Associate in Science, Liberal Studies

Program Description:

The Building Construction Technology Associate in Science, Liberal Studies degree program prepares students for a variety of jobs, including construction supervisor, construction superintendent and construction foreman. The program provides the background needed for career advancement and for the Construction Supervisor Licensing Examination. Training is provided in all aspects of residential construction, including a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the areas of safe use of hand- and power-tools; measuring and cutting; accuracy with levels, rulers and squares; interpreting drawings and blueprints; and door, window, kitchen and bath installations. Students also erect concrete forms, wood-frame structures, floor joists, stud-wall partitions, sub-flooring, sheathing, stairs, rafter installation, roofing and siding, and install Photovoltaic and solar thermal roof arrays. Students will learn all aspects of mill and residential carpentry, as well as energy-saving and super-insulation techniques.

Students get hands-on training and instruction in building construction technology at Minuteman Career & Technical High School in Lexington. Students take their general education courses at MCC. Middlesex associate degree credits for the building construction technology courses are awarded upon receipt of recommendations from Minuteman faculty. (This program is not approved for college financial aid. Please consult the Student Information Center for tuition and fees.) Students may begin their Middlesex coursework at any time. The coursework at Minuteman begins in the fall.

• View the Academic Advising Guide for this program

Career and Transfer Outlook:

Students who complete this program are trained for positions in the local construction industry. Career experience and the general education and business courses will enable students to prepare to take the Massachusetts Construction Supervisors Licensing Examination and move into management positions.

While the construction industry has slowed with the recent economic recession, up to 4,000 jobs are expected to open in the decade prior to 2016. Median wages for carpenters, including construction supervisors, exceeds $50,000.

Helpful Hints:

Building construction technology classes for first-year students are held Monday through Friday at Minuteman Career & Technical High School. Students who wish to earn the Building Construction Technology Associate in Science, Liberal Studies degree will enroll in classes at Middlesex Community College in their second year. (Please note: This is NOT an approved financial-aid program, therefore, students enrolled are not eligible to receive financial aid.)

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Building Construction Technology program are prepared to:

• Work in the house-building, construction and remodeling field;
• Read and create construction blueprints;
• Understand installation methods and techniques in house framing, exterior finishes, interior finishes, stair installation, estimation, construction safety and house mechanical systems;
• Describe the basic elements of a business operation;
• Explain business-management functions;
• Complete 10-hour OSHA certification;
• Understand energy-efficient (“green”) building options;
• Interpret local building codes and work toward Construction Supervisors License.

Admission Note:

Students must register directly with Minuteman Career & Technical High School for building construction technology courses.