UOG's new college program aims to plug labor gaps in Guam and Micronesia

The University of Guam celebrated the completion of the School of Engineering building in January. Photo courtesy of UOG

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The University of Guam’s School of Engineering is set to launch a new Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree program in Fall 2026, in a bid to enhance the region's professional workforce amid a construction boom.

“The expansion reflects UOG’s commitment to delivering programs that respond directly to the Western Pacific’s workforce needs,” UOG said in a press release.

“With billions of dollars in federal and private investments tied to military buildup and infrastructure development, the construction industry on Guam and across Micronesia is facing sustained demand for trained professionals in project management, cost estimation, scheduling, safety oversight and site operations,” it added.

As of the end of fiscal 2024, the military had 58 active construction projects on Naval Base Guam, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and the Skaggs Training 

Complex in Yigo and Andersen Air Force Base North Ramp,  according to the Office in Charge of Construction Marine Corps Marianas.

The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes $1.2 billion in projects on Guam, including new housing and other facilities to accommodate additional service members.

The Pentagon is projected to invest $800 million in defense projects planned in the CNMI and $2 billion in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Despite construction growth, the U.S. territories and affiliated Pacific island nations have continued to experience acute labor shortages, forcing them to rely on foreign manpower.

Between 2016 and 2017, several construction projects on Guam were put on hold due to the federal government's decision to lift the territory's exemption from the H-2B program's national cap.

Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG president, said the new program is aimed at building capacity for Guam and Micronesia to support demand in multiple industries "that will enhance and sustain growth for years to come.”

The new Construction Management program is housed within the School of Engineering and builds on the success of UOG’s ABET-accredited Civil Engineering degree.

More than two-thirds of the curriculum leverages existing engineering and science courses, making the program cost-effective to launch without sacrificing academic rigor.

Students will gain technical, administrative, and communication skills essential for managing complex construction projects. The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships and industry partnerships to ensure graduates are job-ready. The curriculum is structured to meet ABET accreditation standards.

“For years, employers have had to compete for a limited number of qualified professionals or recruit from off-island,” Dr. Hiroshan Hettiarachchi, dean of the School of Engineering.

“This program allows us to grow our own talent—individuals who understand our island context, our regulatory environment, and the unique challenges of building in the Pacific," he added.

University officials said the Construction Management degree is part of a broader expansion strategy for the School of Engineering, which opened its new engineering building in January.

UOG also announced plans to launch a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in Fall 2027, increasing educational and career pathways for future engineers on island.

“By expanding its engineering portfolio, UOG aims to reduce reliance on off-island recruitment, retain local talent and ensure that Guam’s next generation of infrastructure leaders is educated at home,” UOG said.

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