Architectural and Building Engineering Technology
Program Summary
Vermont Tech's Architectural and Building Engineering Technology program prepares students to take advantage of any number of professional or educational opportunities, including:
- Working in the construction industry at the technical and design support level;
- Continuing education at Vermont Tech to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (which qualifies students to pursue Professional Engineer licensure);
- Transferring to another school to pursue a Bachelor of Science in civil, structural, or architectural engineering (which also may qualify students to pursue PE licensure); and
- Transferring to an architectural program to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture (which qualifies students to become registered architects).
The broad curriculum affords students the flexibility of enrolling in the program without deciding on a career or educational pursuit right away. In fact, many students join the program with a set idea of a career or educational goal - but change their mind once exposed to different experiences and skills.
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Areas of Study
The program provides a thorough introduction to the fundamental skills of architectural and engineering drafting, including instruction in CADD systems, along with an academic foundation in physics, mathematics, and technical writing. The curriculum also involves laboratory testing, field observation of construction, and building design.
The comprehensive, two-year program offers extensive practical exposure to areas including:
- Architectural design;
- History;
- Construction materials and methods;
- Structural engineering;
- Surveying;
- Estimating;
- Heating;
- Ventilating;
- Plumbing;
- Energy-conscious design.
Most students consider the capstone architectural design course (ARC-2052) to be a highlight of the program, in which they work as teams on a hypothetical project in an actual Vermont town. Students confer with proposed users of the building and others to determine their "real life" problems, aspirations, and future goals for the project. Students apply their newly-learned design principles with tasteful respect for the existing structures and test out their own planning skills, all the while conforming to code requirements, flood plain limits, and other real world requirements.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program hold an Associate in Applied Science and typically pursue professional positions, providing all levels of support to the building industry in manufacturing, sales, and governmental administration.
Typical employers of program graduates include:
- Architects;
- Engineers; and
- Building contractors.
Other students pursue additional education in engineering or architecture. Graduates of the Associate's program are qualified to apply for Vermont Tech's Bachelor of Science program in Architectural Engineering Technology.
Enrollment Information
Approximately 50-60 freshman students are accepted to the program each year.
The program encourages enrollment among traditional freshman candidates who have graduated high school, transfer students from other programs, and non-traditional students with prior work experience or academic degrees.
Students who have prior experience may be able to test out of some basic course requirements. Evaluations are based on prior experience and level of skill, and are made on a student-by-student basis.
Certifications
Graduates of the program may be qualified for certification in specific skills in the construction trade.
Prerequisites and Other Requirements
The minimum number of credits required for a degree is 70.
Campus Locations
The Architectural and Building Engineering Technology program is offered at Vermont Tech's main campus in Randolph Center.