Construction Trades
Grace Christian University and the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI) have joined forces to create an innovative educational pathway that bridges Bible-centered higher education and hands-on trade skills. This partnership is a game-changer for students seeking to combine their passion for skilled trades with the transformative impact of a biblical education.
On-Campus Start Dates
Shaping Leaders for Meaningful Impact
At Grace, you are more than just a student. You are a person with unlimited potential made in the image of a loving God. We understand that your calling and career path will be as unique as you are. At Grace, we will help you align your calling with the skills needed for your future careers so you can confidently impact the world, well beyond your time with us.
Experience an Education with a biblical foundation
Develop Godly Friendships that will last a lifetime
Feel Confident and Prepared for your ministry career
Learn from instructors who really care
Why choose between a degree and the trades when you can have both?
Earn an Associate or Bachelor Degree
and Trade Certifications at the same time!
At Grace Christian University, in partnership with the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI), you can learn valuable hands-on skills, grow academically and spiritually, and serve your community with a strong foundation rooted in Christian values. Earn an Associate or Bachelor degree, On-Campus or Online, from Grace and Trade Certifications in Carpentry, Plumbing and Sprinkler Fitting from WMCI, equipping you to build your future with purpose and passion!
In this program, you’re a Grace student, whether living on campus, commuting or online; you’re part of our compassionate and nurturing community, you can still participate in sports at Grace and fully immerse yourself in everyday college life while attending one ‘trade’ class per week at WMCI.
On-Campus | Online
Associate or Bachelor Degree
from Grace Christian University
+
Trade Certifications in Carpentry, Plumbing, and Sprinkler Fitting
from West Michigan Construction Institute
Trade to Degree Pathway
Grace Christian University honors work completed at WMCI, allowing students to apply their certifications toward an Associate or Bachelor degree. Students can combine WMCI’s training and Grace Christian University coursework to align with their academic and career goals.
Grace Christian University accepts up to 24 WMCI credits toward a Bachelor’s degree and up to 18 credits toward an Associate degree. These credits transfer into both On-Campus and Online Undergraduate Associate or Bachelor’s Programs, allowing students to earn trade certifications and a degree.
All degree programs require completion of Grace’s Arts and Sciences and Bible and Theology Core requirements, ensuring students graduate prepared to serve as courageous ambassadors for Christ in their chosen fields.
Certifications at WMCI
WMCI provides NCCER-accredited training and certifications in trades such as Carpentry and Plumbing, along with other specialized programs. Each program combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab experience, equipping students with the practical skills and industry knowledge needed for success in the construction field.
Certification Highlights:
- Construction Core: NCCER certified core courses include the basics in safety, hand and power tools, construction math, materials handling, construction drawings, rigging and employability skills.
- Carpentry Program: Students can choose General Carpentry and once completed choose Carpentry II for a more advanced skill set. Both courses are 2 semesters in length to complete them.
- Plumbing Program: Students can pursue Plumbing I and II. Plumbing I includes Core construction and beginner knowledge on commercial plumbing skills. Plumbing II continues to advance students' knowledge in commercial plumbing. Both courses are 2 semesters in length to complete them.
- Sprinkler Fitting Program: Students can take up to 3 certifications, each certification is 2 semesters. Sprinkler I,II,III helps students build a skillset to work in the commercial sprinkler system industry.
Students receive nationally portable certifications, ensuring flexibility and job readiness in both commercial and residential construction.
What Students Can Expect at WMCI
- Facilities: WMCI’s state-of-the-art labs and interactive classrooms are located just 2.6 miles from Grace Christian University.
- Scheduling: Students can only do the Night classes in this partnership to have capacity to take their Grace courses.
- Career Support: WMCI connects students with local employers and offers career services such as resume support, job search strategies, and career assessments.
The Purpose Behind the Partnership
In today’s evolving job market, many students are seeking alternatives to traditional four-year degrees. At the same time, employers in industries like carpentry & construction are searching for candidates with both technical skills and leadership capabilities. Recognizing these trends, Grace Christian University and WMCI formed this partnership to meet a growing need: offering students the opportunity to earn a college degree while gaining nationally recognized trade certifications.
What to Expect
At Grace, You are More Than Just a Student
You are a person with unlimited potential made in the image of a loving God. We understand that your calling and career path will be as unique as you are. At Grace, we will help you align your calling with the skills needed for your future careers so you can confidently impact the world, well beyond your time with us.
2025–26 Tuition Cost
Tuition Rate
WMCI courses are around $2,000 per semester, plus additional book and lab fees. You can find a full breakout of each course’s cost in the course catalog on the WMCI website.
At Grace, courses are done as block billing. The tuition rate is $7,800 per semester for 12 credits and $9,750 per semester for 15 credits. Students receiving the 12 credit rate must be enrolled at both institutions during that semester. If the student withdraws from WMCI, the student will be charged the full 15 credit block billing rate at Grace.
Financial Aid & Billing
Students will enroll in each institution separately and be billed by each institution for their respective course work.
At Grace, courses qualify for Financial Aid through the FAFSA. Students will work with our financial aid team for an award letter and toward their Grace costs. Students will need to maintain full time status at Grace (12 credits) to maintain internal aid.
At WMCI, courses are cash pay and students will work with
WMCI for scholarships related to their courses.
Career Paths
Possible Career Paths
Earning a Grace degree alongside a certification in Carpentry, General Construction, Plumbing, or Sprinkler Fitting equips you with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed for a range of careers in the trades. The program provides a firm educational base while allowing you to pursue work in the trades with the skills you’ve learned. With this dual enrollment degree and certification, you can pursue a career in Construction and Carpentry; Construction Management and Supervisory Roles; Skilled Trades; and Entrepreneurial Opportunities. Some Common Careers include:
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Carpenter
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Construction Technician
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Cabinet Maker
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Roofing Specialist
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Construction Supervisor/Foreman
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Site Inspector/Building Inspector
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Estimating Technician
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General Contractor
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Facilities Maintenance Technician
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Handyman Business Owner
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Custom Furniture Maker
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Home Renovation Specialist
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Fire Sprinkler System Installer
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Sprinkler Fitting Technician
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Plumber
Testimonials
What Our Students Are Saying
We believe education is more than just academics. Check out firsthand accounts from students like you who have been impacted by our vibrant community, transformative education, and unwavering commitment to faith.
Take the Next Step
Your Calling Awaits
Join the Grace community and embark on a transformative journey of faith, learning, and personal growth as you pursue the next level of your career.