The Professional Certificate in Construction Supervision is an eight-course comprehensive certificate program created for people with a background in construction looking to advance their construction supervisory skills. Students must complete six core classes and two electives to earn the certificate in Construction Supervision with an emphasis in either Civil Sitework or Building. All classes should be completed within two years of starting the program.

Spring Block II & Summer Courses Now Available

Register Today

Enhance your leadership skills and elevate your career in construction by earning a Professional Certificate in Construction Supervision from SDSU Global Campus.

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

View Programs

×

About the Program

Supervisors are an essential part of any construction project. To become an effective supervisor, you need advanced technical knowledge of construction practices coupled with an ability to oversee large teams of laborers, make data-driven decisions, and drive the project forward in the face of potential change and uncertainty.

$5,520

Total Estimated Cost Textbooks not included

5 Months

Min. Completion Time

Online

Course Format

SDSU’s Professional Certificate in Construction Supervision program is a comprehensive eight-course certificate program that will help you build on your background in construction and begin to take on supervisory responsibilities. With two unique specializations to choose from — an emphasis in either Civil Sitework or Building — you can become a better leader on the job site in as few as five months.

Associated General Contractors of America logoAll courses are offered in cooperation with the San Diego Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America.

Is This Program Right for Me?

SDSU’s construction supervision program is designed to help you acquire the leadership skills you need to take on supervisory roles at various stages of construction projects. It’s ideal for students who have experience in construction, as well as students who are transitioning into construction from another similar field.

There are no prerequisites and no application is necessary to participate in the program, which means that you can take any of our online construction courses. However, our construction supervision program is designed to build on your existing background in the construction industry. If you’re completely new to construction, we also offer two Introduction to Construction courses to help you build a solid foundation in construction.

You can log onto any course from any computer with an internet connection. Most classes have assignments with weekly due dates — please ensure that you can complete any necessary coursework for the duration of the course.

San Diego Workforce Partnership: Creating Workforce Solutions

SDSU is a State-approved provider for the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). If you’re unemployed or underemployed, you may be eligible to receive full or partial tuition assistance on this program. Equal Opportunity is the Law. Equal opportunity employer/program auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Click here to learn more.

Take a Tour of an Online Classroom

What Can I Learn?

SDSU’s Construction Supervision program is a variation on the popular AGC Supervisory Training Program with added material that include web tours, expanded topic studies, and group problem-solving sessions that address common industry issues.

You’ll be able to customize your certificate by specializing in one of two emphases:

Professional Certificate in Construction Supervision with an Emphasis in Building

If you’d like to take on supervisory responsibilities during the building phase of a construction project, this certificate will help you gain a more thorough understanding of the building process.

To earn this certificate, you’ll complete two additional classes:

  • Building Green Buildings: The Contractor's Perspective
  • Construction Project Management

Professional Certificate in Construction Supervision with an Emphasis in Civil Sitework

Interested in job site preparation? This certificate will show you how to supervise the preliminary steps of many different types of construction projects.

To earn this certificate, you’ll complete two additional classes:

  • Construction Equipment and Methods
  • Practical Applications of Heavy Civil Construction

Become a Better Leader

Construction supervisors utilize a range of leadership skills to perform their day-to-day responsibilities effectively. SDSU’s certificate program will help you hone these skills, which include:

People Skills

  • Effective Leadership
  • Accident Prevention
  • Clear Communication

 

Technical Skills

  • Planning
  • Scheduling
  • Cost Control
  • Productivity Improvements

 

Management Skills

  • Project Management
  • Contract and Document Comprehension
  • Complex Problem-Solving

 

Lessons are reinforced by quizzes, which will give you immediate feedback on your understanding of the course content. You’ll set your own class times to complete the work due each week. Typically, you should plan on dedicating about five hours per week, per class.

You’ll learn how to become a better supervisor under the guidance of a panel of expert instructors. Your lessons are led by active career professionals from all levels of the construction industry. Through their experience and extensive knowledge, you’ll learn what works — and what doesn’t — for job site leaders who are currently working in construction.

This certificate in Construction Supervision program is authorized by SDSU's College of Engineering. This means that you’ll be able to earn three professional development units (PDUs) per course, which can raise your career potential through more job opportunities at a higher pay scale.

Career Outcomes

Labor Analysis
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers — Nationwide

 

685,000
Job postings in the last 12 months

 

+5%-7%
Projected job growth in the next 10 years

 

$42,730-$106,900
Average Salary
(nationwide)


Source: Burning Glass/Emsi, 2022

The outlook is bright for construction professionals who work in supervisory roles on the job-site. According to the leading estimates, there are currently more than seven million construction laborers employed across the country, and those numbers are projected to grow by 12% over the next decade.

Salary varies depending on your level of experience, location, and which type of construction projects you’re working on. In 2019, the average salary for a first-line construction supervisor is $66,000 per year. 25% of construction supervisors earn less than $53,400 per year; 25% earn more than $85,540 per year. In California, the average annual salary for construction supervisors is nearly $80,000 per year.

Some of the roles that you’ll be prepared to take on include:

  • Foreman
  • Project Coordinator
  • Field Engineer
  • Assistant PM
  • Assistant Superintendent
  • General Contractor
  • Subcontractor
  • Laborer
  • Superintendent
  • Supervisor
  • Field Coordinator
  • Inspector

Why Choose SDSU?

Accessibility

All courses are 100% online and accessible from anywhere in the world, which means you can earn your certificate on your schedule. You can complete the program in as few as five months, or take up to two years to complete all your courses.

Expert Instructors

The program is led by seasoned construction professionals with years of industry experience. Through their knowledge, combined with a robust online curriculum, you’ll quickly learn how to become a leader on the job site and supervise projects of any scope.

Personalized Program

What type of supervisor do you want to be? In addition to six core courses, you can customize your certificate by studying either sitework or building, depending on which construction project phase you’re interested in working on.

×

In order to earn your Professional Certificate in Construction Supervision, you’ll need to complete six (6) core courses and two (2) additional elective courses, depending on your emphasis. Each course costs $690 and is worth three (3) Professional Development Units (PDUs).

2024 Term Dates

Spring Block I: Jan. 15–March 24, 2024 - Registration opens Monday, November 6
Spring Block II: April 8–June 16, 2024 - Registration opens Monday, November 6
Summer Block: June 24-Sept. 1, 2024
Fall Block: Sept. 16–Nov. 24, 2024

Click the course names below to read the course description. Click the Enroll button below or visit the How to Register tab once you’re ready to register. Click here to view the Construction Courses 2024 Schedule.

Core Courses

Core Courses (complete all six) SPII Course Dates Registration SU Course Dates Registration
ENGR 0028 Leadership and Motivation Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15    
ENGR 0030 Oral and Written Communication     June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0031 Contract Documents and Construction Law     June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0032 Planning and Scheduling Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15 June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0048 Problem Solving and Risk Management Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15    
ENGR 0049 Construction Productivity and Cost Management Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15    

Elective Courses

Elective Courses (complete two in chosen area of emphasis) SPII Course Dates Registration SU Course Dates Registration
Emphasis in Civil Sitework
ENGR 0043 Construction Equipment and Methods Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15 June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0044 Practical Applications of Heavy Civil Construction Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15    

Emphasis in Building
ENGR 0038 Building Green Buildings: The Contractor's Perspective     June 24-Sept 1 Mar 6-Jul 1
ENGR 0047 Construction Project Management Apr 8-Jun 16 Nov 6-Apr 15    

Dates and fees subject to change.

×

Registration Instructions

Continuing Students

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

Click here for more details on registration

Finished all the required courses?

Click the button below to receive your certificate.

REQUEST YOUR CERTIFICATE

×

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my progress?

Students taking our construction 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.

Back to Top >

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.

Back to Top >

How is the program structured?

Our construction 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.

Back to Top >

What is the program format?

Our 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.

Back to Top >

Is there financial support available for this program?

The Professional Certificate in Construction Supervision is eligible for tuition assistance for unemployed and underemployed students through the San Diego Workforce Partnership.

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.

Back to Top >

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.

Back to Top >

How do I receive my Professional Certificate once I’ve finished the program?

Once you’ve completed all the program requirements, fill out a certificate request form. SDSU Global Campus will verify that you’ve completed all the required courses and assignments. Once you’ve been verified, you’ll receive a digital copy of your certificate.

Back to Top >

Click Here for More FAQs

Related Links

Request Your Certificate
Certificate Programs
Construction Programs
Take the Online Classroom Demo Tour
Construction Courses 2024 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.

 Back to Top >

Want to Learn More?

Submit this web form and we’ll be in touch to answer all your questions and explain the next steps in the process. Or, you can reach a program recruiter by emailing recruiter.global@sdsu.edu or by calling (619) 594-7700.

 Back to Top >

Core Courses

2023 Fall2024 Winter2024 Spring2024 Summer2024 Fall
ENGR 0028 Leadership and Motivation
This class will teach the student how to recognize their style of leadership and how to utilize other styles when appropriate. Students will learn how the analysis of worker needs affects worker motivation, the affect that attitudes and abilities have on job performance, and how to positively influence attitudes and abilities.
Course Date(s)

ENGR 0030 Oral and Written Communications

This online course is designed for you to become a more effective supervisor by becoming a more effective communicator. The skills you learn within the course will be put to use right away!

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
Instructors
David Hahn
ENGR 0031 Contract Documents and Construction Law

This online course focuses on understanding the relationship between contract documents and the construction process.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
Instructors
David Hahn
ENGR 0032 Planning and Scheduling

Students will learn how to plan, prepare, and update construction project schedules in this online course. Through the use of case studies, learn how to define construction activities, determine activity duration, and assemble the activities into a logical construction schedule. Learn to create and use bar charts and critical path schedules.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

ENGR 0048 Problem Solving and Risk Management
This course will focus on risk identification and assessment. Through practice with skillful problem-solving techniques, students will learn to manage, diminish, or eliminate risks. This is a paced, asynchronous online course. The course features a high level of student-to-student and student-to-teacher interaction.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

ENGR 0049 Construction Productivity and Cost Management
This course will focus on construction cost management and improving productivity with cost management strategies. Through practice with skillful problem-solving techniques, student will learn to manage costs and take proactive measures to increase productivity on their job sites. This is a paced, asynchronous online course. The course features a high level of student-to-student and student-to-teacher interaction.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Elective Courses

2023 Fall2024 Winter2024 Spring2024 Summer2024 Fall
ENGR 0038 Building Green Buildings - The Contractor's Perspective

The purpose of this course is to provide construction professionals with information that will help them to effectively bid, contract, build, and close out green building projects. We will explore the green building process from the contractor's and subcontractor's point of view. You will learn how to work with an outside commissioning authority to complete the job.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Register
Instructors
David Hahn
ENGR 0043 Construction Equipment and Methods

Students will learn skills and methods to help advance their career in civil construction, advance your understanding in how to utilize equipment, identify and understand construction methods used to increase productivity on the job site, increase awareness in how to budget for and utilize equipment efficiently. Students will better understand safety procedures associated with different equipment, learn how to select and budget for the best equipment needed for the job and understand and apply methods used in utilizing construction equipment.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

ENGR 0047 Construction Project Management
This course provides a framework for understanding the project manager's role, responsibilities, processes, and procedures. Students will learn the stages of the project, scheduling, feasibility, bidding and contracting, contracts, risk, claims, maintenance, warranties, and more. This is a paced, asynchronous online course. The course features a high level of student to student and student to instructor interaction.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

Courses

2023 Fall2024 Winter2024 Spring2024 Summer2024 Fall
ENGR 0044 Practical Applications of Heavy Civil Construction
This online course focuses on understanding heavy civil construction methods, procedures and techniques. This includes civil site preparation and grading, excavation, back fill, compaction, trenching, paving, and dewatering. Discussions on the proper methods of determining earthwork quantities, estimating civil construction costs and safety implications will take place throughout the course.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)

ENGR 0050 Practical Applications of Construction Law
Applications of Construction Law online course provides a framework for understanding the legal environment in which construction takes place. Students will learn the stages of contracts, how to avoid litigation, protective methods for the employee/employer in a litigious society, understand the legal liability of construction professionals, avoid disputes using clauses, and be more informed when navigating the legality of the jobsite. Students will learn about the different models of contracts, contract principles, offers, and defenses to the formation of contracts. We will review the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and how it is used in sales contracts. Topics also include the roles and responsibilities of the contractor, architect, and the documents that bind them. Bonds, liens, and waivers,the legal liability of construction professionals, avoiding disputes through use of clauses, and how to avoid defects are included in this course.

Format: Online

Course Date(s)