Southern Polytechnic State University's Construction program has been authorized by the Board of Regents to offer three new certificates in Land Development, Specialty Construction and Project Management.

Dr. Khalid Siddiqi, head of SPSU's Construction program, said the certificates have been designed to offer key concepts in the construction industry in as little as two to three semesters. "The main reason these certificates have been established is to provide competency to working professionals without going through an entire degree program," he said. "This is an exciting addition to SPSU's comprehensive construction program."

The Land Development certificate provides specialized training and education to members of the real estate and land development field in construction and land development principles and practices. The Specialty Construction certificate covers the basic skills and knowledge needed to manage mechanical or electrical components of construction contracts.

The Professional Certificate in Project Management combines courses in computer skills, graphic skills, construction materials and methods and project management techniques. This certificate is suitable for those working professionals who possess sufficient field experience but need skills for promotion to managerial positions, according to Siddiqi.

Southern Polytechnic's construction program is the oldest and largest accredited construction program in Georgia, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The undergraduate program began in 1985 and the master's program started in 1995.