A Major Step Forward in Offsite Construction Education

The Center for Offsite Construction (CfOC) at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) is thrilled to announce a landmark Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Modular Building Institute (MBI) to create accreditation standards for a Master’s Degree program in Offsite Design and Delivery. This innovative program aims to bridge the educational gap in modular construction and develop a pipeline of highly skilled professionals to lead the industry into the future.

Why This Matters

As the construction industry faces growing challenges—ranging from housing shortages to labor gaps—offsite construction offers a powerful solution. Modular and industrialized construction techniques can drastically reduce project timelines, enhance quality control, and promote sustainability. However, for these benefits to be fully realized, the industry needs a well-trained workforce that understands both design and delivery through offsite methods.

This collaboration between CfOC and MBI is designed to address this need directly. By developing accreditation criteria for a dedicated Master’s program, the partnership will provide a structured educational pathway for students, preparing them for leadership roles in architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing.

About the Master's Degree Program

The proposed Master’s Degree in Offsite Design and Delivery will integrate industry-specific knowledge, hands-on training, and research-based curriculum. Key learning areas will include:

• Modular Design and Engineering: Digital workflows, Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration, and automation.
• Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management: Emphasizing industrial production models and logistics.
• Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Covering the adoption of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), permitting processes, and risk management.
• Project Economics and Finance: Exploring incentive structures, cost estimation, and investment strategies.
• Sustainability and Performance Metrics: Focusing on carbon accounting and energy efficiency standards.

A Vision for the Future

This initiative aligns perfectly with the CfOC’s broader mission to make architecture and buildings affordable for everyone and sustainable for our planet. The Center continues to serve as a catalyst for industry transformation through research, consensus-building, and education.

The Modular Building Institute, as a leading voice in modular construction, brings decades of expertise and industry connections, ensuring that the curriculum is both relevant and forward-thinking.

What’s Next?

The CfOC and MBI will work closely together to finalize the curriculum, gain accreditation, and launch the program as soon as possible. Industry professionals, educators, and potential students are encouraged to stay connected for updates and opportunities to get involved.

For more information about the partnership, or to learn how you can contribute to this exciting new program, please contact the Center for Offsite Construction at NYIT.

Stay tuned for more updates as we work to shape the future of offsite construction education!