Fast-tracking graduates up the construction-management ladder, Sask Polytech is set
to launch the province’s inaugural Bachelor of Construction Management (BCM) degree
program this September.
Twenty-four seats will be offered in Sask Polytech’s BCM program delivered at the Regina and Saskatoon campuses. Graduates of the two-year post-diploma baccalaureate program will be prepared for leadership roles in the heavy industrial, commercial, engineering and construction industries.
Paul Carter, dean of Sask Polytech’s School of Construction, is encouraged by the program’s development, citing it as a win-win.
“There’s a growing demand in Saskatchewan, and Canada, for experienced and quality construction managers,” says Dean Carter. “The intention is to fill the gap and develop an applied degree program with working professionals in mind and create opportunities to further their career post-diploma.”
Saskatchewan is one of five provinces offering bachelor’s degrees in construction management or building science, following Ontario (George Brown College, Algonquin College), British Columbia (BCIT), Alberta (NAIT, SAIT), and Manitoba (Red River College).
Students will be accepted into Sask Polytech’s BCM program on a first qualified/first admitted (FQFA) basis, after having completed a two-year Sask Polytech diploma—or equivalent—in Architectural Technologies, Civil Engineering Technologies, or Engineering Technology disciplines. Students may complete the BCM program on a full-time or part-time basis.
Courses have been designed as stand-alone units and will combine practical multi-faceted skills with theoretical knowledge and technical training in a variety of topics, including scheduling, estimating, safety, contract law, cost control, tendering and project management. An applied industry-supported capstone project will bookend year two.
Flexibility is an integral component of the program, shares Sask Polytech’s Ahmed Hosni, program head for the Bachelor of Construction Management Program. “We developed the program with working professionals in mind,” he says, noting that the program will be offered outside of traditional business and school hours and will include a mix of on-campus courses and self-directed online learning. “The intention is to have a blended learning approach.”
Hosni adds industry interest is high. “The program has been developed to meet industry needs for qualified and skills construction managers,” he says. “There are still seats available, we encourage anyone interested in BCM to apply today!”
Dean Carter confirms the school will continue to work alongside industry to meet growing demands. “We try to align everything we do with what’s happening in industry,” he says. “If industry needs more [seats], then we would adjust our resources to offer an appropriate number.”
Sask Polytech is currently seeking accreditation for its BCM from three major associations: the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) for Gold Seal, the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS), and the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 28,000 distinct students through applied learning
opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through
extensive distance education opportunities. For more information on the BCM program
visit saskpolytech.ca/construction.
This story was originally wrote for We Build - Saskatchewan Construction Association's magazine.
Published April 2018.