Civil Engineering Technology
See what our students can do. You can too!
The Civil Engineering Program at DCTC is using cutting-edge technology to prepare students for the future demands of engineering firms.
Read more on DCTC News| Awards/Outcomes | Credits | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technology - A.A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | Rosemount |
| Surveying & CAD Drafting - Certificate | 30 cr. | Rosemount |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Civil Engineering Technology Datasheet | ||
This program incorporates state-of-the-art equipment and software programs in its labs. Working in a diverse field with excellent employment opportunities nationwide, graduates will be involved in all aspects of the construction process including the planning and design as well as project management and inspections of roads, bridges, highways, subdivisions, and conventional energy plants, including wind farms.
This program offers Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Seek credit for life experience to accelerate your progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate. Visit the Credit for Prior Learning page to learn more.
I interned with Dakota County for four months over the summer in 2012, surveying, inspecting and testing materials. My career goals include working as a civil tech or construction manager—I likes both roles equally—in the public or private sector. I haven't ruled out continuing my schooling to become a professional engineer. There are so many things you can do with a civil engineering technology degree. That’s one of the main reasons I chose the program."
I was impressed by the array of adjunct instructors who teach the program. They are straight from the engineering industry. They are more than current with the technology we need to know. I enjoy working with the software used by civil techs, including AutoCAD Civil 3D. One of my favorites is ArcGIS made by Esri. GIS is everywhere. Engineers and technicians use ArcGIS to apply geographic knowledge to project solutions. After I graduate, I'm heading for Anchorage, Alaska, to interview for jobs in the mining industry. Mining runs in my family—and mining is one more field where civil engineering technicians are needed.
| Civil Engineering Technology A.A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
Surveying & CAD Drafting Certificate • 30 credits |
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $174/cr. | $174/cr. |
| Fees | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. |
| Textbooks | $1,000 | NA |
| Grand Total | $12,727 | $5,862.50 |
Each year, Dakota County Technical College and the DCTC Foundation make more than $200,000 in scholarships available to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
Students looking for ways to help finance their college education can find part-time jobs on campus with various DCTC departments and programs. Deliver your completed Work-Study Application to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and search for openings at College Central Network Services. For more information, you can review Work Study Procedure.
Step 1: Apply now for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
DCTC's Federal School Code: 010402
Step 2: After receiving an official award letter from DCTC, you may apply online for a Federal Stafford Student Loan. Visit the Loans page for more information.
Graduates may land rewarding careers with consulting engineering companies, construction companies, and governmental agencies such as the MN Department of Transportation, or the engineering department of a local municipality.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for civil engineering technicians is expected to grow 12 percent in the U.S. by the year 2020. BLS: "The need to maintain and repair the country’s infrastructure continues to increase: bridges need rebuilding, roads need maintaining, and levees and dams need upgrading. Moreover, a growing population means that water systems must be maintained to reduce or eliminate loss of drinkable water. Additionally, more waste treatment plants will be needed to help clean the nation’s waterways. Civil engineers must plan, design, and oversee this work, and civil engineering technicians will be needed to help the engineers."
Civil Engineering Technology at DCTC teaches precisely the skills you'll need to break into the profession. The curriculum is designed by faculty with decades of industry experience; they know what works and what doesn't work. BLS: "Civil engineering technicians learn to use design software that civil engineers typically do not. Thus, those who master it, keep their skills current, and stay abreast of the latest software will likely improve their chances for employment."
Articulation Agreements are formal agreements between two or more colleges and/or universities to accept credits in transfer toward a specific academic program. DCTC has articulation agreements in place with a number of public and private colleges and universities.
MN Transfer.org is your official guide to a seamless transfer experience in Minnesota Higher Education. Use this resource to find agreements that DCTC has entered with other Minnesota State institutions.
Do you want to see how your courses transfer to programs at participating colleges and universities? Add the coursework you've taken and use Transferology to find out how it might transfer to any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account and create a plan now!
Whether you're a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or an international student or transferring from high school or a four-year university, DCTC will help you through the process. Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
The Civil Engineering Technology program at DCTC is active throughout the year and makes headlines in college publications. Read about student field trips and competitions as well as the accomplishments of our civil engineering technology instructors.
As a student in DCTC's Civil Engineering Technology program, you have many opportunities to make connections in the civil engineering industry through your involvement in professional clubs and organizations.
DCTC features active, industry-relevant clubs for Civil Engineering Technology students right on campus. Getting involved in these clubs allows you to make the most of your college experience and gives you an edge when seeking employment in the civil engineering technology field. The following three clubs are open to all CET students:
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization for students at community and technical colleges across the U.S. The organization focuses on students in academic programs that lead to careers in the trade, industrial, technical and health care fields. Nearly 100 SkillsUSA competitions at the state and national levels relate to leadership skills or programs of study at DCTC.
In 2013, DCTC fielded 17 students at the nationals who ranked in the top 15 in the nation. For more information about the competition, read "DCTC Students Rock at SkillsUSA Nationals" on DCTC News.
