First online classes built on the foundation of apprenticeship learning begins December 2026
Construction projects depend on people who understand how work happens in the field. A new degree launching in December 2026 is designed to help those workers prepare for the next stage of their careers by building a unique degree pathway that builds on what they have learned in the trade.
The Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters have been primary architects of a unique curriculum for their members to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in construction management, leveraging the national academic reputation of Slippery Rock University.
“This partnership complements and expands on the skills of people in the construction industry and provides leadership training for their long-term career growth,” said Nicole Dafoe, dean of the College of Engineering and Science at SRU. “Together we will create the next generation of construction managers whose impact will extend far beyond construction, helping build the schools, health care facilities, workplaces and community spaces that strengthen the region and improve everyday life for us all.”
The jointly developed curriculum focuses on the career growth of apprentices and journey workers, as well as community college students and career and technical education graduates. It provides a pathway into construction management that also prepares them for increased leadership opportunities around safety and construction technology.
“Our industry faces a significant workforce shortage and an increasing need for skilled craftspeople, project managers, project engineers, estimators, and other construction professionals. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration, innovation, and investment in the next generation of industry leaders,” said John Mascaro Jr., president and CEO of Mascaro Construction Company (MCC), a family-owned company that serves as a catalyst for growth by creating projects that generate lasting value for communities throughout western Pennsylvania. “This partnership between Slippery Rock University and the EAS Carpenters Union brings trade expertise and higher education together to help meet the needs of our industry. This is the kind of practical innovation that earns our support by creating and growing skilled union workers while helping to develop the next generation of construction leaders.” MCC has been named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s “Top Workplaces” for 10 consecutive years.
The degree connects skilled trades learning with university coursework in construction leadership, safety and building technologies for apprentices, journey workers and other adults seeking to advance in the construction industry.
“The concept of an either-or choice between trades education and higher education is outdated and represents a false dichotomy,” said Karen Riley, SRU president. “Both have tremendous value, and together they create greater opportunities for individuals, employers and our region. Bringing these pathways together allows us to respond more directly to what workers need to advance their careers and achieve their life goals, while also addressing what employers need to grow and strengthen the regional economy.”
For apprentices and journey workers, the path through higher education can be difficult to navigate. This program is designed to make that path clearer by connecting prior learning with coursework suited to working adults and a bachelor’s degree focused on the construction workforce.
“The partnership rests on our mutual mission, education and excellence, and our combined dedication and contributions are essential to building the next generation of leaders,” said Alex Fulton, coordinator, EAS Carpenters Training Center. “The carpenters bring the technical expertise and experience from the job site and SRU has the experienced faculty with the demonstrated expertise needed to help our members take on new responsibilities as their careers develop.”
The degree includes three certificates in construction management, construction safety and construction technologies. Each gives students a focused area of study within the broader bachelor’s degree that also serves as progression milestones to their degree.
“The collaboration addresses a long-standing divide in how higher education and career choices are presented,” said Tim Slekar, associate provost for academic innovation at SRU. “The innovation here is bringing the skilled trades and higher education together in one connected pathway. By building university study on the foundation of apprenticeship learning, we’re combining the strengths of both to create new opportunities for workers and meet the needs of the construction industry.”
“This program creates a continuum of learning and a clear pathway for career and professional development—from hands-on skills and technical expertise to the leadership and management capabilities needed to lead the next generation of the construction industry,” President Riley continued. “By connecting these educational pathways, we are not asking individuals to choose between trades and higher education; we are creating opportunities for them to build on both. ”
Designed for adults balancing work and education, the program combines online coursework with in-person learning opportunities.
The first information session is scheduled to take place over Zoom on Monday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. To register visit sru.edu/BASTrade or contact Mike May, vice president for enrollment management, at 724.738.2015 or asktherock@sru.edu with questions.
For detailed information about the program, contactTimothy Slekar, associate provost for academic innovation, at 724.738.2377 or BASTrade@sru.edu.
