, processes and systems, as well as the business management and real estate areas.
The Facility Management – Construction Option is designed to prepare students for an entry-level position as a facility manager or construction manager. Their construction knowledge may be applied in overseeing the building of new or renovated facilities, the installation of updated systems, or determining the construction issues related to expansion or new uses. They will work closely with those in the design areas. In any of these roles, the students will be prepared to interact with the senior management of their employer, dealing with multiple real estate issues.
The Construction Option focuses on construction and management issues specific to the building and renovating process, such as the installation of updated systems and finishes, building codes, cost estimating, and scheduling and contracting. This program gives the student an opportunity to understand the fundamentals of building construction, such as interpreting construction documents and specifications, understanding construction contracts, creating construction cost estimates, scheduling and managing building projects, and being familiar with the technical aspects of building materials and systems.
The Facility Management program also offers a Design Option (listed separately) that focuses on developing a student’s planning and design skills to apply on both new and renovated buildings.
Students who are interested in the program are encouraged to consult an advisor within the program for a more detailed explanation of the two options. Also, the program has a set of core courses which are common to both degrees. Students who are unsure as to which option they would like to pursue may wish to begin with those courses which are required by both options, so that they may change their option more easily at a later point.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:
- Interpret architectural and construction drawings and documents.
- Demonstrate knowledge of various building materials and methods and related building technologies.
- Utilize computer systems for communication in technical drafting and documentation, project planning and management.
- Apply basic principles of planning, management and real estate practice.
- Communicate effectively and work as part of a team, using graphic, oral and written modes.
Program Entry Requirements:
Students are required to take the College’s placement tests at the time of entry. Students identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses in addition to the requirements of their degree program.
Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
To qualify for the A.A.S. degree in Facility Management, a student must complete a minimum of 62 credits as prescribed and attain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 ("C" average).