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Construction Online Introductory Courses

Spring ’25 Registration Now Open!

Gain a foothold in the construction industry and earn Professional Development Credits by signing up for an online, self-paced introductory course with SDSU Global Campus.

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

About the Program

Now more than ever, the construction industry needs highly-trained, knowledgeable professionals who can adapt to rapidly-changing industry trends and economic conditions. While the industry has experienced a significant downturn in recent months, there’s reason to be optimistic.

With a rapidly-aging national infrastructure in need of repair, combined with environmentally-friendly building initiatives and increased demand for professionals who can work with prefabrication design and advanced construction materials, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job opportunities to grow by 5% over the next decade.

$249

No textbook required

5 Weeks

Completion Time

Online

Course Format

Launch your career in the rapidly-changing construction industry with our two introductory construction courses. Both of these one-unit courses are fully online, so they’re ideal for working professionals and students who value flexibility and convenience. After completing either course, you’ll be fully prepared to enroll in one of our more comprehensive online construction certification programs.

Is This Program Right for Me?

Whether you’ve never set foot on a job site, or you want to build on your construction background and become a full-time laborer or helper, SDSU’s online introductory construction courses can help you quickly and affordably gain a foothold in the construction industry.

There are no prerequisites and no application is necessary to participate in either introductory course, which means that you can sign up no matter what your experience level is. You can participate by logging onto any course from any computer with an internet connection. Best of all, our introductory courses are 100% self-paced, which means you can complete your course on your busy schedule.

After completing either course, you’ll also be ready to begin one of our five Professional Certificates in Construction:

  • Professional Certificate in Civil Sitework Construction
  • Professional Certificate in Construction Practices
  • Professional Certificate in Construction Supervision
  • Professional Certificate in Construction Estimating
  • Professional Certificate in Construction Project Management

What Can I Learn?

SDSU offers two unique introductory courses to help you build your foundation in construction:

Introduction to Construction

The Introduction to Construction course is ideal for individuals who are seeking a foothold in this growing industry. This course will introduce you to key components of construction, including:

  • Project management
  • Types of construction
  • Materials
  • Safety regulations and inspections
  • Scheduling

Introduction to Concrete

In the Introduction to Concrete course, you’ll gain a preliminary understanding of building materials and other key components of construction, including:

  • An overview of Portland Cement Concrete
  • Adverse weather concreting
  • Concrete makeup, materials, and uses
  • Concrete installation techniques
  • Makeup and uses of asphaltic concrete

Meet Your Instructor

Steven Richardson CPE, LEED AP, BD +C, EJD, is president of Proterra Builders Inc. and chief estimator for RIC Construction. He has more than 20 years of estimating experience in correction/detention, healthcare, biotech, education, marine, and commercial construction. Richardson is a retired U.S. Army officer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction, MBA, and EJD.

Through his experience and extensive knowledge, you’ll learn what works — and what doesn’t — for job site leaders who are currently working in construction.

– Steven Richardson, CPE, LEED AP, BD +C, EJD

Both courses are fully approved by SDSU’s College of Engineering. You’ll be able to earn three professional development units (PDU) per course, which can raise your career potential through more job opportunities at a higher pay scale.

Career Outcomes

Labor Analysis
Construction Laborers — Nationwide

  • 1,285,200
    2020 Employment
  • +8%
    Projected Growth 2020-30
  • $28,820 – $70,310
    Average Salary Range

Why Choose SDSU?

Accessibility

All courses are 100% online, completely self-paced, and accessible from anywhere in the world, which means you can complete your courses on your busy schedule.

Expert Instructor

Our introductory courses are led by Steven Richardson, a highly-seasoned leader in San Diego’s local construction industry. Through his leadership and expertise, you’ll forge a solid foundation that you can use to build your career in construction.

Dual-Focused Introduction

You can choose from two unique introductory courses, depending on your goals as an aspiring construction professional. Whether you want to work with building materials, manage projects, perform safety inspections, or do something in between, these introductory courses will help you launch your career quickly.

Enrollment now open for Spring ’25!

Both of our introductory construction courses are offered year-round. Courses begin four times per year, and you’ll have up to 5 weeks to complete your coursework. Each course costs $249* and is worth one (1) Professional Development Unit (PDU).

2025 Term Dates

See below list of courses and descriptions. Each course costs $249 and is worth one (1) Professional Development Unit (PDU).

Block 1

Term Dates: Jan. 13-Mar. 23, 2025
Registration Opens: Oct. 30, 2024
Registration Closes: Jan. 20, 2025

Block 2

Term Dates: Apr. 7-June 15, 2025
Registration Opens: Oct. 30, 2024
Registration Closes: Apr. 14, 2025

Core Courses (Spring)

CoursesBlock 1 DatesBlock 2 Dates
ENGR 0016 Introduction to ConstructionJan. 13-Mar. 23
Reg. Close: Jan. 20, 2025
Apr. 7-June 15
Reg. Close: Apr. 14, 2025
ENGR 0017 Introduction to ConcreteJan. 13-Mar. 23
Reg. Close: Jan. 20, 2025
Apr. 7-June 15
Reg. Close: Apr. 14, 2025

Registration Instructions

Continuing Students

If you have enrolled 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 enrolled within the past three terms, you will need to enroll in the program as a new student to register for courses. Please complete the following steps below 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.

Enrollment now open for Spring ’25!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is there financial support available for this program?

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.

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.

What happens once I complete my intro course?

Your final grade will show on your SDSU transcript.

Related Links

Request Your Certificate
FAQ – Online Construction Certificates
Additional Certificate Programs
Construction Programs
Tour an Online Construction Classroom
Construction Courses 2024 Schedule
Construction Courses 2025 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.