Civil Engineering Technology
Carol Considine, Program Director
The Civil Engineering Technology program (CET) is accredited by thetechnology Accreditation commission of the AccreditationBoard for engineering and technology (TAC of ABET)and offers options in Construction Management, Structural Design, and Surveying and Site Development. Students in this program are prepared for employment in a wide range of professional and technical positions with the construction, consulting engineering, surveying and development industries. Graduates are eligible to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, the first step to licensure as a professional engineer. CET courses include topics such as computer-aided drafting, statics, strength of materials, materials testing, surveying, building construction, soils and foundations, and hydrology and drainage. Effective written, oral and graphic communications are practiced throughout the curriculum along with computer literacy. The program culminates in a senior project that integrates course work with a practical project assignment in the student's area of interest. To satisfy the upper-division general education requirements, students are encouraged to complete a minor in either Engineering Management or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Program Educational Objectives
Mission Statement: The BS degree program in Civil Engineering Technology offers a high quality degree program that meets national standards of excellence. It is a significant component of the University's commitment to science, engineering and technology, particularly in fields of major importance to the region. Through the University's TELETECHNET distance learning program, the Civil Engineering Technology program provides opportunities for technical personnel throughout the state and elsewhere to enhance their education and pursue baccalaureate level studies. Simultaneously, the program supports the general education components that yield a well-rounded graduate who is aware of societal needs and issues.
To support the mission the following educational objectives exist. During the first few years after graduation, students of the Civil Engineering Technology program will meet the following objectives:
- Develop the student's capabilities with emphasis on state of the art applications in one of the following areas: Building structures design, construction operations, or surveying and site development.
- Provide sufficient instruction for students to function in an entry-level position involving applied planning and design, field testing and inspection, on-site technical coordination and control, and other positions relevant to their emphasis area.
- Develop the student's basic technical skills expected of all four-year civil engineering technology graduates.
- Provide sufficient general education studies, including liberal arts, to permit the graduate to communicate effectively and to function as a responsible citizen.
- Recognize the need for and have the desire to engage in life-long learning.
For more information about the Civil Engineering Technology program at Old Dominion University download our brochure.
Construction Management Option: The Construction Engineering option prepares students for careers in the construction industry by providing a combination of knowledge and skills from a number of disciplines. In addition to the basic technical skills in structures, materials, fluids, etc,students in construction management take courses in scheduling, project management, estimating and other topics that allow projects to be completed on schedule and within budget. Graduates of the Construction Engineering option are employed at both large and small companies as project engineers, field engineers, assistant superintendents, estimators, schedulers, and similar construction related positions.
Structural Design Option: Students choosing the Structural Design option will takein addition to the basic technical skills in materials, fluids, etc, courses in structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design. Graduates of this option have found employment with public utilities and transportation agencies, architectural and structural engineering firms, design-build contractors, and construction firms in positions such as designer, engineer, planner, and computer aided design analyst.
Surveying and Site Development Option: Students choosing this option will take course work in advanced surveying, route and construction surveying, geographic information systems (GIS), and photogrammetry. Graduates of this option are eligible to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Fundamentals of Land Surveying (FLS) examination in Virginia and many other states. Graduates are employed with various governmental agencies, engineering and construction firms.
