The Professional Certificate in Construction Practices provides an eight-course overview of the critical stages of the construction project — including estimating, bidding, planning and scheduling. Students also develop foundational knowledge of blueprint reading, construction math, materials and processes, contract documents and construction law. Discussions using an online bulletin board afford the opportunity to examine everyday construction challenges shared by others in the construction industry.

Spring Block II & Summer Courses Now Available

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Gain a deeper understanding of the different stages of a construction project by earning your Professional Certificate in Construction Practices from SDSU Global Campus.

Click the link below to view all of our construction programs.

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About the Program

Construction projects can be broken down into a series of critical stages — including estimating, bidding, planning, scheduling, and execution. While some construction professionals specialize in certain stages, such as sitework or estimating, many take on a more fluid role throughout the project lifecycle and contribute at all stages.

$5,520

Total Estimated Cost
Textbooks not included

5 Months

Min. Completion Time

Online

Course Format

Gain the broad skills you need to work on any stage of a construction project by earning your Professional Certificate in Construction Practices from SDSU Global Campus. All courses are 100% online and open to anyone interested in a career in construction.

Is This Program Right for Me?

SDSU’s construction practices program will help you acquire practical, on-the job skills that you can use on the job site right away. The program will also prepare you to take on supervisory roles at any stage of the construction project — from estimating and bidding through procurement, construction, and project closure.

There are no prerequisites and no application is necessary to participate in the program, which means that you can register for any of our online construction courses no matter what your experience level is. However, if you’re completely new to the industry, we also offer two Introduction to Construction courses to help you build a solid foundation in construction.

You can log onto any course from any computer with an internet connection. Most classes have assignments with weekly due dates — please ensure that you can complete any necessary coursework for the duration of the course.

San Diego Workforce Partnership: Creating Workforce Solutions

SDSU is a State-approved provider for the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). If you’re unemployed or underemployed, you may be eligible to receive full or partial tuition assistance on this program. Equal Opportunity is the Law. Equal opportunity employer/program auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Click here to learn more.

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What Can I Learn?

Construction projects need highly-trained, knowledgeable professionals at all stages. SDSU’s construction practices program will help you acquire the foundational knowledge you need to contribute and supervise at any point in the project lifecycle.

The online program provides an overview of the critical stages of the construction project — including estimating, bidding, planning, scheduling, execution, and closure. You’ll take a deep dive into many different construction topics, including:

  • Blueprint reading
  • Construction math
  • Materials and processes
  • Environmentally-friendly building techniques
  • Contract documents
  • Construction law
  • Construction cost management strategies

Throughout the program, you’ll participate in discussions with your classmates and instructors using an online bulletin board. These discussions will give you the opportunity to examine everyday construction challenges shared by others in the construction industry.

Lessons are supplemented by quizzes, which will give you immediate feedback on your understanding of the course content. You’ll set your own class times to complete the work due each week. Typically, you should plan on dedicating about five hours per week, per class.

You’ll learn how to become a cost estimation expert under the guidance of a panel of expert instructors. Your lessons are led by active career professionals from all levels of the construction industry. Through their experience and extensive knowledge, you’ll learn what works — and what doesn’t — for job site leaders who are currently working in construction.

This construction program is authorized by SDSU's College of Engineering. This means that you’ll be able to earn three professional development units (PDUs) per course, which can raise your career potential through more job opportunities at a higher pay scale.

Career Outcomes

Labor Analysis
Construction Laborers — Nationwide

 

448,000
Last 12 months

 

+12%
Over 10 years

 

$88,310
Average Salary

The construction industry needs knowledgeable job site leaders who can take an active role through the entire construction project lifecycle. According to the leading estimates, there are currently more than seven million construction laborers employed across the country, and those numbers are projected to grow by 12% over the next decade.

SDSU’s Construction Practices program will prepare you to serve in many different roles throughout the construction industry, including:

  • Office Administrator/ Office Manager
  • Contracts Administrator
  • Tradesworkers
  • Junior estimator
  • Facilities management
  • Project engineer
  • Apprentice
  • Real estate
  • Investor
  • HR
  • Insurance
  • Foreman
  • Project coordinator
  • Field engineer
  • Assistant PM
  • Assistant superintendent
  • General Contractor
  • Subcontractor

Why Choose SDSU?

Accessibility

All courses are 100% online and accessible from anywhere in the world, which means you can earn your certificate on your schedule. You can complete the program in as few as five months, or take up to two years to complete all your courses.

Expert Instructors

The program is led by seasoned construction professionals with years of industry experience. Through their knowledge, combined with a robust online curriculum, you’ll get a comprehensive, hands-on look at the entire construction process from start to finish.

Proven Curriculum

When you choose SDSU, you’re choosing a construction program with a proven curriculum. All courses in the program are offered in cooperation with the San Diego Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America.

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In order to earn your Professional Certificate in Construction Practices, you’ll need to complete any eight (8) of the ten (10) courses offered. Each course costs $690 and is worth three (3) Professional Development Units (PDUs).

2024 Term Dates

Spring Block I: Jan. 15–March 24, 2024 - Registration opens Monday, November 6
Spring Block II: April 8–June 16, 2024 - Registration opens Monday, November 6
Summer Block: June 24-Sept. 1, 2024
Fall Block: Sept. 16–Nov. 24, 2024

Click the course names below to read the course description. Click the Enroll button below or visit the How to Register tab once you’re ready to register. Click here to view the Construction Courses 2024 Schedule.

Core Courses

Core Courses (complete any 8 of 10) SPII Course Dates Registration SU Course Dates Registration
ENGR 0018 Construction Materials and Processes Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15 June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0021 Estimating and Bidding I Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15 June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0022 Estimating and Bidding II Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15 June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0031 Contract Documents and Construction Law     June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0032 Planning and Scheduling Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15 June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0033 Construction Blueprint Reading Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15 June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0034 Introduction to Construction Estimating Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15 June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0035 Essential Construction Math Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15 June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0038 Building Green Buildings: The Contractor’s Perspective     June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0049 Construction Productivity and Cost Management Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15    

Dates and fees subject to change.

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Registration Instructions

Continuing Students

If you have taken a course in your program within the past three terms, you are considered a continuing student. Starting in the summer 2024 term, continuing students can simply log into my.SDSU and register for upcoming courses in their program once the registration period opens. You’ll still need to complete your full payment in my.SDSU after your registration has been submitted.

Please visit my.sdsu.edu for more information.

New Students

If you have not taken a course within the past three terms, you will need to enroll in the program as a new student to register for courses. Please complete the new student registration steps to get started.

  1. Once you’ve chosen your courses, click the Enroll button below to begin the registration process. Please indicate on the form that you’d like to register for courses.

  2. Once you’ve filled out the Enrollment form, you’ll receive a confirmation email from SDSU Global Campus within 2-3 business days with the next steps to complete your enrollment.

  3. Once registration opens for your courses, you can register in the my.SDSU portal.

  4. Approximately one week before your class starts, passwords and information to log into your online classroom will be sent directly to your @SDSU.edu email address from constructionclasses@gmail.com or your instructor with an @constructionclasses.com email address. Please be sure to check your SDSU email account inbox as well as your spam folder for this important information.

  5. Complete your full payment in my.SDSU after your registration has been submitted. Click here for more information on our payment and drop policy.

Click here for more details on registration

Finished all the required courses?

Click the button below to receive your certificate.

REQUEST YOUR CERTIFICATE

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my progress?

Students taking our construction intro courses can check their progress by logging into my.SDSU. If you need assistance with your account, contact our Registration staff at 619-594-5152 or enrollment.global@sdsu.edu.

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Do I receive a letter grade once I complete my course(s)?

You’ll earn three units of professional development credit from SDSU for each intro course you complete. Other institutions may or may not accept this for academic credit; please confirm with these institutions that SDSU's courses are transferable before enrolling in our courses.

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How is the program structured?

Our construction intro courses are 100% online. Courses begin four times per year. You must complete all necessary coursework within 5 weeks from your date of enrollment. You’ll have access to course materials for up to 10 weeks from the date of enrollment.

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What is the program format?

Our introductory construction courses feature a mostly asynchronous virtual instruction learning modality. Courses in this modality feature instruction provided through a combination of recorded and limited direct instruction with academic activities, quizzes, etc., at the arranged times and dates described in the footnotes and syllabus unless otherwise noted. Content may be open for restricted periods.

  • Students may be expected to attend any live sessions necessary to complete the course.
  • Final exams or assignments will be listed in the course syllabus and may need to be completed at a set time and date.
  • Faculty and instructors are available for office hours and instructional support when needed.

Mostly Asynchronous courses may be preferable for students in different time zones as they provide the flexibility to work on your schedule at your own pace. However, these courses may require group activities and arranged meetings with faculty.

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Is there financial support available for this program?

The Professional Certificate in Construction Practices is eligible for tuition assistance for unemployed and underemployed students through the San Diego Workforce Partnership.

Federal financial aid does not generally apply to our online construction programs, but you may qualify for other private loans from lending institutions, or employer-based tuition reimbursement programs. Please see our Financial Aid Information to learn more.

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Do my courses require textbooks and where can I purchase them?

Some of your courses may require textbooks. Click here for a list of textbooks along with purchasing instructions from the SDSU Bookstore’s website. Textbooks are also available new or used through many online retailers.

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How do I receive my Professional Certificate once I’ve finished the program?

Once you’ve completed all the program requirements, fill out a certificate request form. SDSU Global Campus will verify that you’ve completed all the required courses and assignments. Once you’ve been verified, you’ll receive a digital copy of your certificate.

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Click Here for More FAQs

Related Links

Request Your Certificate
Certificate Programs
Construction Programs
Tour an Online Construction Classroom
Construction Courses 2024 Schedule

This program presented in partnership with a third-party provider is not taught by San Diego State University faculty. It is authorized by SDSU's College of Engineering for professional development credit. Courses offered in partnership with third-party providers are not degree-eligible at San Diego State University.

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Want to Learn More?

Submit this web form and we’ll be in touch to answer all your questions and explain the next steps in the process. Or, you can reach a program recruiter by emailing recruiter.global@sdsu.edu or by calling (619) 594-7700.

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Courses

2023 Fall2024 Winter2024 Spring2024 Summer2024 Fall
ENGR 0018 Construction Materials and Processes

Examines the materials used to construct a variety of structures, highways, utilities, and residential buildings. Includes terminology; interpretation of plans; and specifications to assure that correct materials are ordered, applied, and utilized. Methods of identifying materials delivered to the job site, methods of handling, quality control procedures for testing, and inspection of private and government work will be emphasized. Special emphasis will be given to the relationship of each material to the Uniform Building Code.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

ENGR 0021 Estimating and Bidding I

Students will learn estimating problem-solving in general conditions, civil work, concrete, and masonry (excavation, backfill, grading, paving, landscaping, etc.). Hands-on estimating with quantity take-off, pricing, and bidding is stressed. Uniform cost index categories one-four will be covered.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

ENGR 0022 Estimating and Bidding II

This course features hands-on estimating and quantity take-off activities associated with metals, wood, doors and windows, finishes, electrical, and mechanical estimating.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

ENGR 0031 Contract Documents and Construction Law

This online course focuses on understanding the relationship between contract documents and the construction process.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
Instructors
David Hahn
ENGR 0032 Planning and Scheduling

Students will learn how to plan, prepare, and update construction project schedules in this online course. Through the use of case studies, learn how to define construction activities, determine activity duration, and assemble the activities into a logical construction schedule. Learn to create and use bar charts and critical path schedules.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

ENGR 0033 Construction Blueprint Reading

This course is designed to provide you with that foundational knowledge and enough practice at reading blueprints to get you started. Mastery of blueprint reading will come with practice and with using blueprints on the job on a regular basis.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

ENGR 0034 Introduction to Construction Estimating

After completing this course, students will understand the different types of estimates and how to organize an estimating document. Levels of estimates, quantity take-off techniques, materials pricing methods, and labor productivity rates will be addressed. Students will learn how to determine profit and overhead mark-up and how to determine construction costs.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

ENGR 0035 Essential Construction Math

This class is intended to develop mathematical skills that can be applied to the construction trade through practice and application. This course is an introduction to other courses in construction. While this class is not a prerequisite for any other classes, it does provide a foundation for them.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

ENGR 0038 Building Green Buildings - The Contractor's Perspective

The purpose of this course is to provide construction professionals with information that will help them to effectively bid, contract, build, and close out green building projects. We will explore the green building process from the contractor's and subcontractor's point of view. You will learn how to work with an outside commissioning authority to complete the job.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
Instructors
David Hahn
ENGR 0049 Construction Productivity and Cost Management
This course will focus on construction cost management and improving productivity with cost management strategies. Through practice with skillful problem-solving techniques, student will learn to manage costs and take proactive measures to increase productivity on their job sites. This is a paced, asynchronous online course. The course features a high level of student-to-student and student-to-teacher interaction.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)