Construction Management Degree in Hillsboro OR

Looking to enhance your career with a Construction Management Degree in Hillsboro OR?

Find out how top programs can equip you with the skills needed for success in the construction industry.

This article covers key aspects of the best programs available, helping you make an informed decision.

Portland Community College – Associate Degree in Construction Management

The Construction Management program at Portland Community College (PCC) offers an in-depth Associate Degree in Construction Management, specifically targeting commercial construction practices. This program aims to equip you with the skills needed from a general contractor’s perspective.

Key features of PCC’s Construction Management program include:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Topics covered include bid preparation, project management, cost estimation, job costing techniques, and scheduling. You’ll also learn about structural and mechanical systems pivotal in modern high-performance buildings.
• Sustainable Practices: The program emphasizes sustainable construction and teaches third-party verification methods such as LEED and Earth Advantage.
• Flexible Class Scheduling: Classes are scheduled in the evenings, allowing working professionals to manage their studies without sacrificing their job responsibilities. Although most students start in the fall, you can complete the degree in two years by starting in winter or spring and attending summer classes.
• Career Pathways: Graduates can pursue careers as estimators, general contractors, owner’s representatives, project managers, and superintendents. The program also offers transfer options to Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) or Southern Oregon University (SOU) for completing a Bachelor’s degree in an additional two years.
• Information Sessions and Financial Aid: PCC offers regular information sessions, helping you understand the program and available financial aid options like scholarships and grants.

This program prepares you not just academically but also practically, making you ready for various roles in the construction industry.

NWCOC – Project Management Training Program

The NWCOC Project Management Training program is a robust, semester-long course developed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). It’s tailored for construction professionals looking to enhance their management and leadership abilities.

Highlights of the NWCOC Project Management course are:

• In-Depth Curriculum: Covering essential areas such as construction materials, methods, mathematics, communication, safety, human resources, scheduling, and customer service. Topics include Construction Documents, Resource Control, and Continuous Improvement.
• Safety Focus: Emphasizes maintaining a safe work environment and highlights the role of the project manager in ensuring job site safety.
• Limited Class Size: Each session is limited to 20 participants, promoting a more personalized and interactive learning environment.
• Hands-On Training: Practical components include cost management (estimating, cost control), problem-solving strategies, documentation requirements, and quality control measures.
• Eligibility Requirements: To enroll, you need a minimum of five years of supervisory experience or pre-approval from the course instructor.
• Cost Efficiency: Impressively, the program is offered at no cost, making it highly accessible for those looking to advance their career without financial burden. Classes for the 2024 session run from February 6 to April 4, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

For those looking to further their leadership skills, NWCOC also offers a Supervisory Training Program.

By choosing the NWCOC Project Management Training Program, you’ll gain valuable skills that are crucial for effective construction project management.

Choosing the Right Construction Management Degree in Hillsboro OR

Choosing the right Construction Management Degree program or training course in Hillsboro, OR is crucial for your career success. Here are several critical factors to consider when making your decision.

• Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited. Accreditation is a hallmark of quality education and is recognized by employers and other educational institutions. Both Portland Community College (PCC) and NWCOC offer accredited programs that can enhance your career prospects.
• Curriculum Relevance: Examine the curriculum in detail. Look for programs that cover essential areas such as construction project management, cost estimation, scheduling, structural systems, and sustainable building practices. PCC’s program, for instance, provides extensive exposure to these areas and offers flexible scheduling, including evening classes for working professionals.
• Cost and Financial Aid: Educational expenses vary widely. Consider your budget and explore financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, or tuition reimbursement programs. PCC offers information sessions to help you understand available financial aid. It’s also useful to review what NWCOC offers in terms of cost-efficiency.
• Career Support Services: Strong career support services can be invaluable. Look for programs offering job placement assistance, internships, or apprenticeships. These services provide hands-on experience and ease the transition into the workforce. PCC, for example, provides strong career support to help graduates secure positions like project managers, estimators, and more.
• Hands-On Experience: Practical skills gained through projects, labs, or fieldwork are invaluable. Programs that include real-world applications of classroom learning, such as those at NWCOC, offer a significant advantage. Look for opportunities to gain real-world experience within the program details.

Considering these factors will help you choose a program that aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances, setting you on a path to a successful career in construction management.

Conclusion: Embark on Your Construction Management Career Today

Choosing the right Construction Management Degree in Hillsboro, OR is a significant step towards advancing your career in the construction industry. Whether you opt for the Associate Degree in Construction Management at Portland Community College or the Project Management Training Program at NWCOC, each offers robust training and career support to help you succeed.

Take the next step towards your construction management career today by exploring these programs and finding the best fit for your goals and lifestyle.