Building Construction Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Building Construction Technology (60 credits)
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Building Construction Technology prepares students for opportunities within the growing construction industry. Providing significant hands-on instruction and student participation, the degree includes basic construction safety, technical math skills, blueprint reading, use of hand and power tools, wood building materials, and basic plumbing skills. This competency and performance-based degree follows nationally recognized National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) accreditation and certification standards. Students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. Some courses are offered in the evening to accommodate students’ work schedules.
Students may also choose to pursue a Certificate of Completion in Building Construction Technology (43-44 credits), Basic Solar (22 credits), Energy Auditing (23 credits), Basic Residential Wiring (17 credits), and/or Plumbing (17 credits) while pursuing an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Building Construction Technology.
Certificates of Completion
- Building Construction Technology (43-44 credits)
- Basic Solar (22 credits)
- Energy Auditing (23 credits)
- Basic Residential Wiring (17 credits)
- Plumbing (17 credits)
The certificates of completion in Building Construction Technology prepare students for basic, entry-level positions within the growing construction industry. Providing hands-on instruction and student participation, the certificates include basic construction safety, technical math skills, blueprint reading, use of hand and power tools, construction materials, and other related, applicable skills and training as described below. These competency and performance-based certificates follow nationally recognized National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) accreditation and certification standards. Students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. Some courses are offered in the evening to accommodate students’ work schedules.
- The Certificate of Completion in Basic Solar prepares a student with the skills for entry-level employment in the field of basic solar panel installation and construction related solar energy applications.
- The Certificate of Completion in Energy Auditing prepares a student with the skills for entry-level employment in the field of energy auditing, including the analysis of existing structures for energy efficiency and conservation.
- The Certificate of Completion in Basic Residential Wiring prepares students for entry-level employment in the residential wiring field, including basic residential wiring procedures and practices.
- The Certificate of Completion in Plumbing prepares a student with the skills for entry-level employment in the plumbing field, including basic residential plumbing procedures and practices.
All Building Construction Technology students are encouraged to join the student chapter of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Membership provides students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills, become proficient in public speaking and parliamentary procedures, network with industry professionals, attend training provided by Las Cruces Home Builders Association (LCHBA), and attend other relevant professional development activities. Through their membership, students will have the opportunity to participate in service-learning events that support the local community. Students may also be able to demonstrate their technical skills at the International Builders Show (IBS) or through SkillsUSA competitions.
Whether during class, laboratory, or working on a class-related job site, students enrolled in the Building Construction Technology program will be required to perform the same job duties and be able to meet the same physical requirements that they will as a graduate in the field. Depending where they find employment, graduates may be required to:
- Work in inclement weather,
- Lift up to 50 pounds from the ground,
- Possess good eye-hand coordination,
- Work safely around electrical hazards using the appropriate safety equipment,
- Work safely using hand and power tools,
- Ascend and descend stairs and ladders, and
- Stand, squat, or kneel for long periods.
Building Construction Technology - Associate of Applied Science
Building Construction Technology - Certificate of Completion
Basic Solar - Certification of Completion
Energy Auditing - Certificate of Completion
CNST 1110. General Carpentry or Building Trades I
8 Credits (2+12P)
This course will have two components: a classroom segment, where carpentry concepts will be explored, and a hands-on segment where students will be able to participate in the actual construction of a structure. Habitat for Humanity has generously offered one of their projects as a “hands-on” site. May be repeated up to 8 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and define various elements of a Structural Wood Wall.
- Build Structural and non-load bearing Walls and Partitions using OSHA compliant safety practices.
- Size floor joists and roof rafters according to local building codes.
- Hang and “Trim Out” Doors and Windows for Residential Construction Projects.
- Choose construction project foundations.
CNST 1114. Basic Carpentry Lab
3 Credits (1+4P)
Provides students the opportunity to practice skills they have acquired in CNST 1114 and CNST 1115. It includes task-oriented projects in which students can apply many of the skills and knowledge that have been presented throughout the National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER) Carpentry Program.
Corequisite: CNST 1115, CNST 1116.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to operate hand and power tools safely.
- Demonstrate the ability to read construction drawings.
- Work effectively as a team.
- Identify various types of building materials and their uses.
- Calculate the quantities of lumber and wood products using industry standard methods.
- Describe the fasteners, anchors and adhesives used in construction.
- Describe the responsibilities of safety related to the construction industry.
- Select proper tools for the job.
- Identify the different grades and markings of wood building materials. 1
- List and recognize different types of flooring materials. 1
- Knowledge of the materials and methods used to construct floor systems using the platform method of floor framing. 1
- Describe the procedure for laying out a wood frame wall. 1
- Describe the correct procedure for laying out floor joist. 1
- Estimate the materials required to frame a floor system.
CNST 1116. BASIC CARPENTRY LAB
2 Credits (2)
CNST 1118. Math for Building Trades
3 Credits (3)
Geometry, algebra, arithmetic, and basic trigonometry pertaining to mathematical applications in the building trades field. Same as OEET 118, DRFT 118, OEPB 118.
Prerequisite: CCDM 103 N.
CNST 1144. Woodworking Skills I
3 Credits (1+4P)
Use and care of hand tools and elementary power tools, safety procedures, and supervised project construction. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will gain the skills necessary to use hand tools, and power tools, perform basic calculations accurately, and complete projects.
- Students will purchase materials, draft, and construct one project without a door or drawer.
- Students will develop creative thinking skills and problem-solving skills in working with the various hand tools.
CNST 1166. Woodworking Theory and Practice
3 Credits (2+2P)
History of wood manufacturing, industrial techniques, wood characteristics, stains and finishes. Design and construction of minor wood projects. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will learn about the history of woodworking, learn about the different types of wood and best use for projects; learn about wood stain, and construct one project without a drawer working with various hand tools.
CNST 1311. Small Equipment Maintenance and Repair
4 Credits (2+4P)
Covers small engine theory, troubleshooting and repair, auto maintenance, hydraulic theory and repair lubricants, batteries and scheduled tool maintenance. May be repeated up to 4 credits.
CNST 2994. Special Problems in Building Technology
1-4 Credits
Individual studies in areas directly related to building technologies. May be repeated up to 4 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Varies.
Name: Kevin Gall, Associate Professor
Office Location: DAWD 126A
Phone: (575) 528-7443
Website: https://dacc.nmsu.edu/academics/programs/building-construction-technology/index.html