Students who wish to earn a degree
in facilities management can pursue select degree programs accredited by the
International Facility Management Association (IFMA), a certification
organization for the industry. These programs can generally be completed in
four years, and some schools require students to complete an internship, which
offers hands-on experience.
This career involves multiple disciplines, and
knowledge of architecture, mathematics, psychology and managerial skills can
prove beneficial. Some colleges may require prospective graduates to complete a
capstone project and thesis. To be considered for admission, students need to
be high school graduates.
Program
Coursework
The curriculum typically includes
certain general education courses, such as English, world studies and science.
Since facilities managers can be involved in so many aspects of running a
building, students take part in a diverse curriculum. Courses can include:
- Business and contract law
- Building design
- Financial analysis and accounting
- Project and personnel management
- Introduction to business statistics
Popular
careers
Facilities management professionals
may need to spend time outdoors or travel to construction sites. They may also
need to work overtime during the week and be on-call during evenings and
weekends. Graduates who manage healthcare facilities can work as:
- Healthcare environmental service managers
- Sustainable hospital design consultants
- Hospital plant operations directors
Continuing
Education, Credentials and Certification
Certification, while not mandatory,
can be beneficial for facilities managers. The IFMA offers a Facilities
Management Professional (FMP) credential program both to current facilities
managers and to those embarking on careers in the field. This program covers
the basics of facilities management and can be administered online. Having an
FMP credential can be helpful to those who wish to take the IFMA-administered
Certified Facility Manager (CFM) exam, a 4-hour test covering such topics as
operations, maintenance and project planning. Education and work experience
requirements for the CFM exam can vary.
Master's
Program in Facilities Management
Graduates determined to expand their
knowledge of the constructional, managerial and architectural aspects of
facilities management can obtain master's degrees. Like undergraduate programs
in facilities management, certain Master of Science programs in the subject can
be accredited by the IFMA. The 2-3 year programs often require the completion
of a master's thesis. In addition, students with prior work experience may be
eligible to earn advanced standing credits towards their degree. All applicants
need to have a bachelor's degree to qualify for admission.
Program
Coursework
Many colleges and universities offer
evening courses for students who work during the day. Subjects covered can
include:
- Facility maintenance and operation
- Environmental issues
- Property development
- Real estate management
- Managerial finance
Completion of a certificate program
in facilities management can benefit individuals with formal degrees in the
field, for those already working or for those changing careers.
These programs
can be completed in approximately two years, although some schools allow
students five years to finish them. Most programs consist of both required and
elective courses covering topics recognized by the IFMA, such as operations and
maintenance, real estate, leadership and quality assessment. Educational
prerequisites vary by certificate program.
Program
Coursework
Students need to take 9-11 required
units and 9-15 elective units. Their options may include such classes as:
- Property assets
- Emergency preparedness
- HVAC systems
- Sustainable design
- Facilities management principles
Popular
Careers
Individuals may decide to attain FMP
credentials and gain work experience in preparation for the CFM exam. Careers
in hospitals and other healthcare facilities can include:
- Assistant director in facilities management
- Facilities maintenance specialist
- Data center facilities manager
This online program is designed for individuals who
currently work within the facility management profession and desire to broaden
their understanding of facility management. Individuals with job titles and
responsibilities such as facility manager, building manager/supervisor,
building owner, facility planner and support staff, architect, architectural
technician, designer, engineer, furniture industry designer, and facility
management service consultant will benefit from these courses.
You will learn
concepts and procedures of facility planning, programming, budgeting, project
management, office productivity measurements, and operations management; along
with operating systems within facilities, and the methodologies used to keep
those systems operational, concepts such as life cycle costs, value engineering
and building diagnostics including methods for estimating and planning staff
and financial resources. Courses within the FM Online Certificate program help
prepare students for successful completion of the International Facility
Management Associations (IFMA) Certified Facility Management exam.
Facilities managers are responsible for managing
workspace. They oversee raw materials, equipment, and physical space where
manufacturing and other work operations are conducted. In order to be a
facilities manager, one must be trained in engineering, architecture, and
information technology. Facilities managers are usually responsible for:
• Organizing workspace
• Budgeting
• Acquiring leases and managing real estate
• Supervising employees working for custodial, grounds, and maintenance crews
Facility managers are also responsible for ensuring employees work in safe environments and have access to equipment meant to protect their health and safety.
Facility managers typically hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees in facilities management, business administration, construction management, architecture, or engineering. Those obtaining formal training in facilities management enhance their employment opportunities since most organizations prefer to hire applicants with college degrees.
• Organizing workspace
• Budgeting
• Acquiring leases and managing real estate
• Supervising employees working for custodial, grounds, and maintenance crews
Facility managers are also responsible for ensuring employees work in safe environments and have access to equipment meant to protect their health and safety.
Facility managers typically hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees in facilities management, business administration, construction management, architecture, or engineering. Those obtaining formal training in facilities management enhance their employment opportunities since most organizations prefer to hire applicants with college degrees.
Most organizations also value applicants with
effective communication, decision-making, and management skills. Since these
management specialists are also responsible for managing multiple projects at a
time, facility managers should also be good at multi-tasking.
