College Catalog

This major is focused on the management of construction projects typified by single-family detached residential housing. The program is a BS degree that is based on students' completion of an applied technology curriculum in Architectural Technology for the first four semesters of the program.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Residential Construction Technology and Management will allow students who have acquired appropriate applied technology skills in their first two years to move into advanced coursework related to residential construction and management. Additional coursework includes basic management and accounting, plus courses focused on topics such as advanced estimating and scheduling, residential building systems, cost control, codes compliance, construction law, purchasing, and energy management issues.

Students may also choose to declare the Architectural Technology associate-degree major (AT); then, after completing the requirements established for the first four semesters of BRA, the students may petition to graduate in AT.

Career Opportunities

Job opportunities will be focused primarily in the residential housing industry: builder, contractor, specialty contractor, project supervisor, warranty manager, estimator, purchasing agent, job foreman, site supervisor, inspector, project coordinator, project planner.

Recommended High School Subjects

Desired high school subjects: algebra and trigonometry, English and composition, physics, computer skills, and trade skills in carpentry, masonry, HVAC, drafting, electrical, etc.

Special Equipment Needs

See the Tool List on the Residential Construction Technology and Management Architectural Technology major web page.

Transfer Procedures

Students transferring from other institutions with an A.A.S. in a similar applied technology field will be evaluated for admission to the Residential Construction Technology and Management (BRM) major based on their degree and appropriate course work in general education areas.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• develop and implement a comprehensive job-site safety plan in accordance with applicable standards, and be able to ensure project compliance with all pertinent safety and insurance regulations.
• interpret project drawings, make necessary changes during the construction process, and evaluate the impact of changes on schedules, costs, and resource requirements.
• apply knowledge of current and emerging building system technologies and codes to evaluate, propose, and plan construction projects for distinctive residential construction projects.
• manage all aspects of the residential construction process including marketing, planning, estimating, scheduling, quality control, and coordination of job-site resources.
• communicate effectively with all groups involved in the residential construction process including prospective owners, subcontractors, skilled and unskilled laborers, supervisors, and government representatives.
• organize and manage all aspects of project cost control using appropriate specialized software and computer hardware.
• apply knowledge of basic legal and contractual requirements of residential construction projects and be able to incorporate the requirements into plans, drawings, communications, and construction practices.
• manage human resources aspects of construction project personnel in areas of staffing requirements, training, ethical responsibilities, policy issues, ADA compliance, equal opportunity legislation, union and non-union labor, and conflict resolution.

Curriculum

Additional Information

Endorsed by the Pennsylvania Builders Association.