Facilities Management Masters Degree Launched

A new online Master of Science degree emphasizing facilities management has been launched by the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). The program is delivered via the Internet to meet the needs of working professionals, preparing students to meet a growing demand for skilled employees in the facilities management field.

The Master of Science in Technology, Facilities Management Emphasis, addresses the need for more qualified professionals in facility management, property management, plant engineering, plant management, and related occupations. This graduate degree program will be offered 100-precent online and will allow an individual to complete all coursework in 2 calendar years plus 1 summer. The program will be open to anyone with a 4-year degree from an accredited institution.

Importantly, there is still time to enroll in spring 2008 courses. You can be admitted to the IUPUI Graduate School as a Non-Degree Graduate student at any time until the beginning of the semester, which starts on January 7. Individuals interested in pursuing the Master's degree with facilities management area of specialization can then proceed with the formal admission process.

Facilities Management program courses scheduled for the spring semester are:

TECH 581 Introduction to Facilities Engineering Systems
Prerequisite: none
This course introduces the design criteria, operation, safety, maintenance, testing, and assessment of building engineering systems. The inter-relationships of fire protection, HVAC, electrical distribution, plumbing, lighting, telecommunication, and energy management are examined.

TECH 581 Facilities Planning and Management
Prerequisite: none
The overall planning process for facilities is presented, including space planning, facilities layout, engineering systems integration, site selection, OSHA and EPA compliance, and compliance with ADA requirements. Additionally, topics related to management or organization of the facility function will be discussed including management functions, how facility management fits into the organization structure, professional conduct and certification of facility professionals, and risk management.

TECH 581 Management of Telecommunications Infrastructure
Prerequisite: Introduction to Facilities Engineering Systems or equivalent knowledge
This course is the study of telecommunications technology, both voice and data. Topics include digital communications, standards and protocols, Ethernets, local area networks, fiber optics, and voice technologies.

TECH 581 Energy Management for Buildings
Prerequisite: Introduction to Facilities Engineering Systems or equivalent knowledge.
Procedures to select energy savings options for buildings are examined with emphasis on the practical aspects of the subject. Space planning, architectural considerations, cost, and environmental impact of the mechanical and electrical systems are considered, along with optimizing the life-cycle cost of the proposed alternative. Software for life-cycle cost and energy analysis are used to calculate energy consumption and compare energy features of a facility.

Additional information is available about the facilities management emphasis degree at IUPUI by emailing [email protected] or going to (www.facmgt.engr.iupui.edu).