Facilities management and engineering professionals have an essential job: doing the hard but rewarding work of keeping an organization's workspace running and up to date. Integrating principles of business administration, architecture, and behavioral and engineering sciences, they often manage a staff of trade personnel to oversee the operation and maintenance of buildings and the renovation, allocation and utilization of space and equipment.
Oakton's Facilities Management and Engineering program can get you started in this field. We offer associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degrees in facilities management or facilities engineering, along with certificates in facilities management or facilities engineering.
Our courses bring real-world concepts to the classroom, such as Blueprint Reading, DC and AC Circuits, and Troubleshooting Skills, and Facilities Management. The program also provides opportunities for students to work as an intern at local companies.
A variety of career opportunities exist in a number of different fields. They are employed throughout the country in private industry, government and the non-profit sector to work in manufacturing plants, hospitals, high-rise buildings and educational institutions, as well as large-size hotels.
If you already work in this field, this program can help you upgrade your knowledge and skill in a variety of subjects. Our coursework includes both technical and general education subjects. A degree or certificate can provide valuable recognition for career advancement.
Degrees and Certificates
There are several different degrees and certificates available to you in the Facilities Management and Engineering program.
This degree prepares students for employment in the management of small to large facilities. The curriculum emphasizes basic principles, making it possible for graduates to begin and progress rapidly in their careers. The program also provides opportunities for students to work as an intern at local companies.
This program prepares students for maintenance and management of mechanical, electrical, and hygienic facilities; and to perform or delegate needed repairs. The program also provides opportunities for students to work as an intern at local companies.
This certificate will prepare students to work as facilities manager assistants. Specifically, students will learn basic management practices, nine functions of facilities, and construction management, as well as how to prepare documents for bids and organize staff to make facility run smoothly.
Employment of administrative services and facilities managers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 29,200 openings for administrative services and facilities managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The median annual wage for administrative services and facilities managers was $98,890 in May 2020.
Larry Penar, Chair Professor of Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology MBA Lake Forest Graduate School of Management BSE Chicago Technical College lpenar@oakton.edu 847.635.1955 Office: 1847, Des Plaines
Meet our part time faculty:
David Arvans Lecturer A.A.S. Moraine Valley Community College Certificate in Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate in Practical Energy Conservation Certificate in Economic Energy Conservation darvans@oakton.edu 847.635.1910 Office: B206, Skokie
Jack O'Rourke Lecturer Certificate in EPA Type I and II jourke@oakton.edu 847.635.1910 Office: B206, Skokie
Dave Arvans Chief Facilities Engineer Elgin Hospital
Robert Axelrod, PE President Cooling Equipment Service
Jim Coates Director of Training International Union of Operating Engineers
Mike Kaplan Service Manager Kaplan’s Heating and Cooling
Jack O’Rourke V.P. Engineering Manager Able Engineering
Allen Schwartz, PE Director of Engineering Ferguson Heating and Cooling Supply
John Smith President Effective Air
What's Next?
We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.
