Construction Technology Curriculum and Course Descriptions

Students in the Construction Technology program prepare for career opportunities in the building industry as construction technicians. This nine-month certification program offers academic and hands-on experiences in areas such as construction materials, building design and layout, concrete, basic structural fabrication, and exterior finishes and applications. It is ideal for the person who is interested in working in the residential and commercial building construction field. The course incorporates on-site construction projects to give students valuable hands-on skills and offers testing to ensure national portability of learned skills.

Recommended Courses
(Secondary and Postsecondary Programs)

To complete an associate degree the program emphasis credit hours and the general education credit hours, which must be taken from the list approved by the General Education Committee, must total at least 64 credit hours.  Certain general education courses are preferred for different programs.

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Students completing a technical program may desire to seek the Associate in Applied Sciences Degree.  In addition to completing a technical program, this degree also requires the completion of 18 hours in general education.  Certain courses within this degree may or may not transfer to baccalaureate degree granting institutions. The student must complete 64 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above. There is a minimum cumulative general education requirement of 18 semester hours.

Associate in Applied Science Degree Requirements

Course Descriptions

CNST-100.  Introduction to Construction.  5 Hours (145 Contact Hours).  This is a required course for all students entering the Building Trades Program. The intent of this course is to teach basic construction safety. It is very important for every student to learn the proper way to conduct themselves while in the shop or on the job site. This course will cover shop safety, tool safety, personal protective devices, protective railings, proper storage of construction materials, student alertness, and job site safety. 

CNST-105.  Hand and Power Tools.  3 Hours (90 Contact Hours).  Students will be instructed in the identification and proper use and care of both hand and power tools. 

CNST-107.  Shop Math and Communications I.  3 Hours (90 Contact Hours).  Basic technical math and work ethics are taught utilizing various sources.  The math skills applicable to checking accounts, gross earnings, payroll deductions, employee compensations and personal finance are covered. Prerequisite:  COMPASS testing. 

CNST-110.  Blueprints and Building Codes.  2 Hours (45 Contact Hours).  This course identifies the importance of accurately reading blueprints and integrates current building codes and zoning ordinances in building construction. Students are instructed in building layout and use variety of measuring, leveling, and lay out of tools.  Prerequisite:  Introduction to Construction. 

CNST-125.  Wall Construction.  4 Hours (100 Contact Hours).  This course will cover laying out and erecting wall sections.  The emphasis for this course is the understanding of precise layout of studs, partitions, door and window openings.  The students will perform all the layout mentioned above, and know the correct symbols and names of all wall components.  Prerequisite:  Introduction to Construction. 

CNST-134.  Roof Construction.  4 Hours (100 Contact Hours).  Students will learn the different types of roofs used in residential construction.  This course is the most demanding of the framing tasks.  Unlike floor and wall construction that involve working with straight lines, roofs are sloped requiring the framer to understand and calculate precise angles.  The student will learn the names of all the roof parts and how to calculate the angles to achieve a properly constructed roof.  Prerequisite:  Introduction to Construction. 

CNST-143.  Painting, Finishing, and Interior Design.  2 Hours (45 Contact Hours).  This course focuses on the proper applications and techniques to apply paint, stain, and clear finishes that are commonly used in residential construction.  Prerequisite:  Introduction to Construction. 

CNST-150.  Floor Construction.  3 Hours (90 Contact Hours).  This course will briefly introduce the different methods used for framing buildings and floor framing with an emphasis on the platform framing method.  The tools and materials used for this type of construction will be covered.  Prerequisite:  Introduction to Construction. 

CNST-153.  Residential Concrete Construction.  1 Hour (35 Contact Hours).  This course covers concrete footings, foundations, forming, and flatwork. It requires mixing, reinforcement, finishing, and curing as necessary. Site preparation, properties of concrete, along with the proper use of tools and proper use of tools and proper safety practices are also included.  Prerequisite:  Introduction to Construction. 

CNST-200.  Drywall, Insulation, and Ventilation.  5 Hours (140 Contact Hours).  Students will learn to estimate and identify what type of drywall to use. Also included is how to install, finish, and texture drywall. Proper selection (R-U values) and installation methods are taught. Skills to help calculate proper sizing for ventilation purposes are also included.  Prerequisite:  Introduction to Construction. 

CNST-207.  On-the-Job Training (OJT or OJT Equivalent).  Up to 4 Hours (0-195 Contact Hours).  Students demonstrating excellent attendance, attitude and mastery of core curriculum competencies may be considered for on-the-job training experience.  Through the cooperation of local businesses, students are given the opportunity to apply the skills required for their future career.  Class attendance is also required. 

CNST-217.  Shop Math and Communications II.  3 Hours (90 Contact Hours).  Communication skills such as customer service, job applications, resumes, employability techniques, interviewing techniques, and portfolios are taught to prepare the student to successfully compete for employment. 

CNST-230.  Exterior Construction.  5 Hours (140 Contact Hours).  This course covers the stage of construction which completes the exterior of the building. The order of installation may be changed but the processes include roofing, housewrap, windows and doors, and siding. These processes typically are occurring at the same time as the trade groups are completing “rough” work in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.  Prerequisite:  Introduction to Construction. 

CNST-240.  Cabinet Making and Installation.  5 Hours (140 Contact Hours).  The students are exposed to basic cabinet and countertop construction and installation.  Prerequisite:  Introduction to Construction. 

CNST-250.  Interior Construction.  5 Hours (140 Contact Hours).  This course will cover the fundamentals of finish interior building construction. This is the final stage of the construction process. Students will learn about specialized tools and techniques. This course will cover trimming and installing doors and windows and the appropriate decorative trim and hardware. Prerequisite:  Introduction to Construction. 

CONT-150.  Construction Applications.  Up to 4 Hours (0-196 Contact Hours). Designed to provide practical hands-on applications of the Construction industry, this course provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and develop skills in the field.  This is a short course focused on current Residential Construction applications.