Civil Engineering Technology - Associate Degree
Civil Engineering Technology graduates are prepared for careers in the civil engineering and surveying fields. As a civil engineering technician, you examine and interpret construction plan sets and specifications; confer with contractors and owners to enforce contract specifications and design drawings; test soils, asphalt, and concrete; observe and inspect other related construction activities; perform land surveying and computer aided drafting; observe building, highway and utility construction. With additional education and work experience, you can become a licensed professional in civil engineering, construction superintendent, civil designer, construction project manager, or professional land surveyor. The Civil Engineering Technology Associate Degree program at NWTC is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http//www.abet.org
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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Follow Your Path
Ask your advisor about 2+2 transfer opportunities.
Delivery
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.
- Attendance at orientation or a planned meeting with program staff is required.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
The Students following the study plan below will complete the Civil Engineering Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Summer Before Third Semester
8 Week 1
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
- Curriculum Note: Students must have had two years of high school algebra, one year of high school geometry and an acceptable Academic Skills Assessment College Math score or have completed or tested out of Intermediate Algebra w Apps, course 10-804-118, before taking the following First Semester program courses: Soil Mechanics; Surveying/Mapping;Trigonometry w/Apps.
- Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in English Composition 1 to enroll in Technical Reporting.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.
Program Outcomes
- An ability to communicate technical solutions, orally and written, by utilizing sketching techniques, operating systems, spreadsheets, word processing, CAD systems, and other software products.
- An ability to conduct, analyze, interpret and apply test data results to perform basic design related to soils, concrete and asphalt.
- An ability to utilize the legal aspects of land surveying and use land surveying instruments to collect data necessary to produce topographic maps, establish horizontal and vertical control, and to lay out civil engineering projects.
- An ability to solve engineering, surveying, and materials testing problems using principals of mathematics, science, engineering and technology.
- An ability to estimate material quantities and interpret project plans and specifications.
- An ability to function effectively as a member of a technical team.
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 91% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:
- 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 soils, asphalt, concrete, 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, hot mix asphalt, concrete, aggregate, and other construction materials; and identifies and classifies soil samples for foundation construction and environmental purposes.
- 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.
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. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Accreditation
The Civil Engineering Technology program at NWTC is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Industry Credentials
The program also meets the educational requirements to become a Licensed Land Surveyor in the state of Wisconsin.
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.
- Online
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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.