Program Overview
Civil Engineering Technologists, as members of the engineering design team, may be involved in various phases of a construction project, including the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure such as roads, bridges, sewers, and water distribution systems. Technologists can prepare CAD drawings and bids, collect and compile data, perform survey work, and participate in the inspection and quality control processes. This program will appeal to those with an aptitude for assembly, who are analytical, enjoy problem-solving, and are strong in math.
Program Highlights
- Over $300,000 invested in new equipment for Surveying and Material Testing classes.
- Students receive a solid foundation in core civil engineering subjects with a balance of theory and practical knowledge.
- Recognized by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), allowing certification and increased employability.
- Common first-year classes between Construction Engineering Technician and Architectural Technology allows for easy transfer between the three programs.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities such as the Canadian National Concrete Canoe Competition.
Career Opportunities
Civil Engineering Technologists can choose to work on either side of the job site. Opportunities exist with architects, consulting engineers, material testing firms, general and sub-contractors, Municipal Public Works or the Ministry of Transportation. Typical entry positions include civil engineering technologist, draftsperson/CAD operator, estimator, inspector, and field supervisor. Those completing the program will also have the knowledge and ability to start their own construction business after a few years of practical experience.
Degree Completions
Graduates of this program can further their education at a number of institutions including the University of Windsor, Lakehead University (Thunder Bay), Lawrence Technological University (Southfield, MI), and South East Technological University (Ireland).
Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus:
- Grade 12 Math (C) or (U).
Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.
Courses
The curriculum below is for incoming students:
Past Cohorts:
Semester 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CVL104 | Drafting And Design I | 3 |
| AEC102 | Construction Theory | 3 |
| AEC103 | Building Services I | 3 |
| AEC104 | Building CAD I | 3 |
| AEC115 | Surveying | 3 |
| ENG212LS | Communications I | 2 |
| MTH128 | Technical Mathematics I | 5 |
Semester 2
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CVL204 | Drafting And Design II | 3 |
| AEC202 | Estimating & Specifications | 3 |
| AEC204 | Building CAD II | 3 |
| AEC211 | Construction Applications | 3 |
| AEC239 | Ontario Building Code I | 3 |
| MTH203 | Differential Calculus | 3 |
| AEC205 | Statics And Strength Of Materials | 4 |
Semester 3
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CVL303B | Structural Steel Design | 3 |
| CVL304B | Drafting & Design | 3 |
| CVL305A | Estimating And Specifications | 3 |
| CVL306A | CIVIL - CAD | 3 |
| CVL301G | Coping With Disasters | 3 |
| CVL315 | Surveying II | 3 |
| MTH404 | Integral Calculus | 3 |
Semester 4
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CVL410A | Reinforced Concrete & Masonry Design | 3 |
| CVL404A | Material Testing | 3 |
| CVL405B | Computer Applications | 3 |
| CVL409 | Soil Mechanics Introduction | 3 |
| CVL412 | Construction Management | 3 |
| ELEC1030 | Choose 1 Elective Course | 3 |
Semester 5
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CVL504B | Applied Hydraulics | 3 |
| CVL505A | Introduction To Gis | 3 |
| CVL506B | Structural Wood Design | 3 |
| CVL518 | Transportation Engineering Technology | 4 |
| CVL509 | Soil Mechanics & Foundations | 3 |
| CVL514 | Environmental Assessment | 3 |
| ELEC1030 | Choose 1 Elective Course | 3 |
Semester 6
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CVL602B | Structural Analysis & Design | 3 |
| CVL615 | Advanced Surveying | 3 |
| CVL605C | Technical Report | 2 |
| CVL607 | Environmental Technology | 3 |
| CVL608 | CIVIL Estimating | 3 |
| ARC339B | Ontario Building Code-Large Buildings | 2 |
Program Physical Demands Analysis
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Civil Engineering Technology Program (Ontario College Advanced Diploma) (MTCU Code 61003)
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop and use strategies to enhance professional growth and ongoing learning in the civil engineering field.
- Comply with workplace health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
- Complete duties and monitor that work is performed in compliance with contractual obligations, applicable laws, standards, bylaws, codes and ethical practices in the civil engineering field.
- Promote and carry out sustainable practices* in accordance with contract documents, industry standards and environmental legislative requirements.
- Facilitate the collaboration and interaction among the project team and project stakeholders* to support civil engineering projects*.
- Collect, process, analyze and coordinate technical data to produce written and graphical project-related documents.
- Use industry-specific electronic and digital technologies to support civil engineering projects*.
- Participate in the design and modeling phase of civil engineering projects* by applying engineering concepts, technical mathematics* and principles of science to the review, production and/or modification of project plans.
- Contribute to the scheduling and coordination and cost estimation of civil engineering projects* and monitor their progression by applying principles of construction project management.
- Coordinate and perform quality control* testing and evaluate equipment, materials and methods used in the implementation and completion of civil engineering projects*.
- Apply teamwork, leadership, supervision and interpersonal skills when working individually or within multidisciplinary teams to complete civil engineering projects*.
Graduate Testimonials
Civil Engineering Technology graduate, Mike McClellan (Alumni 1996), benefitted immensely from his time at St. Clair College. After graduating from the Civil program, he was lucky enough to be available when Alberici Constructors Ltd. called the College looking for recent graduates. They are a large international construction company with offices around the world, including its head office in Burlington, Ontario. Mike was recommended by one of his faculty, he went for the interview and was hired the next day.
He started as a Project Coordinator, and then quickly became Project Manager, and then Regional Manager of Windsor in a short period of time. “I worked hard and the company recognized that,” says McClellan. “My education at St. Clair provided a wonderful foundation to enter this industry. The program taught a little bit about everything which is great for career advancement.” His career path within the company took him into a Project Manager's position on some big work in Toronto, then Director of Operations - Industrial, then to his current role as Construction Manager in New Orleans.
In this capacity, he is responsible for all field operations on the project. He manages five superintendents reporting to him with about 300 workers reporting to them through foremen. His responsibilities include safety, costing, scheduling and quality of all field work. When asked what advice he would give students interested in the program, he replied, “Do everything they can to be leaders. In today's workforce, most people do not want to take responsibility. Companies quickly recognize the work of those who are self starters. Civil is very broad based. General contracting, surveying and inspection and testing are careers the program prepares people for.”