Civil Engineering Technology
www.linnbenton.edu/civil-engineering
Students in the Civil Engineering Technology certificate program are trained to work as surveyors, drafters, and designers in civil engineering and surveying offices. Civil engineering technicians help engineers plan and build roadways, utilities and structures. Engineering technicians work with the design, surveying, construction and inspection of engineering projects. Technicians’ duties are more hands-on and limited in scope than those of engineers.
Engineering technicians need knowledge in the following areas: mathematics, including algebra, geometry and trigonometry; computer usage; structural analysis; surveying; construction specifications and techniques; drafting and reading plans; engineering design methods; and use of the English language.
Graduates of this certificate program can expect to work as entry-level engineering technicians. However, students are encouraged to complete a two-year associate’s degree to improve their employability. The Civil Engineering Technology Certificate program is designed to be taken concurrently with the Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) at LBCC to enable students to complete an associate degree in a related field. Adequately prepared students can complete both degrees concurrently in two years.
Program Requirements
Students entering the program in the fall or spring term with current AutoCAD® experience, familiarity with right angle trigonometry, who have college level reading skills, and who are prepared to take MTH 112 and WR 121 can expect to complete the program In one year. Students who are deficient in these areas can expect to take more time to complete the certificate.
The program emphasizes the use of mathematics and computers in engineering work. The curriculum starts with background courses in math, drafting, and CAD and works up to project surveys and public works designs. Students in the program should have a strong aptitude for math and computers, and should expect to do physically active work outdoors. One of the program courses (ENGR 242) is currently offered only at night. Some students attend part time.
Facilities
Classes are held in well-equipped classrooms and laboratories. Computers are used extensively with current versions of AutoCAD®, Civil 3D® and ARCGIS®. Modern survey instruments also are used, including automatic levels, total stations and GPS equipment.