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Citrus College Construction Management program leads state with accreditation
Glendora, Calif. (March 24, 2026) – The Citrus College Construction Management program has become the first community college in California to earn accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), marking a significant milestone for construction education statewide.
ACCE serves as the premier accrediting body for construction-related academic programs in the United States. It evaluates curriculum, faculty, facilities and student outcomes to ensure graduates are prepared for leadership and professional excellence in the construction industry. This accreditation is widely recognized as a benchmark for success, and it sets Citrus College apart.
"Receiving accreditation is monumental for the college and our construction management program," said Dr. Greg Schulz, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "Since the program's debut in fall 2019, the goal has been to earn accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education. This achievement ensures we are offering our students a 'gold standard' program and sets the stage for even greater success in the future."
Earning either a degree or certificate from the Citrus College program provides students with a pathway into this high paying and in-demand field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of construction managers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034. In addition, the profession reports a median annual salary of around $106,980 per year in the United States, with earnings increasing significantly as experience and responsibility grows.
To receive accreditation, the Citrus College team completed a comprehensive self-study, working closely with industry representatives and ACCE officials. This collaborative process led to several curriculum adjustments in order to meet industry standards and the college's academic requirements. The self-study was then submitted to ACCE in May 2025, and an official accrediting team visited the Citrus College campus in October 2025 to conduct their review.
"Special thanks to the administrators, staff and students at Citrus College who took part in our site visit in the fall. We couldn't have achieved this milestone without you," said Roberto Loya, construction management faculty member. "Industry accreditation is vital because it helps employers recognize quality candidates who have the education and training to make meaningful contributions to their profession. It signals that our students have met high standards of competence."
With accreditation secured, the construction management program is positioned for significant growth in the months ahead. Demand for program graduates is expected to rise, and ongoing collaboration with the industry advisory board will ensure students are prepared to meet the evolving needs of the profession.
"The board of trustees expresses sincere appreciation to those members of the campus community who dedicated their time and effort to preparing the Citrus College Construction Management program for this important process," said Laura J. Bollinger, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "We want the very best for our students and deeply value the continued collaboration between our faculty, industry representatives and local construction organizations. This accreditation recognizes the dedication of everyone involved and creates new opportunities for continued excellence in the future."
According to the ACCE final review report, the program was granted accreditation at the end of February 2026 with zero deficiencies or weaknesses. The two-and-a-half-year process, which began in April 2023, involved aligning curriculum and program outcomes with ACCE's rigorous standards.
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