What Is a Construction College?

Construction college is a four year school where people interested in a career in construction can earn a degree in construction management and other related fields. These specialized schools also provide two year associate degrees and certificates in specific areas of construction, such as design, planning, and technology. Many such colleges offer seminars and courses tailored to meet the needs of those who already work in the industry and wish to advance their careers.

Schools that offer a four year degree in construction management generally offer a two year associate’s degree and other certifications as well. Course offerings include classes in technical writing, project cost estimation, financing, and construction law. Evening, weekend, and online courses are offered for students who work full time in the construction industry or other fields. Many programs at a construction college are structured so that those working full time are still able to receive a four year degree.

Specialized construction college certificate programs are intended to enhance or advance the careers of those involved in the construction industry. They involve short intensive programs in areas such as managing people and workers, building code inspections, meeting project deadlines, and purchasing materials and equipment. Often completion of these courses will help the student meet particular construction certification requirements of the state in which the school is located.

Some construction colleges offer masters and doctoral level degrees and take an interdisciplinary approach to the management of construction projects. These schools offer courses in architecture, interior design, and landscaping architecture. Advanced degrees require courses in urban and regional planning, planning ethics, and urban economies. Doctoral degrees require a dissertation.

Some institutions of higher education have incorporated a construction college or school as part of the larger university. A new model for construction management is that designers and builders should share the same vision in the creation of a building and collaborate on construction projects. This model combines both design and construction issues together in the same course work. It also takes into account environmental concerns and effects of construction projects on people.

Similar to the new model of project management is the concept of including the related considerations of interior and exterior design of buildings on their construction. Areas such as graphic design, the use of digital technologies, and design history should all be included when planning a building project. The idea is that the science of building should be allied with the arts to the greatest extent possible, consistent with the nature of the construction project.