Individuals who are looking to start a new career in construction and carpentry would be wise to peruse this list of the top online carpentry programs. These outstanding schools provide students with revolutionary coursework and state-of-the-art tools to learn the skills of their new trade. Students complete numerous hands-on projects to enhance their understanding of this highly physical career path and learn from the experts, working carpenters. In these programs, students will learn brilliant techniques that will give them the skill to enter directly into the workforce.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the job outlook rate for carpenters at about 8% over the next 8 years (which is faster than average), with an annual salary of about $48,330/yr.
These schools were chosen for several factors that put them ahead of other online programs—due to the:
- nature of the coursework,
- degree of thoroughness and complexity of the curriculum,
- 100% online availability,
- sufficient financial aid availability,
- and an education that gives students more than just classroom experience.
In developing this list, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com chose not to list the schools in an ordered way but instead highlighted three of the very best programs, all of which have their own unique strengths.
There are many options when it comes to attending trade school and we’ve also listed 40 High Paying Trade School Careers and Jobs for you to consider if carpentry isn’t a good fit for you.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN BERNARDINO
Program Standouts:
California State University, San Bernardino has collaborated with ed2go.com to deliver an outstanding Construction Certificate Program. This extensive curricula, taught in three ascending modules, educates students in the necessary math and blueprint reading skills for working on a job site, as well as how to safely operate all kinds of hand and power tools. Within this program, students learn how to build a house from the floor to the roof!
Campus Location: San Bernardino, CA
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Tuition and Fees:
- $6,922 full program—tuition
Types of Aid: Vocational rehabilitation; workforce development boards.
Acceptance Rate: 57.1%
Admission Requirements: a GPA of 3.0 and above qualifies for admission with any score depending on your major
Sampling of Coursework:
- Combined Operations
- Plan Views
- Installation Windows and Doors
Degree Outcomes:
Students exit this online program with a keen understanding of carpentry and will have all the knowledge to know how to build an entire house. Having been instructed by a working carpenter, graduates have developed a wise understanding of the trade, even before entering into the job market.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN BERNADINO’S ONLINE CONSTRUCTION DEGREE
Recommended Schools
ASHWORTH COLLEGE
Program Standouts:
Through Ashworth College’s online Carpentry Career Diploma program, students will learn how to “construct and repair building frameworks and structures using a variety of materials.” The curriculum’s close instruction teaches students the safe and proper methods of using hand and power tools to construct and deconstruct a variety of structures.
Campus Location: Norcross, GA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Tuition and Fees:
- $558 with full payment; $608 with auto monthly payments; $698 with manual monthly payments—tuition
Types of Aid: Low tuition costs; various highly affordable monthly payment plans that start as low as $49/mo; family tuition discounts; student referral bonuses; periodic savings opportunities.
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 17.2%
Admission Requirements:
None
Sampling of Coursework:
- Hand Tools
- Power Tools
- Roofing
- Footings and Foundations
Degree Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program, graduates will understand the complexities and many-faceted plans of building numerous different structures; and will have a solid foundational knowledge of the materials and tools needed for residential construction projects.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ASHWORTH COLLEGE’S ONLINE CAREER DIPLOMA IN CARPENTRY
PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL
Program Standouts:
This nationally accredited online trade school offers a Carpentry Career Diploma that introduces students to an exciting education in construction. Including hands-on exercises, “as well as a work experience option that allows students to get real-world experience,” this comprehensive program will help take you the first step towards a new career in carpentry.
Campus Location: Scranton, PA
Accreditation: Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited for non-degree granting postsecondary programs by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; Nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission; and accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Tuition and Fees: Penn Foster offers a quality education at an affordable price. They offer flexible monthly payment plans with 0% interest! Penn Foster Career School is also approved for veteran’s education benefits!
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit transcripts representing an educational level of at least the 8th grade, and must be at least 17 years of age.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Foundations and Concrete Work
- Roof Styles, Framing, and Finishing
- Windows, Doors, and Insulation
Degree Outcomes:
Upon graduation, alumni are a part of the Carpenter academic group within PFCS’s online community, through which they have the opportunity to network with other graduates. If students take advantage of the highly beneficial Work Experience Option, they will be well on their way to entering into a new line of work.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL’S ONLINE CARPENTER CAREER DIPLOMA
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