What Are the Courses in a Building Engineering Technology Degree Program?

A building engineering technology program focuses on the mathematical and technical aspects of building a commercial or residential structure. Most include elements of architecture degree programs, along with art and design courses. The core courses of such degree programs may include environmental systems, structural analysis, thermodynamics and architectural design.

Building Engineering Technology Degree Overview

Building engineering technology involves the process of designing and constructing buildings and other types of structures. A degree in building engineering technology prepares students to manage construction projects as well as design, implement and maintain building components. Students enrolled in associate's degree programs are provided a well-rounded foundation for employment in architecture and construction fields. While each program varies in concentration and degree requirements, students are offered instruction in building technology, structural design, architectural drafting and environmental systems.

Important Facts About Building Engineering Technology Degree Programs

Degree Levels	Certificate, associate's degree, bachelor's degree
Degree Fields of Study	Building engineering technology, building construction technology, building construction specialist, architecture building engineering technology
Prerequisites	High school diploma or equivalent
Concentrations	Architectural Engineering Technology, Building Environmental Systems Technology, Building Construction, Information Engineering Technology
Possible Careers	Construction estimators, building inspectors, project engineer, superintendent
Median Salary (2021)*	$88,050 (for civil engineers)
Job Outlook (2021-2031)*	7% growth (for civil engineers)

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Environmental Systems

Understanding the environmental control systems within a structure and the building's relationship to the surrounding environment is essential to a building engineering technology degree program. Such a course might explore the environmental necessities related to small buildings, including sanitation, mechanical and heating and ventilation systems. For larger buildings and systems of buildings, an environmental systems course looks at the impact of building codes and regulations on structures.

Structural Analysis

Structural analysis courses cover typical design principles and the use of these principles to design and create stable structures. Topics may include dynamic structural analysis with matrices and computer applications as well as member forces and moments in beams, frames and trusses. The course may also focus specifically on steel structures and the examination of beams, columns, connections, base plates, open web joists and deck systems.

Fluids and Thermodynamics

A core course covering thermodynamics is necessary for understanding fluid systems within a building. Such a course should expand one's knowledge of the first and second laws of thermodynamics and their impact on refrigeration, energy conservation, pumps, fans and duct flow.

Architectural Design

An architectural design course might teach the process of creating a structural design. Students may analyze the creative aspects of building engineering technology while studying different types of structures. They could apply engineering principles to satisfy building requirements in the most cost-efficient manner possible.