Architectural and Building Engineering Technology
Associate degree Architectural and Building Engineering Technology graduates are prepared for a wide range of construction industry-related careers at the technical and design support level. Graduates typically fill responsible positions with architects, engineers, and building contractors and provide all levels of support to the building industry in manufacturing, sale, and governmental administration. Graduates of the program are also prepared to transfer to bachelor degree programs in architecture or engineering, including Vermont Tech's Architectural Engineering Technology program.
The curriculum, balanced between theory and application, was specifically developed to give the students a solid base in the above-mentioned fields. It includes outcomes in five required core components:
- Graphic communication skills: ability to use freehand sketches, board drafting, presentation graphics, and CADD as tools for design and communication;
- Communication skills: ability to communicate technical information in writing, speaking, listening, and interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a team;
- Technical skills: understand residential and commercial building systems, materials, and regulations; apply that knowledge to site layout and material estimating, and utilize appropriate computer applications;
- Architectural design: with a knowledge of historical precedents and aesthetics, be able to use design principles as part of a process to create workable building designs, culminating in a capstone commercial building project.
- Engineering design: in the areas of building structures, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and lighting, be able to understand design principles and apply procedures in the design of building engineering systems.
Graduation from the program at the associate's level (2 or 3 yr.) allows the student the perfect opportunity to make an informed decision relative to his/her career path. Upon earning an associate's degree, students may decide to immediately enter the work force, continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering Technology, or pursue an additional degree in other Vermont Tech engineering programs or at another institution. This "decision platform" offered to students completing the associate's degree is one of the program's greatest strengths.Students receive a thorough introduction to the fundamental skills of architectural and engineering drafting, including instruction in CAD systems along with an academic foundation in physics, mathematics, and technical writing. They are also involved with laboratory testing and field observation of construction and design. The very comprehensive two years are rounded out with extensive exposure to architectural design, history, construction materials and methods, structural engineering, surveying, estimating, heating, ventilating, plumbing, and energy-conscious design. A program highlight is the final senior architectural design course. Working 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 building codes and other real world requirements.
Students may continue on into a Bachelor of Science degree program in Architectural Engineering Technology, Sustainable Design and Technology or Business Technology and Management. Some program graduates transfer to other schools of architecture or engineering to continue working toward a bachelor's or other degree in these fields. The program is accredited by the Technology Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC of ABET).
The minimum number of credits required for a degree is 70.