In the rapidly evolving world of construction, digital processes like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) are transforming the industry. Georgia Highlands College (GHC), whose home campus is in Rome, Ga., is playing a key role in this shift with its Bachelor of Science in Building Information Modeling Management (BIMM), launched in the Fall of the 2022-23 academic year. The program has already exceeded enrollment projections and is quickly becoming a premier destination for students eager to enter this innovative field.
Jason Christian, Dean of STEM at GHC, says that the BIMM program has shown tremendous growth since its inception and emphasizes that as of Fall 2024, GHC’s BIMM program surpassed its original enrollment goal of 80 students with 88 students — well ahead of schedule. “Not only have we been growing in the number of new students, we are now seeing graduates of the program with 100% employment rates. As the BIM/VDC industry continues to grow, we hope to continue to fill that employment pipeline for years to come.”
As one of the few institutions in the United States offering a degree centered on BIM Management and VDC, GHC joins this limited group of colleges and universities as a leader in this specialized field of education. Students in the BIMM program receive advanced training in construction management alongside hands-on experience with the same digital tools used to design and manage large-scale construction projects worldwide. The program’s rapid growth reflects the increasing demand for professionals skilled in BIM technology.
The global BIM market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 14%, reaching a market value of $7.7 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by technology’s ability to enhance efficiency and collaboration across construction projects, and it reflects the increasing reliance on digital tools in the construction industry. As governments worldwide continue to implement BIM mandates on public projects, the demand for skilled BIM professionals will only increase.
Joshua Marriot, director of VDC & Field solutions at The Weitz Company and vice chair of the GHC BIMM Advisory Board, said that students in BIM and VDC programs are gaining an advantage over their peers and even professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Programs like the GHC BIMM degree equip students with needed tools and practical experience, preparing them for a variety of roles in the digital construction space.
The GHC BIMM program integrates business management and construction practices with advanced training in BIM and VDC, providing students with practical knowledge and skills. By the time they reach their final year, students are expected to provide a capstone project or be involved in an internship, ensuring they gain real-world experience in a fast-growing industry.
“As the construction landscape continues to evolve, the importance of BIM, VDC, and digital delivery roles continues to grow and become critical to operations. Construction firms are increasingly recognizing the value of these skills, leading to a rising demand for knowledgeable individuals who can navigate and enhance modern construction practices,” Marriot said.
Much of GHC’s BIMM program’s success can be attributed to the partnerships it has established with leading construction technology firms. Several leaders in construction technology have collaborated with GHC to shape the program’s curriculum and have donated state-of-the-art BIM and VDC software. This enables students to gain direct experience with the same advanced tools used by professionals in the field.
The program has also benefitted from company donations of software products from Allplan/SDS2, a Nemetschek company, and site scanning and augmented reality hardware from BuildingPoint, a Trimble reseller. The Allplan/SDS2 Learning Lab on the GHC Cartersville campus provides access to technology currently used in the industry. Other software products such as Tekla Structures’ modeling software and Autodesk’s product line have been accessed through those companies’ education websites. These partnerships ensure that GHC students are prepared for the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce.
Chris Dysart, current BIMM advisory board chair and building construction specialist and certified trainer at BuildingPoint, emphasized the advisory board’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of the BIM Management degree, ultimately enhancing the impact of graduates in the built environment.
Dysart said, “Our intention is to align the curriculum with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in a rapidly evolving field. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, we aim to create a program that not only meets current demands but also anticipates future trends.”
As digital technology continues to drive innovation in construction, BIM has become a pivotal tool in modern project management and execution. Most U.S. states allow project owners and state institutions to decide on BIM usage based on project needs. Many construction firms support BIM implementation and modeling to improve project coordination and cost management, particularly in complex builds. This approach allows flexibility within the unique regulatory landscape of the U.S., where states have a high degree of autonomy.
Ihuoma Onungwa, instructor of BIM Management, GHC School of STEM, asserts that an understanding of architecture, structure, MEP, computer applications, and financial operations is essential for a BIM manager, and the degree is built to accommodate this.
"Georgia Highlands College's cutting-edge, multidisciplinary BIMM program prepares professionals for the AEC industry. The BIMM curriculum at GHC is a transformative program that equips students with all the skills needed to operate in the AEC industry as BIM managers, VDC specialists, and BIM specialists."
GHC’s program is helping to fill the gap by preparing graduates with the skills needed to manage these complex digital environments. As the construction industry increasingly turns to BIM solutions, graduates of the BIMM program will be highly sought after for their expertise in managing and executing digital construction models.
GHC’s BIMM program includes key courses designed to equip students with technical and managerial skills for today’s construction environment. Introduction to Virtual Design and Construction introduces students to VDC technologies, providing essential insights into digital modeling and project visualization used throughout the construction process. Meanwhile, Principles of Facilities Management covers the long-term management and maintenance of buildings — from construction to operation.
Samantha Rivera, senior in the BIMM program at GHC, said, “I chose to enroll in the BIMM program because I am passionate about the combination of creativity and management in the construction field. My goal is to develop the skills necessary to contribute to meaningful projects. So far, my experience has been great. This environment has given me both personal and professional growth.”
With women representing only about 10.3% of the construction workforce, the industry has seen promising growth of women in leadership positions increasing by 101% since 2016, showing the industry is moving in a positive direction. However, only 7% of women occupy these senior roles, and only 2.6% work in skilled trades, emphasizing the need for programs to help women secure these roles.
Rivera believes the BIMM program is a great fit for women looking to enter the predominantly male construction industry. She said the coursework is challenging and engaging, and she appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with talented people and learn from experienced instructors.
“I believe the BIMM program is a great fit for women … It shows diversity and gives us a supportive network that allows us to take on leadership roles. With more women entering this field, I am excited about the positive changes we can bring to the industry,” Rivera said.
GHC’s BIMM degree prepares students to lead in an industry increasingly defined by digital solutions. The comprehensive curriculum, paired with the cutting-edge technology in the college’s labs, makes graduates of this program invaluable to the construction industry.
As mentioned previously the degree offers the opportunity of internships for students and this is one of the two possible graduation requirements — the other is a real-world capstone project. There have been several students who have entered into internships in their first year in the program.
To further expand opportunities for its students, GHC recently entered into a partnership with the Georgia Institute of Technology. This collaboration allows students to earn dual Bachelor of Science degrees — one in BIMM from GHC and another in Construction Science and Management from Georgia Tech — in as little as four to five years. This partnership gives students a competitive edge, providing them with credentials from two respected institutions and accelerates their career trajectories.
Dr. Dana Nichols, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Student Success, University System of Georgia, who was provost and interim president of GHC during the inception of the degree, says that the BIM Management Bachelors degree is the direct result of sustained collaborative efforts by AEC leaders, regional employers, and academic experts.
“We asked two simple questions: ‘What are your employment gaps and how can we help you to fill them?’ It is a shining example of how higher education institutions are embracing and expanding their role in economic development. I am so proud of the dual degree partnership with Georgia Tech, which further extends access to students aspiring to enter the AEC workforce,” Dr. Nichols said.
As GHC continues to grow and evolve its BIMM program, it is positioning itself at the forefront of a major industry shift. The next generation of construction professionals will leave GHC equipped with the knowledge, tools, and experience needed to lead the future of construction in a digital age.
For more information about the BIMM degree at Georgia Highlands College and the dual degree program with Georgia Tech, visit:
“Customer Relationship Management Market Report.” Grand View Research, 2023.
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“80 Architecture Statistics [2020 UPDATE].” ArchitectureQuote, 2020.
https://architecturequote.com/architecture-statistics/.
National Center for Construction Education and Research. Gender Composition of the Construction Industry Fact Sheet. NCCER, Jan 2024, www.nccer.org/media/2024/01/NCCER-Fact-Sheet-Gender-Composition-of-the-Construction-Industry.pdf.
"Constructing Change: How Women Are Redefining Safety and Inclusivity in Construction." *Occupational Health & Safety*, 6 Mar 2024, ohsonline.com/Articles/2024/03/06/Constructing-Change-How-Women-Are-Redefining-Safety-and-Inclusivity-in-Construction.aspx.
Robert Gittens is the owner of BIMSync’d, a BIM consulting and training firm based in Georgia, U.S.A., and has 30 years of experience in the building and construction industry. His career has included roles such as North America training coordinator at Trimble, Inc., and lead detailer at multiple firms, where he specialized in detailing structural and miscellaneous steel buildings. An advocate for advancing BIM in education, Robert served as the inaugural board chair for the BIMM Advisory Board, instrumental in establishing the BIM Management degree at Georgia Highlands College, where he is completing his own studies in the field. With expertise spanning BIM consulting, technical support, strategic planning, and specialized training on Tekla Structures, he supports clients in phased BIM implementation, workflow optimization, and software adoption, bringing a comprehensive approach to modernizing construction practices.
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