Studying Facilities Maintenance: Degrees at a Glance
Facilities maintenance personnel make sure that office, residential and industrial buildings and grounds remain functional and safe. Their job often incorporates elements of repair and maintenance, project management and administrative duties. An associate's degree in the field can provide the hands-on experience required for entry-level maintenance and technician opportunities. A bachelor's degree can take your education further by integrating advanced topics and offering further specialization.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that maintenance personnel could expect 15% - or about as fast as average - job growth over the 2010-2020 decade (www.bls.gov). Employment prospects may experience a downturn due to fluctuations in the economy and new technologies, such as building management systems. Overall, individuals with experience will enjoy the best job prospects.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | People seeking entry-level maintenance or technician positions | Individuals interested in pursuing management opportunities |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Grounds maintenance worker ($29,000)* - General maintenance worker ($37,000)* - Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers ($46,000)* | - Administrative services manager ($87,000)* - Property, real estate or community association manager ($63,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years full-time | 2 years full-time with a transferable associate's, 4 years full-time without an associate's |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - 60-90 credits - Core and general education courses - Possible cooperative work experience | - Possible required internship - Maintain a minimum GPA - Some liberal arts courses may be required |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Online Availability | None found at this time | Limited depending on major |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Associate's in Facilities Maintenance
The associate's degree in facilities maintenance provides a practical education designed to develop problem-solving, mechanical and technical skills. You will learn to diagnose problems with building systems, apply the appropriate safety procedures and perform repairs. The associate's degree offers education in heating and air conditioning systems, industrial electricity, welding and hydraulic equipment. Some programs offer specialization in areas including natural gas, fiber optics or computerized building systems, to name a few. Upon graduation, you should qualify for general maintenance and repair positions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Many jobs only require a high school diploma or postsecondary certificate, which will make you stand out with an associate's degree
- Your program may offer a cooperative work experience option, which will provide valuable experience in an employment setting
- Some programs transfer to a bachelor's degree program in a related discipline
Cons
- Job opportunities may fluctuate with the economy or real estate landscape
- Entry-level opportunities offer relatively low salaries
- Small companies may not offer many advancement opportunities
Courses and Requirements
The associate's degree offers a blend of general education and practical coursework in maintenance technologies and processes. You will learn to diagnose and repair plumbing, heating and electrical problems in an industrial, corporate or medical facility. Following are some common courses offered by the program:
- Industrial electricity
- Mechanical and electrical building systems
- Heating systems
- Construction materials
- Green technology
- Technical graphics
- AutoCAD
Online Degree Options
Locating an online facilities maintenance program may prove difficult. Maintenance personnel perform tasks that require hands-on training in safety procedures and possibly certification and licensing. As a result, some professions require the completion of an apprenticeship program, which provides a combination of classroom work and paid, hands-on training. Consequently, distance-education opportunities for an associate's degree are limited, if they exist at all.
Stand Out with This Degree
Choosing a specialization can establish a more lucrative employment path. For example, according to the BLS, electrical and electronics installers and repairers earned a mean annual wage of $52,000 as of 2011. In addition, seeking the appropriate certification can also improve employment prospects. The Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional credential conferred by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals will validate your competence in a range of concepts and skills.
Bachelor's in Facility Management
A bachelor's degree program should provide an in-depth education that prepares graduates for a career in management. The degree program combines concepts in business administration, engineering and architecture. Some schools design 2-year programs that work in conjunction with transferable associate's degree programs in a related discipline. Courses offer a foundation in mathematics, science, technology and communication. You will learn how to use building systems technology and manage the workloads of multiple individuals.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Employers are seeking candidates with higher education for property management opportunities
- Programs usually offer an internship program (around 10 weeks in length) to integrate knowledge and experience
- You can choose from several electives to focus your studies or pursue knowledge in an area that interests you
Cons
- Property, real estate and community association management opportunities are expected to growth slower than average (6%) over the next decade*
- Pursuing certification to increase employment prospects will extend your training
- Limited online options unless you adjust your degree plan
Courses and Requirements
The bachelor's degree offers a combination of roughly 120 credits in technology and management. Your program may require the completion of an internship as a condition of awarding the degree. In addition, a capstone project, which may require a research and thesis component, may be required and can enhance your learning experience. Programs combine business and construction concepts through courses in property development, business law, project management, applied management, macroeconomics, building systems and finance.
Online Degree Options
Similar to the associate's degree, online programs in facilities maangement are difficult to find. Pursuing an education in business administration or real estate with a minor in facilities management may boost online options, but you may not have access to the courses offered in a facilities management program. Online programs are usually designed to meet the needs of working professionals.
Stand Out with This Degree
Knowledge and experience are important components of obtaining appropriate employment. Employers prefer to hire candidates who have experience in the maintenance industry or who have the appropriate credentials. Obtaining certification can boost your competitiveness, job prospects and earnings potential. The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) offers the Facility Management Professional, Sustainability Facility Professional and the Certified Facility Manager certifications. The IFMA has varying education requirements, but you usually need a bachelor's degree in facilities management to limit the number of years' experience to become eligible.
