Civil Engineering Technology

Program Description

Civil engineering technicians collect and maintain field data and prepare drawings and maps  using angles, distances, elevations XYZ coordinates, contours, and volumes from earthwork. They use electronic total stations, levels, global positioning systems (GPS), unmanned aerial systems, 3D laser scanners and other instruments. They plan, design and perform construction staking tasks necessary for the construction of highways, railroads, bridges, buildings, airfields, subdivisions, and other facilities. They also perform testing and inspection tasks on the various construction operations to ensure compliance with specifications.

Aptitudes and Interests: Students will be required to learn and apply theoretical principles and technical knowledge easily, perform mathematical computations accurately, visualize shapes and forms from survey data or sketches, concentrate on details to avoid errors, and use judgment in planning work and handling problems. Students should like work of a scientific and technical nature involving preparation of maps, charts, and drawings. Students will also need an interest in learning computer aided design (CAD) and other design software on computers and working with the latest electronic computers, surveying, and testing equipment. These civil engineering technicians work as a team and must exercise tact in dealing with persons who may have opposing opinions. This field requires great precision and accuracy and workers must be willing to accept responsibility for performance in accordance with prescribed standards.

Program Overview

Traditional Classroom

• Program begins in August
• Typical classroom hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Program admits 17 students each year

Online Students (option to run concurrently with classroom instruction)

• Program begins in August and January
• Program admits up to 40 students each year
• No Out of State Tuition

The Civil Engineering Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org

The associate degree articulates to a bachelor’s degree in Surveying and Geomatics Technology.

Degree Options

• Civil Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science (2 years)
  • Course Sequence
  • Costs
• Civil Engineering Technology Advanced Technical Certificate (2 years)
  • Course Sequence Advanced Technical Certificate Civil Engineering Technology
  • Costs
• Civil Engineering Technology Materials Testing and Specifications Basic Technical Certificate (1 year)
  • Course Sequence Basic Technical Certificate, Materials Testing and Specification
  • Costs
• Basic Technical Certificate: Surveying Technician
  • Course Sequence Basic Technical Certificate, Surveying Technician
• (4+ years)

Career Opportunities

• Engineering and surveying companies
• Local, state, and federal government agencies
• Materials testing companies