HIGHER EDUCATION
HIGHER EDUCATION
Williamson and Rowan Partner on Construction Degree
By Jamie Grill-Goodman
Williamson College of the Trades and Rowan University have come together to help reduce the shortage of qualified labor in the construction industry .
The two institutions have entered an academic partnership that allows Williamson students seeking an Associate in Specialized Technology ( AST ) degree to receive dual credit for approved courses toward a Certificate of Undergraduate Study from Rowan University in either construction or project management .
“ The nation continues to face a severe shortage of qualified men and women in the construction fields ,” Arlene A . Snyder , CFRE , VP for Institutional Advancement , Williamson College of the Trades , tells COMMERCE . “ Skilled tradesmen and women are highly sought after to solve the generational gap in the workforce , not just in terms of new construction , but also in repairing our badly needed infrastructure alongside providing everyday services to our communities . Whether you look at state or federal labor force data , careers in the construction fields are projected to remain a high demand career path for decades to come .”
The stackable certificate enables students to earn their credentials in carpentry , electrical or masonry trade programs , while also earning course credits toward a Bachelor of Arts in construction management , offered online through the Henry M . Rowan College of Engineering . The degree program is designed to meet the educational needs of the construction industry by training entry-level construction managers and by providing continuing education for construction employees .
The Articulation Agreement between NJ-based Rowan University and PA-based Williamson College of the Trades was signed effective June 1 , 2024 , and the first class of students that will directly benefit from this opportunity will graduate from Williamson on May 22 , 2025 .
In addition to receiving an Associate Degree from Williamson upon graduation , students in the program will receive a Certificate of Undergraduate Study ( CUGS ) in Construction Management and a CUGS in Project Management from Rowan University .
In order to complete the Bachelors of Arts degree in Construction Management , Williamson graduates will need to be enrolled at Rowan University . “ However , as part of the Articulation Agreement both institutions have committed to making this transition as easy as possible for the student desiring to pursue the Rowan University B . A . degree ,” says Snyder .
Williamson is a private postsecondary institution unique in the nation in providing a full scholarship covering tuition , room and board for every student ’ s three-year education . Special consideration for admission is given to students demonstrating financial need .
Rowan University offers bachelor ’ s degrees through doctoral and professional programs in person and online to 23,000 students . With eight colleges and nine schools , Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of health care , engineering , science and business .
“ Nationally , there is an industry need for a highly trained , highly skilled workforce ,” Rowan University Provost Tony Lowman said in a statement . “ To better meet that need , we ’ re bridging the trades and higher education .”
Signing the agreement between Rowan University and Williamson College of the Trades are ( from left to right ): Dr . Anthony Lowman , Rowan provost ; Dr . Ali Houshmand , Rowan president ; Michael Rounds , Williamson president ; and Dr . Todd Zachary , Williamson provost . Standing behind the table are all Williamson students studying construction technology .
Photo : Williamson College of the Trades
January 2025 COMMERCE 9