Civil Engineering Technician - Structural

Program Description

The Civil Engineering Technician - Structural program develops the knowledge and experience in planning and design skills to support the construction industry. Students apply computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) as it relates to architectural, structural and related design. Students are also introduced to concepts and requirements relating to green design (LEED) and construction practices. In addition to strong computer skills, students need strong math, spatial and analytical skills to meet the demands of the engineering coursework. (See the program outcomes.)

Graduates work for civil engineering firms, architectural firms, contractors, surveyors, municipalities and public utilities.

Statewide Salary Range for Recent Graduates

$20,798 $69,519

Approximate Costs

• $111.85 per credit (resident)
• $167.80 per credit (out-of-state resident)
• *Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Program Outcomes

• Apply surveying procedures and utilization of surveying equipment in the measurement of distance, elevations and directions.
• Calculate the forces in a wood and steel truss and the stress and strain in structural members.
• Calculate the heat loss for a commercial building.
• Determine the cost of labor and materials for a commercial building.
• Determine the load bearing capacity of soils.
• Develop a set of construction drawings for a wood framed building.
• Develop a set of engineering construction drawings for precast concrete, pre-engineering steel, and wood pole buildings.
• Develop a set of engineering construction drawings for a structural steel building.
• Draw a land area plan incorporating a closed traverse and legal description.

Career Opportunities

• Drafter
• Construction Estimator
• Architectural Technician
• Public Utility Technician
• Architectural Designer
• Engineering Technician
• Construction Inspector
• Construction Surveyor

Entrance Scores

Admission Process

• Submit the college admission application.
• Submit the $30 one-time fee.
• Submit high school and other official college transcripts.
• Take the college assessment test (Accuplacer, ACT or other). The Accuplacer assessment can be taken at MPTC.
• Meet with Admissions to discuss order of courses and prerequisites (required for this program).
• Check with Admissions if any additional steps are required.