Concerns about building costs, home maintenance and repair and energy efficient dwellings have elevated job market demands for skilled construction workers in practically every area of the building industry. A comprehensive program that offers practical training in the entire range of residential and light commercial building techniques, Building Construction Technology puts classroom knowledge to work in hands-on projects both on the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood and outside the college community. Students get practical training in estimating building costs, carpentry, cabinet making, residential wiring, blueprint reading, brick masonry, construction, building codes and safety. A good background in economics and communications combines with a high level of skills in building techniques to prepare graduates for general construction, specialty work or supervision of construction projects. Upon completion of 76 credit hours, a student will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree with a major in Building Construction Technology.

Requirements

Graduation Plan

Fall Start

Spring Start

Summer Start

Application and Advising

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Advising Information

The following information provides a guide for advisors who are helping students enroll in this program.

Program Notes

BCT coursework starts fall semester only. BCT courses are generally offered only during the day at the Greenwood Campus, and should be taken as outlined in the Semester-by-semester graduation plans below.  General education requirements may be met at county campuses, in evening classes, and online.

When advising students for fall, advise for BCT courses first and then for developmental courses if they are needed.  However, if placement test scores are very low, advise for developmental courses, and have the student meet with the Academic Program Director of BCT, who will determine if the student can enter BCT courses.  Students entering the college in spring or summer should be advised to complete any needed developmental coursework and/or general education coursework before the BCT program starts in the fall.

Students with proven experience in the field may be eligible to exempt certain courses. The department head administers exemption tests.

Estimated cost of hand tools is $200 per semester.  Students will be given a list of required tools each semester.

Students may earn a carpentry certificate by completing BCT 101, 113, 105, 102, 131, 139 and an elective.  All students should come in under BCT3, and they can stop once they earn the certificate.  However, students are more likely to find employment, and earn higher wages, by earning the degree.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Purpose Statement

The mission of the Building Construction Technology program is to be a comprehensive training program that offers practical training in the entire range of residential and light commercial building techniques through “hands-on” training applications with associated lecture classes to provide the most up-to-date training and to enable gainful employment in the field.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Perform the basic manipulative skills involved in carpentry for residential construction.
2. Perform the basic manipulative skills in masonry for residential construction.
3. Perform the basic manipulative skills in residential wiring for residential construction.
4. Make application and use the underlying theories, technical information and related occupational information to assure sound judgments, decisions, and proper procedures involved in the residential building construction trades of construction trades of carpentry, masonry, and electrical.
5. Demonstrate the ability to interpret blueprints and technical materials necessary to construct a residential building.
6. Perform in an acceptable workmanship-like manner in the residential construction trade based recognized building codes (both local and international residential builders’ code).
7. Estimate and schedule the materials and labor in the building of a residential structure through the framing stages and finish stages.
8. Demonstrate the ability to perform the majority of tasks assigned in a safe and common sense manner in accordance with established safety standards in the construction industry. (OSHA standards for the construction industry).
9. Demonstrate the ability to identify entry level procedures and planning processes needed to open and operate a small business in the free enterprise system.