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

Important Facts About Building Engineering Technology Degree Programs

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.