Maureen Valentine, Interim Department Chair
585-475-7398, msvite@rit.edu
Gretchen Wainwright, Undergraduate Coordinator
585-475-4175, glwite@rit.edu
Program overview
The civil engineering technology major prepares students for employment in the fields of civil engineering, construction management, and other closely related professions. Students learn civil engineering technology fundamentals from faculty members who have years of practical, professional, on-the-job experience. The major is focused on applied engineering, where students work in various laboratory settings to learn about theory, how design parameters are determined, and how to best utilize state-of-the-art equipment and engineering software. In addition, students are prepared to pursue advanced education, certification, or professional licensure. Course work and co-curricular activities are designed to broaden students' involvement in organizations within and outside their profession. These objectives are achieved through a broad-based curriculum that offers students a choice of numerous elective paths in the discipline that meets specific career interests.
Plan of study
The major includes two technical electives and two free electives that can be used to gain additional depth or breadth in civil engineering or construction management. In addition, students may choose to utilize electives to pursue a minor outside of the civil engineering technology major or a professional option within the major.
Professional options
While choosing an option is not required, to gain a deep understanding in one particular focus area, students may choose to pursue one of three professional options in construction management, structural design, or water resources. Professional options consist of three courses chosen by the student.
Construction management
The construction management option is ideal for students who have an interest in courses related to the business, management, and technical aspects related to construction.
Structural design
The structural design option provides a focus in structural design and the use of different types of structures and materials. It also introduces related design codes.
Water resources
The water resources option is for students who have an interest in courses related to water treatment, wastewater treatment, hydrology, and the environment.
Cooperative education
Cooperative education, or co-op, is an increasingly valuable integrated, co-curricular experience required by many programs in the college. Students gain real-world experience and make life-long professional connections while earning a salary, which may help offset college costs. Engineering technology students are required to complete four co-op blocks. This typically includes one spring, one fall, and two summer terms, alternating periods of full-time study with full-time paid work experience in their career field. In some circumstances other forms of experiential education, such as study abroad, research, or military service, may be used to fulfill part of the co-op requirement. Each student is assigned a co-op adviser to assist in identifying and applying to co-op opportunities.
Accreditation
The civil engineering technology major is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Curriculum
Civil engineering technology, BS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CVET-140 | Materials of Construction | 2 |
| CVET-141 | Materials of Construction Lab | 1 |
| MATH-111 | LAS Perspective 7A (mathematical): Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS-111 | LAS Perspective 6 (scientific principles): Physics I with Lab | 4 |
| CVET-180 | Civil Engineering Graphics | 2 |
| CVET-181 | Civil Engineering Graphics Lab | 1 |
| CVET-210 | Statics | 3 |
| CVET-150 | Computer Aided Design and Drafting | 2 |
| PHYS-112 | Physics II | 4 |
| MATH-171 | LAS Perspective 7B (mathematical): Calculus A | 3 |
| ACSC-010 | Year One: College Experience | 0 |
| First Year Writing Seminar | 3 | |
| LAS Perspective 1 (ethical) | 3 | |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CVET-160 | Surveying | 3 |
| CVET-161 | Surveying Lab | 1 |
| CVET-220 | Strength of Materials | 4 |
| MATH-172 | Calculus B | 3 |
| CVET-170 | Elements of Building Construction | 3 |
| CVET-230 | Elementary Structures | 3 |
| CVET-240 | Elementary Soil Mechanics | 3 |
| CVET-241 | Elementary Soil Mechanics Lab | 1 |
| MATH-211 | Elements of Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations | 3 |
| CHMG-141 | LAS Perspective 5 (natural science inquiry): General and Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMG-145 | General and Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| LAS Perspective 2 (artistic) | 3 | |
| LAS Perspective 3 (global) | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| CVET-250 | Hydraulics | 3 |
| CVET-251 | Hydraulics Lab | 1 |
| CVET-300 | Land Development Computer Applications | 2 |
| CVET-332 | Structural Analysis with STAAD | 4 |
| COMM-142 | Introduction to Technical Communication (WI) | 3 |
| ENGT-299 | Cooperative Education Preparation | 0 |
| CVET-499 | Cooperative Education (spring, summer) | Co-op |
| LAS Perspective 4 (social) | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| CVET-440 | Foundation Engineering | 3 |
| Choose one of the following course sequences: | 6 | |
| CVET-431 | Structural Design–Steel | |
| CVET-432 | Structural Design–Reinforced Concrete | |
| or | ||
| Technical Electives | ||
| CHMG-142 | General And Analytical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CVET-450 | Principles of Water and Wastewater Treatment | 3 |
| CVET-400 | Transportation Engineering | 2 |
| CVET-401 | Transportation Engineering Lab | 1 |
| CVET-437 | Principles of Dynamics in Civil Engineering Technology | 2 |
| CVET-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| LAS Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| LAS Immersion 1, 2 | 6 | |
| Fifth Year | ||
| CVET-499 | Cooperative Education (fall) | Co-op |
| CVET-500 | Civil Engineering Technology Capstone (WI) | 3 |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| LAS Math or Science Elective | 3 | |
| LAS Immersion 3 | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 128 | |
Please see General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two Wellness courses.
Professional options
Construction management
| Choose three of the following: | |
| CVET-424 | Building Information Modeling with Revit |
| CVET-461 | Construction Cost Estimating I |
| CVET-462 | Construction Project Management |
| CVET-464 | Construction Planning, Scheduling, and Control |
| CVET-465 | Contracts and Specifications |
| CVET-505 | Sustainable Building Design and Construction |
| ESHS-225 | Construction Safety |
Structural design
| Required courses | |
| CVET-431 | Structural Design–Steel |
| CVET-432 | Structural Design–Reinforced Concrete |
| Choose two of the following: | |
| CVET-433 | Structural Timber Design |
| CVET-434 | Design of Highway Bridges |
| CVET-435 | Pre-stressed Concrete |
| CVET-436 | Masonry Structures |
Water resources
| Choose three of the following: | |
| CVET-423 | Geospatial Information Systems for CETEMS |
| CVET-451 | Design of Water and Wastewater Treatment |
| CVET-452 | Groundwater Hydraulics |
| CVET-453 | Stormwater Management |
Additional information
Graduates
Our graduates can be found working in consulting engineering firms; construction and construction management companies; and government agencies at the local, regional, and national level. Initial job titles may include junior engineer, project manager, project engineer, estimator, junior structural engineer, construction inspector, project coordinator, or superintendent. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees, and a large number have gained registration in several states as professional engineers. Some manage their own consulting firms.
Industrial Advisory Board
The Industrial Advisory Board is comprised of local and regional industry leaders from consulting, construction, and the municipal market. These advisory board members share their professional and technical expertise to enhance the engineering technology program and strengthen its development.
Quarter Curriculum - For Reference Only
Effective fall 2013, RIT converted its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. The following content has been made available as reference only. Currently matriculated students who began their academic programs in quarters should consult their academic adviser for guidance and course selection.
Program overview
Using the language of codes, working drawings, and specifications, students in the civil engineering technology program learn how to translate the innovative concepts of the engineer into functioning systems and structures. The program prepares students for employment in the fields of civil engineering technology, construction management, or any of the many closely related fields. In addition, the program teaches the skills necessary for graduates to pursue additional education, certification, or professional licensure. The program also encourages students to grow in responsibility and leadership through course work and extracurricular activities designed to broaden their involvement in organizations within and outside their profession. These objectives are achieved through a broad-based curriculum that offers students a choice of five elective paths that meet specific career interests.
Accreditation
The civil engineering technology program is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, and is operated as a cooperative education program.
Curriculum
Semester conversion
Effective fall 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. Each program and its associated courses have been sent to the New York State Department of Education for approval of the semester plan. For reference, the following charts illustrate the typical course sequence for this program in both quarters and semesters. Students should consult their academic advisers with questions regarding planning and course selection.
Civil engineering technology, BS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 0608-051 | Introduction to Civil Engineering Technology | 1 |
| 1016-230 | Precalculus | 4 |
| 0608-211 | Engineering Graphics with CAD | 4 |
| 0608-330 | Materials of Construction | 4 |
| 1016-231 | Calculus for Engineering Technology I | 4 |
| 1017-211, 212, 271, 272 | College Physics I, II, and Labs | 8 |
| 0608-225 | Problem Solving and Communication with Computers | 2 |
| 0610-302 | Introduction to Statics | 4 |
| 0608-220 | Civil Engineering Graphics | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 16 | |
| Wellness Education† | 1 | |
| 1105-051, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Second Year | ||
| 1017-213, 273 | College Physics III and Lab | 4 |
| 0608-320 | Plane Surveying | 4 |
| 0535-403 | Effective Technical Communication | 4 |
| 0610-303 | Strength of Materials | 4 |
| 0608-360 | Elementary Soil Mechanics | 4 |
| 0608-422 | Elements of Building Construction | 4 |
| 1016-232 | Calculus for Engineering Technology II | 4 |
| 0608-340 | Route Surveying | 4 |
| 0608-380 | Elementary Structures | 4 |
| 1016-304 | Differential Equations for Engineering Technology | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| Third Year | ||
| 0608-199 | Introduction to Civil Engineering Technology, Transfer | 1 |
| 0608-420, 421 | Hydraulics, Lab (or Technical Elective) | 4 |
| 0608-304 | Structural Loads and Systems | 2 |
| 0608-303 | Land Development Computer Applications | 2 |
| Math Elective | 4 | |
| 0608-305 | Structural Computer Applications | 2 |
| 0608-404 | Applied Mechanics of Materials | 4 |
| Technical Elective | 2 | |
| 1011-271 | Fundamentals of Chemistry | 3 |
| 1011-205 | Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| 0606-099 | Cooperative Education Preparation | 0 |
| Cooperative Education | Co-op | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 0608-432 | Water and Wastewater Transport Systems | 2 |
| 0608-490 | Structural Analysis | 4 |
| 1011-272, 276 | Chemistry of Water and Wastewater and Lab | 4 |
| Technical Electives | 8 | |
| 0608-438 | Principles of Water and Wastewater Treatment | 4 |
| 0608-496 or 0608-497 | Structural Design | 4 |
| 0608-527, 528 | Soil Mechanics and Foundations and Lab | 4 |
| 0608-546 | Professional Principles and Practices | 1 |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| Cooperative Education | Co-op | |
| Fifth Year | ||
| 0608-530 | Transportation Engineering | 4 |
| Free Electives | 12 | |
| 1017-359 | Technology Electronics | 4 |
| 0617-436 | Engineering Economics | 4 |
| 0608-570 | Principles of Dynamics in Civil Engineering Technology | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 4 | |
| Cooperative Education | Co-op | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 206 | |
* Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
† Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
Civil engineering technology, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CVET-140 | Materials of Construction | 2 |
| CVET-141 | Materials of Construction Lab | 1 |
| LAS Foundation 1: First-Year Seminar | 3 | |
| MATH-111 | LAS Perspective 7A: Pre-Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS-111 | LAS Perspective 6: Physics I and Lab | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 1 | 3 | |
| CVET-210 | Statics | 3 |
| CVET-150 | Computer Aided Design and Drafting | 3 |
| PHYS-112 | Physics II | 4 |
| MATH-171 | LAS Perspective 7B: Calculus A | 3 |
| ENGL-150 | LAS Foundation 2: Writing Seminar | 3 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CVET-160 | Surveying | 3 |
| CVET-161 | Surveying Lab | 1 |
| CVET-180 | Civil Engineering Graphics | 2 |
| CVET-181 | Civil Engineering Graphics Lab | 1 |
| CVET-220 | Strength of Materials | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 2 | 3 | |
| MATH-172 | Calculus B | 3 |
| CVET-170 | Elements of Building Construction | 3 |
| CVET-230 | Elementary Structures | 3 |
| CVET-240 | Elementary Soil Mechanics | 3 |
| CVET-241 | Elementary Soil Mechanics Lab | 1 |
| MATH-211 | Elements of Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations | 3 |
| CHMG-121 | LAS Perspective 5: Chemical Principles and Applications | 3 |
| Third Year | ||
| CVET-250 | Hydraulics | 3 |
| CVET-251 | Hydraulics Lab | 1 |
| CVET-300 | Land Development Computer Applications | 3 |
| CVET-330 | Structural Analysis and Dynamics | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 3 | 3 | |
| COMM-203 | Effective Technical Communication | 3 |
| CVET-299 | Cooperative Education Preparation | 0 |
| CVET-499 | Cooperative Education | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| CVET-440 | Foundation Engineering | 3 |
| Structural Design Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| CHMG-122 | Chemistry of Water and Wastewater | 3 |
| LAS Immersion 1, 2 | 6 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Structural Design Elective | ||
| Technical Elective | ||
| CVET-450 | Principles of Water and Wastewater Treatment | 3 |
| CVET-400 | Transportation Engineering | 2 |
| CVET-401 | Transportation Engineering Lab | 1 |
| LAS Perspective 4 | 3 | |
| CVET-499 | Cooperative Education | Co-op |
| Fifth Year | ||
| CVET-499 | Cooperative Education | Co-op |
| CVET-500 | Civil Engineering Technology Capstone (WI) | 3 |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| LAS Math or Science Elective | 4 | |
| LAS Immersion 3 | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 128 | |
Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
Technical electives
Students will take at least two electives from one of the sequences shown. Other electives may be chosen from within that sequence, from another sequence, or from the other electives shown. With departmental approval, technical electives may be selected from courses in other colleges. Also, independent study projects may be pursued for credit in cases where students demonstrate unusual ability and obtain sponsorship of a faculty adviser.
| Courses | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| Water resources | ||
| 0608-482 | Stormwater Management | 4 |
| 0608-485 | Hydraulic Structures | 4 |
| 0608-480 | Groundwater Hydraulics | 4 |
| Environmental controls | ||
| 0608-510 | Design of Water Treatment Facilities | 2 |
| 0608-514 | Land Use Planning | 4 |
| 0608-511 | Design of Wastewater Treatment Facilities | 2 |
| 0608-525 | Resource Recovery/Waste Management | 4 |
| Construction management | ||
| 0608-500 | Labor Relations | 2 |
| 0608-509 | Cost Estimating | 4 |
| 0608-560 | Construction Project Management | 4 |
| 0608-544 | Contracts and Specifications | 2 |
| Structures | ||
| 0608-470 | Timber Design | 4 |
| 0608-496 | Reinforced Concrete Design | 4 |
| 0608-497 | Structural Steel Design | 4 |
| Building and heavy construction | ||
| 0608-460 | Construction Equipment | 2 |
| 0608-505 | Construction Safety | 2 |
| 0608-535 | Pavement Design | 4 |
| 0608-444 | Mechanical Equipment | 2 |
| Other electives | ||
| 1016-319 | Data Analysis | 4 |
| 0610-440 | Applied Thermodynamics | 4 |
| 0630-370, 372 | Environmental Geology, Lab | 4 |
Additional information
Industry board
The Industry Advisory Board is comprised of local and regional industry leaders from consulting, construction, and the municipal market. These advisory board members share their professional and technical expertise to enhance the engineering technology program and strengthen its development.
Graduates
Consulting engineers; construction companies and industries; and federal, state, and local government agencies employ engineering technology graduates both nationally and internationally. Their initial job titles range from assistant project manager, structural designer, or junior engineer to construction inspector and environmental engineer. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees, a large number have gained registration in several states as professional engineers, and many manage their own consulting firms.