Civil Engineering and Surveying Technology - Associate Degree

The Civil Engineering and Surveying Technology Program prepares students to become versatile, highly skilled technicians ready to contribute across all phases of the built environment. This program blends civil engineering fundamentals with surveying practices and environmental awareness, creating well-rounded graduates who understand the complete construction process—from initial site evaluation to final project completion. This program offers a strong foundation for both immediate employment and long-term career growth in multiple fields.

Program Code: 106071
Home » Academics and Training » Civil Engineering and Surveying Technology
Area of Study: Engineering and Design

Program Costs & Financial Aid

See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.

This program is fully eligible for financial aid.

Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.

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Offered At:

Delivery

  • Day
  • Full-time
  • Part-time

How do I get started in this program?

Requirements for Program Entry

  • Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
  • Submit the following to transcripts@nwtc.edu: • High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript). • College transcript.
  • If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
  • Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.

What are my courses?

Curriculum

The students following the study plan below will complete the Civil Engineering and Surveying Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.

Summer Before Third Semester

Semester Total 1
Total Credits 64

Students must take 3 of 6 Selective Courses:

  • 10607128 - Soil Mechanics 3
  • 10607249 - Land Subdivision Principles 3
  • 10506161 - Hydraulics and Hydrology 3
  • 10607250 - Surveying Legal Principles 3
  • 10607148 - Statics/Strength of Mtls CIVIL 2
  • 10607251 - Survey Technician 2

Social Science Course Options (the Recommended Program Course is Identified with an *):

  • 10809122 - Intro to American Government  3
  • 10809172 - Intro to Diversity Studies 3
  • 10809166 - Intro to Ethics * 3
  • 10809196 - Intro to Sociology 3
  • 10809195 - Economics 3
  • Curriculum Note: Students must have completed or tested out of 10-804-118, Intermediate Algebra w Apps with a C or higher before taking the following 1st semester program course: 10-804-197, College Algebra & Trig w Apps.
  • Students must earn a “C” or higher in 10-890-101, College 101.
  • Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-449-XXX, 10-506-XXX, 10-607-XXX, 10-801-XXX, 10-804-XXX, and 10-806-XXX courses.

Program Outcomes

  • Utilize CAD and sketching techniques to produce engineering documents
  • Perform design and routine testing procedures related to construction materials
  • Utilize land surveying instruments to collect data necessary to produce topographic maps, establish horizontal and vertical control, and to layout civil engineering projects
  • Operate computer software and hardware to solve technical problems
  • Apply elements of design to roads, subdivision layout, storm and sanitary sewer systems

What careers are in my future?

100%

Graduate Employment

with 100% in Field

$59,500.00

3-Year Median Annual Wage

Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey

Employment Potential

A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

  • Survey Technician obtains data and makes computations pertaining to angles, distances, elevations, points, contours, and other purposes using levels, total stations, data collectors, global positioning systems, and other surveying instruments following approved surveying practices.
  • Civil Construction Inspector: examines and interprets prints and specifications; confers with contractors and owners to enforce contract specifications, building codes, and zoning ordinances; and also inspects building construction, and underground utilities at the project site.
  • Civil Drafter: drafts detailed construction drawings, survey drawings, topographical profiles, related maps, and specification sheets used in planning construction of highways and streets, buildings, river and harbor improvements, landfills, flood control, drainage, railroads, airports, water and sewer systems, and other civil engineering projects using Computer Aided Drafting systems.
  • Civil Soils-Materials Technician: samples and performs tests on soils, aggregate, and other construction materials; and identifies and classifies soil samples for foundation construction and environmental purposes.

Employment opportunities with additional education

  • Civil Engineer
  • Construction Superintendent
  • Building Inspector
  • Civil Designer
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Surveyor

What's next after graduation?

Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners.

What else do I need to know about the program?

Industry Credentials

This program meets the requirements of Wisconsin Administration Code 6.04-Education Requirements for professional Land Surveyors.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.

Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.

Online

Classes wherever you have an internet connection. 

  • An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
  • Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
Day
Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Evening
Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Weekend
A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
Full-time
12 or more credits per term.
Part-time
Fewer than 12 credits per term.
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