Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a Civil Engineering Technician do?

Civil engineering technicians help design and build highways, buildings, bridges, dams, wastewater treatment systems, and other structures, and perform related surveys and studies. Some technicians work outside performing work such as surveying a property or inspecting the construction of a bridge. Others work inside performing such tasks as using computers to design highways or testing materials used in a roadway.

Where do Civil Engineering Technicians find employment?

Civil Engineering Technology graduates find jobs with the Iowa Department of Transportation, general and specialty contractors, engineering materials testing laboratories, engineering material suppliers, commercial and residential developers, consulting engineering companies, municipalities, and environmental firms.

What is the average starting salary for graduates?

Graduates from the Civil Engineering Technology program can expect to make between $25,000 and $35,000 starting annual salary.

How long will it take to finish the degree?

Full-time students who take the recommended sequence of courses can obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology approximately 18 months (4 semesters). Completion time for part-time students varies depending on the course load taken each semester.

Are night classes offered?

Some night classes are offered for certain courses, but most classes are only offered during the day.

Can students transfer to another school to get a bachelors degree?

Some general credits in the program will transfer to 4-year colleges. Most courses in this program are specific to the Civil Engineering Technology program and may not be accepted by other colleges and universities. This is not intended to be a pre-engineering program. However, the program does have an agreement with the University of Northern Iowa that allows students to finish a Bachelor of Arts degree in Technology Management in about 2 1/2 years of full-time study.

What types of courses will students study?

The core of the program includes courses in computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), highway design, surveying, global positioning systems, materials testing, structural design, and construction. There are also courses in mathematics, computer applications, and communications. Check out the program courses page to see a full list of courses.

Are there any special qualifications or prerequisites required?

A high school diploma or equivalent is required for entry into the Civil Engineering Technology program. Additionally, if students have not earned at least a "C" in a high-school algebra course or achieved an acceptable score on a mathematics placement test, they will be required to take any necessary remedial math courses before taking the Mathematics for Technicians course in the second semester.

How much will books/supplies cost?

Costs for books and materials range from about $150-$500 per semester for full-time students.

How can I get more information?

Check out the contacts page to find out who to contact for more information.