Building Construction Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Construction student working in lab

About this program

Plan, design, and execute homes and smaller-scale commercial buildings. From estimating and layout to material selection and safety considerations, coursework taps into all phases of the construction process from start to finish.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

100%

Placement Rate

47%

Hired BEFORE Graduation

Specialized Building Construction Skills & Business Essentials

Careers

  • Supervisor
  • Construction technician
  • Construction superintendent
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Construction Hand & Power Tools (BCT103)
  • Construction Safety & Equipment (BCT104)
  • Framing Principles (BCT109)
  • Site Preparation & Layout (BCT110)
  • Construction Materials & Application I (BCT117)
  • Construction Materials & Applications II (BCT118)
  • Print Reading & Drafting (BCT129)
  • Interior Finish (BCT130)
  • Weather Resistant Barriers & Finishes (BCT135)
  • Roof Structures (BCT140)
  • Masonry Principles (BCT234)
  • Concrete Construction (BCT238)
  • Introduction to Electrical & Mechanical Systems (BCT260)
  • Construction Estimating (BCT255)
  • Residential Construction Planning, Scheduling & Management (BCT256)
  • Trim & Millwork (BCT259)
  • Construction Technology Applications (BCT278)
  • Codes in Construction (BCT305)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Physics Survey (PHS103) or
  • Physics with Technological Applications (PHS114)
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP) or
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP) or
  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP) or
  • Core Applied Arts Perspective (AAP) or
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH123) or
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
Virtual Tour

Building Construction

If you're looking to take the lead in residential or commercial construction, this is the pathway for you. From installing millwork and drywall to roofing and exterior finishing, you'll learn what it takes to do the work and lead the crew. In this video, you'll explore the program, get a glimpse of the lab spaces, and meet faculty with real-world experience.

Maker Profiles
Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Tomorrow is in the Making

The Dr. Welch Workshop

The makerspace is an open workshop for all students. Take hands-on learning to the next level. Explore your creativity. Bring your ideas to light. Collaborate with other students, faculty and staff, or work independently to test theories, explore ideas, and gain real-world skills to power your career. 

Read About What Happens Here

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

PBA Logo
Internship

Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

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Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Penn College Construction Association (PCCA)

Penn College Construction Association (PCCA)

PCCA, the Student Chapter of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), allows students to participate in national competitions such as the NAHB Student Competition, to earn building industry awards.

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA

Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions.

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
03.15.2024

'Concrete Science'

"Imagine a world without concrete," levels alumnus Joe DiBucci, building construction technology instructor at Penn College. (Impossible!) This energized episode of the "Tomorrow Makers" podcast brings loads of laughs and lots of insight about the world's most widely used building material — concrete. Have a listen to "Concrete Science."

03.14.2024

Penn College faculty share concrete know-how with FFA teachers

"Concrete Science and Careers,” offered to K-12 FFA instructors by faculty experts from Pennsylvania College of Technology, is already yielding positive impacts – including plans for a more in-depth session for the teachers later this spring. Faculty offered instructor workshops on three Saturdays during the Pennsylvania FFA’s “Agricultural Cooperation Establishes Success” Leadership Conference near Harrisburg.

03.13.2024

Concrete class eyes precast possibilities

Students in the Decorative Concrete class, taught by Joe F. DiBucci, recently visited Lycoming Vault & Precast in Montoursville. The company produces a variety of precast concrete products, from septic tanks to light pole bases. “Traveling to a precast concrete plant was a great opportunity for the students to be able to see a different side of the industry,” said DiBucci.

Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

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Student Experience

The community as their classroom

Women in Construction builds confidence in tomorrow’s workforce

Women in Construction builds confidence in tomorrow’s workforce

The Women in Construction club coordinated activities for ninth through 12th graders, including a networking lunch and group sessions in the architecture/sustainable design, building construction and HVAC/plumbing labs.

Read More

More Information

Endorsed by the Pennsylvania Builders Association.

View general transfer information

Students are required to purchase their own personal tools as they progress through the program. Not all tools are required initially, and students should talk to their instructors on the first day of classes to find out which ones are required. Students who qualify for financial aid may purchase their tools through the College Store.

View the Building Construction Technology Tool List

Tools are available for purchase through The College Store .

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

  • Mr. Steve Brannan, '07, '09, Construction Manager, Toll Brothers Inc.
  • Mr. Doug J Cassatt, Sales Representative, North Region, Lehigh Cement Company
  • Mr. Thomas J Collins, President, Phoenix Contractors, Inc.
  • Mr. Seth Culbert, '07, '09, Assistant Project Manager, Jingoli Power
  • Mr. Brian S Ferguson, '08, '09, Vice President, Ferguson Construction Company
  • Mr. Carl Hillyard, Retired Instructor (PCT)
  • Mr. Robert Jones
  • Mr. Ken Kurtz, President/CEO, Ken Kurtz Builders
  • Mr. Dustin M Ott, '08, '10, Project Manager, Clayco
  • Mr. Warren Peter, '74, President/CEO, Warren Peter Construction, Inc.
  • Mr. Zachary Reiver, '12, Assistant Project Manager/Field Engineer, E. R. Stuebner, Inc.
  • Mr. Thomas A Whitehouse, '11, '13, Project Engineer II, Harkins Builders
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair