Slippery Rock, Pa. – October 07, 2026 -- Slippery Rock University (SRU) and the Eastern Atlantic States (EAS) Carpenters have jointly developed a Bachelor of Applied Science in construction management, with the first online classes starting December 2026.
Union and university build degree on apprenticeship foundations
The EAS Carpenters served as primary architects of the curriculum, designed to let apprentices, journey workers, community college students and career and technical education graduates convert trade experience into a four-year degree. The program includes three embedded certificates covering construction management, construction safety and construction technologies, each serving as a progression milestone toward the bachelor's degree.
Industry cites workforce shortage as driver for new pathway
John Mascaro Jr., president and CEO of Mascaro Construction Company (MCC), said the sector faces a significant shortage of skilled craftspeople, project managers, project engineers and estimators. MCC, a family-owned firm active across western Pennsylvania, has been named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's "Top Workplaces" list for 10 consecutive years and backed the partnership as a model for growing skilled union labor while developing future construction leaders.
Program blends online coursework with in-person instruction for working adults
Nicole Dafoe, dean of SRU's College of Engineering and Science, said the degree expands leadership training for long-term career growth in construction, safety and building technology. SRU President Karen Riley said the initiative removes the traditional either-or choice between trades education and higher education, creating a continuum from hands-on skills to management and leadership capabilities.
Training center coordinator frames deal as mutual investment
Alex Fulton, coordinator for the EAS Carpenters Training Center, said the partnership combines technical job-site expertise from the carpenters with SRU's faculty experience to help union members take on expanded responsibilities as their careers progress. Tim Slekar, SRU's associate provost for academic innovation, said the model builds university study directly on the foundation of apprenticeship learning.
First information session set for October 12 via Zoom
SRU will hold its first information session on the degree program on Monday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Prospective students can register through the university or contact Mike May, vice president for enrollment management, with questions.