College Catalog
One College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701-5799 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222
Building Construction Technology (CB)
Academic School: Construction & Design Technologies
(Effective Fall 2008)
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

This major prepares a graduate with job-entry competencies in the construction industry. Students learn the principles and technologies of residential and light commercial construction. The curriculum emphasizes layout, construction materials, construction methods, cost estimation, project management and construction safety. Courses in English, mathematics, science, computer applications, and a social science or humanities elective are included to enhance a student's career opportunities. Students learn the technical and managerial skills necessary for advancement in the industry.
This major may serve as a basis for continued education leading to a bachelor's degree in building construction management and/or vocational education.
Career Opportunities: Positions leading to supervisor, contractor, construction technician, or construction superintendent. These positions require, in addition to this degree, suitable job experience.
Recommended High School Subjects: Two years of algebra, one year of science. One year of geometry is desirable.
Remediation Strategies: Students are required to remediate all deficiencies in the first year. The order of remediation should be math, reading, English.
Transfer Procedures: This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
Program Goals: A graduate of this major should be able to:
- practice safe work habits, identify work hazards, and demonstrate responsible attitudes and high quality work.
- demonstrate the basic manipulative skills needed to lay out and plan work.
- interpret plans, drawings, specifications, lines, symbols, and abbreviations on working drawings or blueprints.
- lay out and erect residential and commercial structures.
- identify the building codes related to all the various aspects of residential building industry.
- analyze specifications and contract drawings; make accurate quantity take-offs and labor estimations to develop an estimated construction cost for a building project.
- prepare preliminary architectural working drawings and sketches.
- demonstrate basic knowledge and skills in masonry and concrete construction.
- describe the organization, financing, labor relations, selling, pricing, customer service, management, and other aspects of business.
- describe the complexity of the building construction industry, the relationship among the various trades; methods of communication and coordination among all trades and professions in the industry.
- apply technical and basic skills on practical residential and light commercial construction projects.
| First Semester | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| BCT102 | Construction Safety and Equipment | 2 | |
| BCT103 | Construction Hand and Power Tools | 1 | |
| BCT109 | Framing Principles | 4 | |
| BCT110 | Site Preparation and Layout | 2 | |
| BCT117 | Construction Materials and Application I | 3 | |
| CSC110 | Introduction to Information Technology | 3 | |
| MTH124 | Technical Algebra and Trigonometry I | 3 | |
| or | |||
| MTH180 | College Algebra and Trigonometry I | 3 | |
| 18 | |||
| Second Semester | Credits | ||
| BCT118 | Construction Materials and Applications II | 3 | |
| BCT107 | Print Reading and Architectural Drafting | 3 | |
| BCT127 | Roof Framing and Exterior Finishing | 5 | |
| BCT130 | Interior Finish | 3 | |
| ENL111 | English Composition I | 3 | |
| FIT | Fitness and Lifetime Sports Elective | 1 | |
| 18 | |||
| Third Semester | Credits | ||
| BCT234 | Masonry Principles | 5 | |
| BCT238 | Concrete Construction | 3 | |
| BCT260 | Introduction to Electrical and Mechanical Systems | 3 | |
| ENL201 | Technical and Professional Communication | 3 | |
| PHS103 | Physics Survey | 3 | |
| or | |||
| PHS114 | Physics with Technological Applications | 4 | |
| 17 | |||
| Fourth Semester | Credits | ||
| BCT255 | Construction Estimating | 3 | |
| BCT256 | Residential Construction Planning, Scheduling and Management | 3 | |
| BCT259 | Trim and Millwork | 5 | |
| BCT258 | Compute Applications for Construction | 4 | |
| HUM | Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| or | |||
| SSE | Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| or | |||
| ART | Art Elective | 3 | |
| or | |||
| FOR | Foreign Language Elective | 3 | |
| or | |||
| AAE | Applied Arts Elective | 3 | |
| or | |||
| IFE | International Field Experience Elective | 3 | |
| 18 | |||
MTH 180 is recommended for students desiring to transfer into B.S. majors after completing A.A.S. requirements.
Faculty strongly recommend PHS114 because it covers topics related to construction and masonry. PHS114 has a MTH 180 prerequisite.
Additional Information: Endorsed by the Pennsylvania Builders Association.
