The facilities management industry is facing a labor crisis, with nearly half of today’s professionals approaching retirement. To help fill that workforce gap and provide career development opportunities, higher education institutions across the country are increasingly offering degrees in the FM field.
One of the latest examples is Dunwoody College of Technology, a not-for-profit school in Minneapolis. The college announced it is launching a fully online bachelor of science completion degree in facilities management, beginning in fall 2026. Designed for working professionals and career changers, the program offers a flexible, two-year pathway to advance education without pausing employment.
Facilities managers play a critical role in ensuring buildings, infrastructure, and operations run smoothly, safely, and cost-effectively. Dunwoody said its multidisciplinary program will blend technical knowledge with business and leadership skills, preparing graduates to work in sectors such as healthcare, education, industrial, and government.
“The facilities management field is projected to grow by six percent over the next eight years,” said Heather Stafford, associate dean of construction sciences and building technology. “This program reflects Dunwoody’s commitment to delivering high-value education that meets industry needs. Our graduates will be ready to lead projects that directly impact efficiency, safety, and sustainability.”
According to the college, students will learn to oversee the operation and maintenance of buildings, grounds, and infrastructure while developing operational strategies and budgets for facility needs. They will be trained to apply quality, safety, and sustainability practices, lead teams, resolve workplace conflicts, and integrate energy-efficient and environmentally responsible solutions into their work.
The program is entirely online and can be completed in four semesters with 90 credits. Coursework includes construction planning and scheduling, strategic planning, construction accounting, estimating, and negotiation and conflict resolution. Eligible applicants can transfer in credits from a two-year degree in construction, electrical, HVAC, welding, or surveying.
Dunwoody said graduates will enter a growing field with diverse career opportunities and will join the college’s extensive alumni network—known for hands-on expertise and problem-solving skills—giving them a competitive advantage in the job market.
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