Trade & Industry

At a Glance

  • Employable as entry-level paraprofessional in the areas of public works infrastructure construction, highway construction, construction inspection and public works infrastructure maintenance.
  • Program length is five quarters if full time.
  • Entrance allowed quarterly.

Public Works Civil Technology

DESCRIPTION:
The Public Works Civil Technology diploma graduate will have the knowledge and basic skills to assume entry-level paraprofessional tasks and responsibilities in the areas of public works infrastructure construction, highway construction, construction inspection and public works infrastructure maintenance. The program will teach individuals to perform these tasks and responsibilities independently in a minimum period of time. Graduates will also have the knowledge base to quickly and efficiently learn to assume supervisory and management responsibilities in these career areas.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Employable as entry-level paraprofessional in the areas of public works infrastructure construction, highway construction, construction inspection and public works infrastructure maintenance. 

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA:
Documentation of high school diploma or satisfaction of High School Equivalency Certificate requirement; achievement of minimum regular admission scores on tests of reading, language, and math as specified in TCSG document Minimum Program Entrance Scores; and completion of application and related procedures. 

PROGRAM COSTS: (Program costs are estimates and are subject to change)
Application fee: $15; Tuition: $2,160; Fees: $405; Books & Supplies: $1,345; Total Program Costs: $3,925 

PROGRAM LENGTH:
Five quarters if full time.

Program Requirements

Credit Hours
Contact Hours
 
General Core Courses (18 hours)
ENG
1010
Fundamentals of English I
5
5

This course emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include: analysis of writing; writing practice; grammar skills; editing and proofreading skills; research skills; and oral presentation skills. Homework assignments reinforce classroom learning.

MAT
1013
Algebraic Concepts
5
5

Introduces concepts and operations that can be applied to the study of algebra. Topics include: basic mathematical concepts and basic algebraic concepts, and intermediate algebraic concepts. Class includes lecture, applications, and homework to reinforce learning.

MAT
1015
Geometry and Trigonometry
5
5

Includes and develops basic geometric and trigonometric concepts. Topics include: geometric and trigonometric concepts.

EMP
1000
Interpersonal Relations and Professional Development
3
3

Provides a study of human relations and professional development in today’s rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include: human relations skills, job acquisition skills, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.

Occupational Courses (57 hours)
CET
130
Civil Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
4
8

An introduction to PC based computer aided drafting. Subject matter includes use of a personal computer and commercial CAD software as they apply to civil drafting. Lab exercises will focus on structural detailing. Topics include: computer hardware, operating systems, graphical user interfaces, CAD systems, drawing with CAD, and printing and plotting.

CET
190
Construction Materials
5
7
Presents the fundamental construction materials and their engineering properties. Covers such material properties as aggregates, asphalt, Portland cement concrete, steel, and masonry. Topics include: material properties, introduction to materials testing, and materials selection and use.
CET
195
Construction Methods and Cost Estimating
5
5

This course introduces the student to roadway and bridge construction methods and to cost estimation methods for a roadway project or project components.

DDS
203
Surveying I
3
5

Introduces fundamental plane surveying concepts, instruments, and techniques. Topics include: linear measurements; instrument use; and angles, bearings, and directions.

DDS
219
Route Location and Design
7
10
Provides the fundamentals of proper highway design. Students have opportunities to participate in actual field stakeout, measurement, and solution of design problems given specific parameters. Topics include: land transportation systems; ground and aerial route survey methods; circular, compound, reverse and parabolic curves and spirals; highway design safety and limitations; intersections and interchanges; plot and field stakeout; and topographic planning.
PWC
105
Public Works Infrastructure
5
5

This course introduces the student to the methods of maintaining the most common public works infrastructure. Emphasis will be on the different aspects of roadway maintenance, utility maintenance, and fleet management.

PWC
110
Plan Reading
5
5
This course introduces the reading and interpretation of construction drawings; plans include right of way, construction, bridge plans, and shop drawings. Topics include: scales, plan notation and symbols, and specifications.
PWC
115
Highway Design
5
5

This course provides the student with a basic understanding of design and construction of roadway and highway systems. Major topics include: geometric design, drainage design and computation, erosion control and storm water management.

PWC
120
Project Management
5
5
This course introduces the student to the basic concepts and procedures used in managing a highway construction project. Emphasis will be placed on administering the contract and ensuring that construction is completed according to the contract.
PWC
140
Internship
10
20
Provides students with in-depth application and reinforcement of civil technology and employability principles in an actual job setting. This internship allows the student to become involved in intensive on-the-job civil engineering applications that require full-time concentration, practice, and follow through. The civil technology internship is implemented through the use of written individualized training plans, written performance evaluations, required seminars, a required student project, and lab activities. Topics include: application of highway construction principles, highway design, surveying, route location and project management. The intern will be expected to engage in the following: problem solving, adaptability to job setting, use of proper interpersonal skills, good work habits, appropriate work ethics, and development of productivity and quality job performance through practice.
SCT
100
Introduction to Microcomputers
3
5

Introduces the fundamental concepts and operations necessary to use microcomputers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include: computer terminology, introduction to the Windows environment, introduction to networking, introduction to word processing, introduction to spreadsheets, and introduction to databases.

Credit Hours: 75
Contact Hours: 98