College Catalog

This major is focused on the management of construction projects typified by single-family detached residential housing. The program is based on students' completion of an applied technology curriculum for the first four semesters in a building technology related field. Other applied technology degrees in areas such as HVAC and Electrical Technology will also be considered for the directed technical elective requirements of the BRM major. The major allows students who have acquired appropriate applied technology skills in their first two years to move into advanced course work related to residential construction and management. Additional course work 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, change management, and energy management issues.

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 Admissions Requirements

SAT or ACT tests for freshman entering program. Students in Penn College A.A.S. majors that do not currently require MTH 180 should be advised that MTH 180 is required for the Residential Construction Technology and Management major.

Remediation Strategies

All students entering the baccalaureate degree major will be expected to meet the College standards for mathematics, reading and English proficiency. Students who test at a deficiency in these areas will be encouraged to remediate the deficiency during the first semester in the major.

Transfer Procedures

All students entering the major will be considered for junior-level status, as they will have earned the first two years in their respective associate-degree majors in a building construction discipline. Eligible majors include Electrical Technology, Architectural Technology, HVAC or Plumbing Technology, Building Construction Technology, and Masonry. This will apply to Pennsylvania College of Technology associate-degree graduates as well. It is expected that students will carry a minimum of 60 credits from the associate's degree into the bachelor's degree curriculum. Where students have not met the bachelor-degree requirements for the first four semesters, they will be required to take the necessary courses in order to complete the degree. Students transferring from other institutions with an A.A.S. in a relevant applied technology field will be evaluated for admission to the 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

Directed Building Technology electives include ACH, ACR, BCT, ELT, MCT and PLH courses. Major courses other than ACH, ACR, BCT, ELT, MCT and PLH will need adviser approval. Students pursuing a B.S. degree must take MTH 180; students who will petition for the A.A.S. degree may choose between MTH 124 and MTH 180.

Additional Information

Endorsed by the Pennsylvania Builders Association.