Construction
Technology Major
What
is Construction Technology?
Construction technology programs offer
the preparation that leads to professional management
careers involving the delivery of constructed facilities.
For example, they take on leadership roles in the construction
of buildings, transportation systems, industrial systems,
and energy-related construction projects. These programs
graduate professionals who can guide construction from
conception to completion.
Construction technology majors are professionals
who are skilled in the complexities of construction project
management, project design and contracting. Along with
an overview of essential engineering basics, they obtain
knowledge, understanding and experience in management
and supervision, business accounting and cost control,
field engineering and project analysis, design and implementation.
Construction technology programs enable students to apply
advanced materials, construction, and design techniques
to construction problems. Students study construction
materials, estimating, surveying, construction management,
and architectural drafting.
Students learn to organize the available workforce, materials
and equipment to design, manage and support construction
projects. Graduates are employed in a variety of professional
construction positions. They take on active roles in construction
projects and apply technology solutions to the problems
that arise in this field. Graduates require the ability
to apply their problem solving and critical thinking skills
to specific, technical applications.
Many construction technology programs
are designed to enable graduates of two-year, associate
degree programs to complete a baccalaureate degree.
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What
Kinds of Students Major in Construction Technology?
Construction technology programs hold
particular interest to persons who want to combine theory
and application in their study. The emphasis on actual
on-the-job, in the field, implementation of projections
is different from the experiences of many civil engineers
who are more likely to be involved in design work. The
typical building science student has interests in science
and engineering, some artistic abilities and a desire
to put their knowledge to work. They must strong backgrounds
in mathematics and physics. These students see themselves
as builders, rather than as designers.
Further, construction technology students
wish to develop their managerial as well as their technical
skills. An emphasis on current technological advancements
requires them to obtain enhanced computing skills. As
a supervisor in construction projects, students must see
themselves as being able to hone their people skills and
being able to work well in teams.
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What
Courses Do Construction Technology Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
Management
Courses |
Construction
Project Management |
Specifications,
Contracts, and Codes |
Constructed
Project Quality |
Project
Analysis and Design |
Construction
Safety |
Concrete
Structures |
Experience
in Construction |
Costs
Estimating |
Elements
of Geology |
Legal
Aspects of Construction |
Steel
Structures |
Are you interested in detailed information
about the forecasted demand for a particular profession?
Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions
are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you
to search on a particular job, whether listed here or
not, to give you this information.
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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What
Types of Positions do Construction Technology Majors Take
After College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
Entrepreneur
Developer |
Contract
Negotiator |
Home
Building Supervisor |
Project
Cost Estimator |
Surveyor |
Construction
Purchasing Agent |
Building
Inspector |
Site
Manager |
Contract
Manager |
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Related
Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, check out some of the following
links. You might also want to check out web sites for
University or College departments offering this major.
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University
Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
| For information on options
available to campuses wishing to see their majors
listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
| For
information on options available to campuses wishing
to see their majors listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year
College Curriculums to Consider
| Suggest
to your two-year college advisor that their institution's
majors be included to show you their course requirements
and unique resources. Two-year college representatives
should contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
More on Choosing Your College Major 
