The best construction and conservation trade schools are generally those that are accredited by a recognized authority within the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), such as The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). Accredited conservation training can include biology, ecology, environmental problem solving, land development and natural resources. Certification can be obtained in from 9 months to 2 years and may count toward a graduate degree.
The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) website contains information about accredited schools located in various states across the nation and outside of the United States. The ACCE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and showcases comprehensive degree programs in construction, construction management, construction science and construction technology.
According to Education Portal.com, the Penn Foster Career School is the largest accredited school of independent study, featuring a wide variety of diploma programs offered in disciplines associated with construction such as for engineers, electricians, carpentry, furniture and cabinetry making, remodeling, HVAC, landscaping and plumbing. Penn Foster also offers an array of conservation studies through its Wildlife/Forestry Conservation Program focused on wildlife law enforcement, population, forest ecology, and park and recreational operations. The school is accredited both by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools and the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).
Construction management is offered by accredited educational institutions such as the Daymar Institute in Tennessee and the ITT Technical Institute on a national level. As members of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is recognized by the DOE's Council for Higher Education Accreditation, these trade schools offer comprehensive and effective study programs.
Andrews University, Southern Utah and Roger Williams Universities are ranked among the best construction trade schools at the Education Portal website. Top-rated Santa Fe College in Florida has a School of Construction and offers a Building Construction Program which is recognized by the ACCE. Designed to improve and promote construction, the training is designed for entry-level light commercial and residential construction practitioners of all kinds.
Kaplan University, South University Online, University of Maryland University College, Walden University and the University of Phoenix are among those listed by Education Portal.com as the best schools for conservation studies. Degrees available range from the associate's to doctoral level for positions such as land manager, conservation officer and those related to wildlife conservation or soil science.
Websites such as Education-Portal.com and Trade Schools.net provide regularly updated information about the best construction and conservation schools for a variety of trades. Data is based upon news stories and in-depth information from respected sources such as The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report.