Sustainable Construction and Design AAS Degree

Put the theories and concepts you learn in class into practice on the job site.

First year students start with foundation. Literally. As a class, you will build the foundation of a home, learn concrete work, framing, and more. As the home build continues, you will become skilled in

• Siding
• Roofing
• Thermal/moisture protection
• Drywall installation and finishing
• Stair construction
• Cabinet installation
• Appliance installation
• Landscaping

Semester 1

• Applied Math or
  Intermediate Algebra or
  Math for Liberal Arts or
  College Algebra or
  Precalculus or
  Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry or
  Statistics or
  Calculus I
• Building Science I
• Concrete Lab
• Concrete Theory
• Construction Safety
• Construction Technology Lab
• Framing Techniques and Lab I
• Introduction to Residential Construction
• Site Layout and Blueprint Reading

Semester 2

• Carpentry Fundamentals I
• Construction Technology Lab 2
• Exterior Finishing
• Fundamentals of Oral Communication or
  Public Speaking
• Human and Work Relations or
  Introduction to Psychology or
  Introduction to Sociology
• Introduction to Utility Equipment Operations

Semester 3 — Summer

• Employment Training Experience

Semester 4

• Advanced Framing Techniques
• Building Science 2 Sustainable Design
• CAD SoftPlan
• Construction Technology Lab 3
• Introduction to Business
• Methods of Interior Finishing
• Utility Equipment Operations

Semester 5

• Construction Estimating and Project Management
• Construction Safety
• Construction Technology Lab 4
• Manual J and D HVAC Design
• Residential Energy Auditing
• SoftPlan 2
• Written Communication in the Workplace or
  Composition I or
  Employability Skills

Explore Courses, Details, and Costs

Building Experiences: Put the theories and concepts you learn into practice with

• foundations
• concrete work
• framing
• siding
• roofing
• thermal/moisture protection
• drywall installation/finishing
• stair construction
• finishing
• cabinet installation
• HVAC
• electrical
• plumbing
• appliances
• landscaping

Energy Audits: Perform energy audits on existing homes to identify problems, develop solutions, and retrofit solutions cost effectively.

Employment Experience: Gain 256 hours of real-world work experience ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in your future career.

You will earn your OSHA 10 Hour, OSHA 30 Hour, and ACI Flatwork Finisher certifications.

This is a partial list of employers who have hired Sustainable Construction and Design graduates:

• Builders Select, Cedar Falls, IA
• Dietz Construction LLC, Nashua, IA
• Johnny B's Construction, Inc., Denver, IA
• Peterson Contractors, Inc., Reinbeck, IA
• Steve McDonald Construction, Cedar Falls, IA
• Woods Construction, Inc., Fairbank, IA

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

You can get right to work after your program. Or, if you plan to earn an associate degree and go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, consider your transfer options.

There is a documented pathway to UNI's Construction Management program and UNI's Industrial Management program. Check out UNI’s transfer guides for these programs to learn more.

If you’re interested in transferring, you must work closely with an academic advisor here and at the transfer institution. This is important to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Plan your transfer