Building Construction
School of Construction & Design Technologies
Lifelong Education Center, Rm. C156 · (570) 327-4518
Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of jobs do your graduates get?
- What is the placement rates of your graduates?
- What type of salary can I expect to make?
- Do I need to purchase my own tools?
- Is on-campus housing available?
- How many academic courses are required?
- How critical are math skills?
- Will I be required to write papers for any of my technical courses?
- Is computer competency required for this program?
- Are there any courses that might be considered "academic" in the way they are taught?
Q: What types of jobs do your graduates get?
A: Many jobs are available in a growing industry that will never be transplanted overseas. Every construction site needs builders, masonry installers, service technicians, and carpenters at some phase of the construction process. Below is a listing of jobs for each of our majors.
- BCM major: graduates work as field engineers, project managers, and superintendents for construction companies. They are involved in managing the construction efforts of major companies in Pennsylvania and around the country.
- BRM major: focus is primarily in the residential housing industry: builder, contractor, specialty contractor, project supervisor, warranty manager, estimator, purchasing agent, job foremen, site supervisor, inspector, project coordinator, project planner.
- CB major: graduates work as construction workers, contractors, superintendents, foremen, estimators, sales representatives, code inspectors and vocational educators.
- MN major: graduates work as block layers, brick layers, sales representatives, or entry-level managers.
- CN certificate: graduates work as entry-level carpenters or masons in industry or apprenticeship programs.
Q: What is the placement rates of your graduates?
A: Over 90% of our graduates go on to full-time employment or other education. We hear wonderful stories from our graduates and their employers about how well they are equipped for their jobs.
Q: What type of salary can I expect to make?
A: Starting salaries will vary between each of our programs, and graduates may have opportunity for advancement.
Q: Do I need to purchase my own tools?
A: Yes, our programs are hands-on, with on- and off-campus full-scale projects. Tools are usually bought on an "as needed" basis after meeting with the instructors on the first day of classes. A complete tool list is available on request, or by visiting our tool list page.
Q: Is on-campus housing available?
A: Yes, Penn College offers four on-campus facilities. For more information about on-campus housing visit our Residence Life Office.
Q: How many academic courses are required?
A: Math and English are the primary academic courses required for these programs; however, any remediation in these or other areas needs to be completed during the first year of study.
Q: How critical are math skills?
A: Although many high schools minimize the importance of math in the construction trades, they are a critical component of mastering any of the advanced skills taught in the construction industry.
Q: Will I be required to write papers for any of my technical courses?
A: Some of your instructors may require you to write papers.
Q: Is computer competency required for this program?
A: A three-credit course (CSC110) is required of all students enrolled in the two- and four-year programs. It's designed to give students a fundamental computing background. A two-credit course (BCC250) is part of the certificate program. It introduces students to the basics of general computer literacy as well as specific applications designed for the construction industry.