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.

  • BCT103Construction Hand & Power Tools
  • BCT104Construction Safety & Equipment
  • BCT109Framing Principles
  • BCT110Site Preparation & Layout
  • BCT117Construction Materials & Application I
  • BCT118Construction Materials & Applications II
  • BCT129Print Reading & Drafting
  • BCT130Interior Finish
  • BCT135Weather Resistant Barriers & Finishes
  • BCT140Roof Structures
  • BCT234Masonry Principles
  • BCT238Concrete Construction
  • BCT260Introduction to Electrical & Mechanical Systems
  • BCT255Construction Estimating
  • BCT256Residential Construction Planning, Scheduling & Management
  • BCT259Trim & Millwork
  • BCT278Construction Technology Applications
  • BCT305Codes In Construction
  • PERELCElective Courses - 3 Credits Required

​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.

  • PHSP1 Select One Course: PHS103 or PHS114

​​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.

  • CSC124Information, Technology & Society
  • MTHP4 Select One Course: MTH123 or MTH181
  • ENL111English Composition I
  • ENL201Technical & Professional Communication
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.

Feb 21

Undergraduate Open House

Saturday, February 219 AM - 3 PM

Register

Apr 26

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 269 AM - 3 PM

Register

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.

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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)

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.

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SkillsUSA

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

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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.

Get Involved
Penn College News

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Lester receives Pennsylvania Impact Award

Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies, recently received a Pennsylvania Impact Award from City & State Pennsylvania. The awards honor 50 socially responsible citizens from across the commonwealth whose work and leadership make a meaningful impact in their professions and their communities.

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Masonry students enhance Earth Science Center

Students in the Masonry Principles class, taught by Scott A. Bierly, instructor of building construction technology, recently applied their hands-on skills at the college’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center. Two sections of the class spent time at the campus – near Montgomery – to replace the bottom portion of two timber columns at the entrance of the center’s main building.

Monday, October 13, 2025

Open house celebrates progress on Habitat build

Work at a Habitat for Humanity home being built largely by students on Fifth Avenue, just north of campus, continues to progress. The college and Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity staff hosted a cookout and open house at the site on Thursday, inviting those who worked on the home over the past three semesters to see the current progress.

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

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