Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5309
Curriculum Code: 517.CIV
Engineering & Technologies Division
Pre-Admission Recommendations: 3 years Math, 2 years Science (including Physics)
Recommended H.S. Courses and/or Experiences: 3 years Science, Basic Drafting
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Civil Engineering Firms, Government Agencies, Testing Labs, Transfers to Bachelor Degree Programs, Nationally Certified by ETAC/ABET.
Program Description
While civil engineers plan, design and construct various structures including all civic facilities, commercial buildings and highways, the civil engineering technician assists the professional engineer in the accomplishments of these tasks. There is an urgent and continuing local need for civil engineering technology graduates to support the enormous investment in modernizing the infrastructure of the local community. There is a current shortage and demand for trained personnel by governmental and private sector design agencies as well as construction contractors. The demand for civil engineering technicians exceeds the annual number of graduates. SUNY Erie is the only institution in Western New York offering this program.
The educational objectives of the Civil Engineering Technology Program are to:
- secure employment in a technical career related to civil engineering;
- continue education to four-year engineering or engineering-related program; and
- prepare students to obtain national certifications related to furthering their education and knowledge to succeed on the job.
Students will be provided with basic training in the concepts fundamental to the development, design and construction of commercial, industrial and public structures, utilities and highways. Students will develop a clear understanding of the problems and the solutions to the problems facing the design construction team, including the owner, surveyor, architect, engineer, building product supplier, and contractor.
The program encourages professional office practice standards in both the lecture and lab experiences. Through lecture courses, students probe surveying, manual and computer-aided design (CAD) drafting, structural steel design, reinforced concrete design, highway design, and computer applications. These classes are supplemented by laboratory experiences. Students–having regular access to state-of-the-art equipment, including micro-computers, survey programs, printers, plotters, micro-based CAD equipment, COGO survey programs, electronic distance measuring equipment, automatic levels and theodolites–are expected to produce calculations and reports that meet professional standards.
A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required for graduation with an A.A.S. degree in civil engineering technology. Graduates of the program may continue on toward a B.S. or B.S.T. degree at various universities or find employment with material testing and inspection firms; private and governmental engineering, design and surveying agencies; architectural firms; and contracting firms and construction material and equipment suppliers.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET (ETAC/ABET), http://www.abet.org
Special Admissions Requirements/Prerequisites
It is recommended that students have at least three years of high school mathematics and science, as well as basic drafting.
Students who are required to take remedial math and/or English courses will be scheduled for the pre-civil engineering technology sequence. Additional term(s) of coursework may be required in order to make up deficiencies.
Scholarship Opportunity
- APWA - American Public Works Association
- NYSETA - New York State Engineering Technology Association
Program Competencies
Upon graduating with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology, the graduate will be able to:
- Use mathematics and science to perform technical calculations to solve technical problems and understand the professional responsibilities associated with the civil engineering technology field.
- Understand the ethical and social responsibilities, including a respect for diversity, associated with the engineering technology field and design practices to analyze components of various civil engineering projects.
- Communicate through graphic, written and oral expression the elements of civil engineering projects and use computer technology for problem-solving utilizing commercial software.
- Perform in laboratory setting, the operating of technical equipment, analyzing experimental results and properly recording results and utilize modern survey methods for land measurement and/or project layout.
- Work as a member of a team on class engineering projects and recognize the need for life-long learning and continued education.
Curriculum
Total Degree Credits: 65
Note: This is a recommended sequence, student should consult their academic adviser prior to registering.
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