Masonry programs are offered at vocational schools and community colleges all over the country. According to education-portal.com, as of 2011 the largest masonry programs (by number of students) are Salt Lake Community College, Palomar College, Palm Beach Community College, Orange Coast College and Milwaukee Area Technical College. For a list of schools offering masonry courses in the United States, see the Campus Explorer website in Resources.
Enrollment requirements vary from university to university, but more often than not, students must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or the equivalent of, such as a GED. Some schools, such as Ashworth College, which is an online-based university, require that students be at least 17 years of age. Check to see if you meet the requirements before enrolling in a school's masonry program.
The goal of a masonry school is to teach the art of masonry and prepare students for a career in construction. Each university offers its own specific curriculum, but most of the training and education received at masonry schools is basically the same. Students receive education in the history of masonry, on-the-job safety, blueprint mapping, cost management and employee supervision. Students also receive training with the tools used in masonry and work hands-on with related construction projects, such as laying foundations and tile; installing chimneys and fireplaces; setting glass block; and constructing walls.
Although it is not required for schools to hire experienced mason workers to teach the art of masonry, credible universities hire qualified, experienced professionals to teach students. Before enrolling in a masonry school, check the instructors' credentials and be sure they are experienced master masons. Make sure the school is accredited by the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Although there are no required certifications to work in the field of masonry, universities accredited by the MCAA offer a voluntary certification -- the certification is not a legal asset, but it informs potential employers that you are properly trained.