Program Overview

Overview of the Facilities Management Program

The Professional Certificate in Facilities Management offered by UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge, training, and tools necessary to make effective and sustainable facilities management decisions. This program aims to reduce costs while enhancing an organization's facility and services.

Program Description

The program covers all areas of competency recognized by the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), including management, finance, communications, software, and technology. It explores hot topics and current issues in the industry, such as sustainability, productivity, and economics and life cycle cost analysis. Students gain insights and tips from experts in the field that can be immediately applied at work.

Certificate Benefits

• Gain knowledge of all areas relating to facilities management
• Gain the core knowledge needed to prepare for credential exams offered through the International Association of Facilities Management
• Courses feature practical applications which can be immediately utilized in and applied to work environments
• Access to dedicated Career Resources Hub with career information, job postings, events, and tutorials
• Build skills needed for career advancement
• Networking opportunities with peers and instructors

Certificate Guidelines

The Facilities Management program includes 12 required units and a minimum of 8 elective units. Principles of Facilities Management (BUSA-40063) is strongly recommended as a prerequisite to other facilities and sustainability courses. The program can be completed in two years, taking one course per quarter.

Required Courses

• Principles of Facilities Management (BUSA-40063): Learn critical and practical skills needed for facilities management, including facilities operation, maintenance, staff management, budget, schedules, design and construction management, energy management, and effective relationships with contractors and vendors.
• Planning & Project Management for Facilities Managers (BUSA-40091): Gain a fundamental understanding of how to use project management concepts in the development, design, and operation of facility-related projects.
• Facilities Operations & Maintenance (BUSA-40681): Review topical concepts and strategies for operations and maintenance, including work control methods, facility management plans, building system and equipment maintenance, and sustainable practices.
• Building Systems & Technology (BUSA-40676): Understand primary building components and systems, including structure, building envelope, mechanical and electrical systems, and fire life safety systems, as well as technology applications for efficient management.

Electives

Facilities Management Electives

• Real Estate Property Management (RELE-40006): Explore the diverse set of functions in property management, including tenant law, contracts, repair, and facilities management.
• HVAC Systems Design (AMES-40021): Review the pros and cons of the latest energy-efficient HVAC systems, including variable air volume, chilled beam, and natural ventilation.

Sustainability Electives

• Resource Management (BUSA-40677): Learn how to analyze and address challenges in recycling, waste management, and water conservation in a business context.
• Economics and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (ENVR-40013): Understand the economics of sustainability, including calculating financial benefits of environmental and social practices through lifecycle cost analysis.
• Introduction to Sustainability (BUSA-40729): Discover the basics of environmental sustainability, including energy, transportation, water use, recycling, and natural resource life cycles.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (BUSA-41006): Improve performance, enhance quality, and reduce costs through Lean Six Sigma methodology.

Business Electives

• Interest-Based Negotiation (BUSA-40128): Develop negotiation skills essential for professionals, focusing on producing superior outcomes through negotiations.
• Business Communication Skills (BUSA-40368): Explore communication skills necessary for productivity in today's complex workplace, including speech organization, body language, and vocal variety.
• Financial Accounting for Non-Accountants (BUSA-40009): Gain an overview of how to use accounting and financial data for more effective and profitable decisions.
• Managing for Maximum Performance (BUSA-40673): Learn how to build, influence, and lead teams efficiently and effectively, boosting teamwork and morale.

Conditions for Admission

UC San Diego Extended Studies programs are designed to best serve college-prepared working professionals. Although programs are open to all adult learners, preference for admission is given to applicants with this profile where program capacity is limited.

Industry Certification & Guidelines

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be prepared to pursue professional credentials offered through the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA). The program addresses all competency areas recognized by IFMA, including planning and project management, real estate and property management, emergency preparedness and business continuity, leadership and strategy, finance, operations and maintenance, quality, human factors, environmental stewardship and sustainability, communication, and technology.

Advisory Board

The program's advisory board consists of professionals from various fields related to facilities management, ensuring the curriculum is relevant and aligned with industry needs.

Related Programs

• CEQA Practice: Learn to assess project impacts and apply alternatives or mitigation to reduce significant environmental effects.
• Fire Protection Engineering: Develop fire science skills necessary for protecting society from fire and its effects.
• HVAC Systems Design and Control: Study the latest technology in the design, calculation, and practical applications of HVAC and DDC systems.