Thank you to SGOCE adjunct faculty member Liz Louden for sharing her story and writing this blog. 

HIGHER EDUCATION Review voted Fitchburg State University among the TOP 1O PROMISING COLLEGES IN USA FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE & IT PROGRAMS - 2025 
For exceptional academic expertise, capability to adapt to the evolution of educational field and transformational impact on students' career. 

Computer science and IT industries are undergoing a rapid transformation, with new emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. Higher education institutions must adapt curricula to meet industry demands while fostering practical skills through hands-on training and real-world exposure. As tuition costs increase, it becomes more difficult to obtain a high-quality education. Industry-academia relationships are also important in matching programs with market needs and improving the employability of graduates. The need for easily accessible programs that prepare students to compete in the job market and supported by the fact that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15 percent growth in the Computer and IT jobs market between 2021 and 2031. 

Fitchburg State University is addressing these challenges by providing industry-aligned computer science and IT education. Founded in 1894 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, the university has evolved from a teacher-training school to a full-fledged public university with an enrollment of approximately 6,100 students. The department hosts the Computer Science program of the school, which dates back to the 1970s and contains Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems, both accredited by the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission, as well as a Master of Science in Computer Science offered both on campus and online with tracks in Data Science and Cybersecurity. 

Want to become a construction manager? Whether you’re a newly aspiring leader or are already in the profession but want to advance your career, this guide can help you navigate the path toward your professional goals.

Learn How to Become a Construction Manager

Key Takeaways:
● Becoming a construction manager requires a blend of educational background,
industry experience, skills, and relevant certifications.
● Most employers seek construction managers with at least a bachelor’s degree.
● While technical proficiency is essential, don’t overlook the need to cultivate
business management and other soft skills that drive positive outcomes.
● Massachusetts ranks third in the nation for construction manager salaries.

1. Earn Your Degree

A college education is an important first step toward becoming a construction manager, as it provides the foundational knowledge to interpret blueprints, assess structural integrity, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

For most entry-level positions, educational requirements include a bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related discipline. Some employers may accept candidates with relevant experience or associate degrees, but many prefer a bachelor's degree.

Moreover, a master’s degree in construction management can give individuals an edge over the competition and increase their eligibility for higher-level positions.

Explore Career Opportunities in Construction Management

The construction industry is one of the largest in the country. With over seven million workers and the creation of nearly $2.1 trillion worth of structures each year, it’s safe to say the need for skilled trade professionals remains strong.

In fact, demand is only growing — the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be 38,700 openings for construction managers each year, on average, through 2032.

Building a career in construction management isn’t one-size-fits-all. From consulting to construction firms and in specialties as varied as road, home, or commercial construction, employers across industries need individuals with the experience and expertise to get the job done.

Learn more about how to start — or advance — a career in this in-demand field.

Meet Anthony Frongillo, professor of "Leadership & Management" in our Professional Studies concentration, Criminal Justice, MS.

• How long have you been teaching in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program? What is your background in the criminal justice world?

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am recently retired from a 40 year high school career in which I taught both English and Theatre as well as directing plays. In retirement, I have been able to devote more time to becoming a better photographer, read more books and am looking forward to resuming international travel. So much to do!

Using Lab work to boost both engagement and your students’ AP Chemistry Scores. Many AP chemistry teachers feel as if they do not have time to do lab work. I think that this feeling is caused by a number of different factors. Perhaps you might think that you can deliver the material better with lecture or POGILS or worksheets. Perhaps you think your class periods are too short and you don’t have any double periods. Perhaps you feel overworked and that you don’t have time to set labs up. Perhaps you don’t have the time or inclination to collect lab notebooks or grade long lab reports. Perhaps you have done some of the AP of chemical supply company lab protocols and found those procedures to be a time drain taking far too long. Perhaps you don’t know what AP means by “inquiry” and you just don’t know where to begin. Perhaps you don’t have enough equipment, probeware, or supplies. Perhaps you do not have any labs that “work” or help to really illustrate the concepts you are trying to teach.