Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Online Degrees in Building Maintenance Technology: Program Overviews

Students who want to pursue a career in building maintenance technology can pursue a Master of Science in Facilities Management Technology. While it is possible to complete this degree program entirely online, the reality is that very few programs exist in a distance learning format.

Master of Science in Facilities Management Technology Online Degree Program Overview

Students who want to pursue careers as building maintenance managers can reach their career goals by earning an online Master of Science in Facilities Management Technology degree. Students who complete this program will be trained in business, architecture, information technology, engineering, land surveying and sales, construction and employee labor relations. Students will learn how to use their acquired knowledge of these concepts to communicate with building administrators, contractors, employees, sales agents and the surrounding community. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree; work experience in the field of building maintenance will also be required if one's undergraduate degree is in a non-related field.

Program Information and Requirements

The M.S. in facilities management technology degree program can be completed in two years, and consists of 33-35 credit-hours of coursework. Online programs are very rare, but those that do exist can be completed either entirely online or in a hybrid format that includes some on-campus courses. Students access course material through websites and downloadable documents, videos and presentations. Students need to have access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. In order to stream recorded video presentations, the computer must have audio and video capabilities. Some courses require the student to also have a webcam and microphone in order to communicate with instructors and peers in real time via online forums.

List of Common Master of Science in Facilities Management Degree Program Courses

Many of the courses are delivered in an asynchronous format which allows the student to complete all material at their own pace as long as it is done before the end of the term.

Facility Management Practices Course

This introductory course presents students with fundamental overviews of facility management topics, including communication with occupants, legal policies, corporate environments, employee management, the history of facility management and project management. Students then incorporate knowledge of these principles into organizational, legal, ethical and managerial practices.

Course in Project Management

This course introduces project management techniques and practices within the context of a facilities maintenance manager. Topics include planning, conflict resolution, outlines, budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, risk management and review techniques.

Facility Management Ethics Course

Students in this course learn to manage facilities that provide a safe and efficient work environment that adheres to current environmental and ecological standards. Course material includes Environmental Health and Safety related topics in management systems, laws, OSHA regulations, EPA regulations, as well as moral, legal and ethical concepts. Other course topics include fire protection, codes of safety, air quality, mold and mildew, hazardous waste removal and recycling.

Career Information for Graduates

Graduates of an online M.S. degree program in facilities management technology are well-qualified to gain employment as a facilities manager. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics places this occupation within the administrative services industry, which is expected to have a 12% employment rate increase between 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov). The BLS states that the annual salary for this occupation ranges from $38,690 to $131,730, with an average median salary of $75,520.

No comments:

Post a Comment