Construction Technology Curriculum Guide 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.

Certificate Program Courses

course code course title credit hours
CNST-103 Introductory Craft Skill 3
CNST-118 Safety Orientation (OSHA 10) 1
CNST-112 Carpentry Basics 4
CNST-116 Blueprints and Building Codes 4
CNST-190 Survey and Elevations 3
CNST-210 Drywall, Insulation and Ventilation 4
CNST-230 Exterior Construction 5
CNST-126 Floors, Walls and Ceiling Framing 4
CNST-136 Roof Framing 3
CNST-151 Windows, Doors and Stairs 3
CNST-107 Shop Math and Communications I 2
CNST-159 Painting, Finishing and Interior Design 4
CNST-180 Interior Construction 4
CNST-221 Cabinet Installation and Fabrication 4
Total 48
 
Recommended Course
HVAC-101 HVAC I 4

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 15 hours in general education.

The Associate in Applied Science in Construction Technology requires 63 semester hours and Business Math is not required.

The student must complete 63 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above.

Course Descriptions

CNST-103. Introductory Craft Skill. 3 Hours. This is a required course for all students entering the Building Trades Program. The intent of this course is to introduce the students to the construction trades. 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, (Shop and Job Site), tool safety (Hand and Power tools), personal protective devices, protective railings, proper storage and handling of construction materials, construction drawings, basic math skills, basic communication and employability skills.

CNST-107. Shop Math and Communications I. 2 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: ACCUPLACER testing.

CNST-112. Carpentry Basics. 4 Hours. The intent of this course is to teach the students history of the construction trade, building materials, hand and power tools and reading plans and elevations. It also describes the apprentice program and career opportunities, different fasteners and adhesives.

CNST-116. Blueprints and Building Codes. 4 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.

CNST-118. Safety Orientation (OSHA 10). 1 Hours. Students will learn basic OSHA regulations and safety. The students will also learn how to read the OSHA manual properly. This course will stress the importance of PPE, fall protection and hazards, along with other topics.

CNST-126. Floors, Walls & Ceiling Framing Construction. 4 Hours. This course will cover laying out and erecting floor, wall and ceiling sections. The emphasis for this course is the understanding of precise layout of studs, sills, floor joist and ceiling members. The student will also learn how to layout partitions, door, and window openings. The student will perform all the layout mentioned above, and know the correct symbols and names of all wall, floor and ceiling components. The student will be introduced to the different methods used for framing buildings and floor framing with an emphasis on the platform, Balloon and post and beam framing method. The tools and materials used for this type of construction will be covered.

CNST-136. Roof Framing. 3 Hours. Students will learn the different types of roofs used in residential and commercial 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.

CNST-151. Windows, Doors & Stairs. 3 Hours. This course will introduce the student to methods and procedures used in the selection and installation of residential windows, doors and stairs. Students will learn the proper components of windows and doors along with basic stair layout.

CNST-159. Painting, Finishing, & Interior Design. 4 Hours. This course focuses on the proper applications and techniques to apply paint, stain, and clear finishes that are commonly used in residential and commercial construction.

CNST-180. Interior Construction. 4 Hours. This course will cover the fundamentals of finish interior building construction. This is the final state 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. They will also learn about cold formed steel framing and suspended ceilings.

CNST-190. Survey & Elevations. 3 Hours (90 Contact Hours). Students will learn different survey methods and will enable the students to become familiar with surveying, site layout procedures and materials used in construction. Students will learn how to properly use builder’s lever, transit and laser levels.

CNST-210. Drywall, Insulation, & Ventilation. 4 Hours (105 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.

CNST-221. Cabinet Installation and Fabrication. 4 Hours (105 Contact Hours). The students are exposed to basic cabinet and countertop construction, installation and hardware.

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.

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.

HVAC-101. HVAC I. 4 Hours. This course covers basic knowledge of the installation and service requirements for residential and commercial heating and cooling systems, both forced-air and hydronic. Students will enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to perform productively in the residential or commercial market.