Online Schools with Woodworking Degrees
Online woodworking programs are rare due to the hands-on nature of the field; however, online programs are available in related fields, such as carpentry. Learn about degree and training options in woodworking, and find out about related program options.
What You Need to Know
Although online woodworking programs are uncommon, complimentary online and home-study programs offer many of the same courses you would find in the on-campus versions. Students should consider their level of self-motivation since access to resources and internships are less common within online programs.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b> Remote Programs</b> </td><td> Home-Study Furniture, Online Carpentry Training Program, Certificates and Associate's degrees</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b> Alternative Programs </b> </td><td> On-campus programs in woodworking studies</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b> Courses</b> </td><td> Reading Plans and Site Layout, Flooring and Interior Finishes, Framing Floors and Walls, Power Tools, Blueprints and Building Codes</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatProgramsAreAvailable">What Programs Are Available?</h3><p>Alternatives to on-campus woodworking programs include online carpentry diplomas and bachelor's degrees in industrial design with a concentration in furniture design. You can also enroll in a home-study furniture and cabinetry diploma program. This brief list of schools could help you to get started in your search for an online woodworking degree. Note that these schools may only offer parts of the program online.
</p><ul><li>Bucks County Community College
</li><li>Piedmont Technical College
</li><li>Green River College
</li><li>Penn Foster Career School
</li><li>Massachusetts Institute of Technology
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInAnOnlineWoodworkingProgram">What Will I Learn in an Online Woodworking Program?</h3><p>General course topics in furniture and cabinetry programs might include basic woodworking and table construction. Course topics in the carpentry programs may include hand and power tools and countertops. You'll probably be required to complete a senior project, too. The following areas may also be explored:
</p><ul><li>Cabinetmaking
</li><li>Furniture design
</li><li>Blueprints
</li><li>Window and door installation
</li><li>Frames
</li><li>Cabinetry
</li><li>Drawing
</li><li>Design
</li><li>Concept development
</li><li>Aesthetics
</li><li>Model-making
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowDoOnlineProgramsDifferFromOnCampusPrograms">How do Online Programs Differ from On-Campus Programs?</h3><p>The main difference between the on-campus and online programs is how you complete your hands-on training. The on-campus courses may include labs with state-of-the-art equipment, field trips to establishments relevant to woodworking, internships and co-op opportunities. The online and home-study programs will require you to complete your projects at home on your own, although you may be able to contact your instructors for assistance.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatToolsOrEquipmentWillINeed">What Tools or Equipment Will I Need?</h3><p>To complete woodworking projects many programs require tools and supplies, such as wood, tape measures, T-bevels, combination squares, hammers, chisel sets and dovetail saws. Some home study programs provide textbooks and instructional videos that you can follow along with to understand how to use these supplies. These books and videos show you how to make kitchen cabinets, build tables, repair furniture and many other things.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatOtherEducationalOptionsDoIHave">What Other Educational Options Do I Have?</h3><p>Sometimes woodworkers design woodwork digitally, using computer-aided design (CAD) software. For this, you'll need advanced training. If this is something of interest to you, it may be best to enroll in an industrial design degree program. In a program like this, you can take courses in digital media and technology, as well as three-dimensional (3-D) modeling and design.</p>