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Sustainable Construction and Design

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Program Overview

The Sustainable Construction and Design program prepares you to design and construct sustainable and highly energy-efficient residences. Learn how to construct new homes that are durable; provide a healthy environment; and use very little energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. Utilizing a “whole systems approach”, you will understand the integral relationship between materials, building techniques, mechanical systems, and subcontractors in the production of energy-efficient and sustainable homes. Learn how to use green and renewable materials, properly install all components and subsystems, and reduce construction site waste.

The program follows the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) training, assessment, certification, and career development standards for residential construction professionals. Program concepts align with the U.S. Green Building Council's initiatives.

Hands-On Learning Experiences

  • 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, and 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.

Transfer Information

The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Applied Engineering and Technical Management has a variety of documented pathways between Hawkeye's Sustainable Construction and Design AAS degree program and a bachelor degree at UNI. Check out UNI's transfer guides for the following programs to learn more:

  • Construction Management
  • Technology Management

If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

At A Glance
Award
  • Associate of Applied Science
Length of Study 2 years
Tuition-Free Eligible

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

Students must apply for and be awarded the Last-Dollar Scholarship.
 

Video Overview

Hawkeye Community College's Sustainable Construction and Design program prepares you to design and construct sustainable and highly energy-efficient residences. Learn how to construct new homes that are durable; provide a healthy environment; and use very little energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. Utilizing a "whole systems approach", you will understand the integral relationship between materials, building techniques, mechanical systems, and subcontractors in the production of energy-efficient and sustainable homes.

See More Video

Graduate Spotlight

After a decade working in construction, Patrick Shields was ready to move up. He came to Hawkeye Community College and through the Sustainable Construction and Design program gained new skills and new confidence that has filled him with a sense of pride that he also sees from his 18-year-old daughter. "She's super excited about it," he said. "She just thought it was very cool that her dad would take the chance to better himself through education and move up in the field."

Program Pathway

Sustainable Construction and Design Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree

Program Details

Award Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Credits 76
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 5
Time to Complete 2 years
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
Sustainable Construction and Design – AAS
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Program Courses

Term 1
  • Applied Math
  • 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
Term 2
  • Carpentry Fundamentals I
  • Construction Technology Lab 2
  • Exterior Finishing
  • Introduction to Utility Equipment Operations
Term 3 — Summer
  • Employment Training Experience
Term 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
Term 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
    Employability Skills

See the Suggested Sequence of Study for the full list of courses, cost, and additional course details.

You have completed the Sustainable Construction and Design Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program.

Careers

Positions

Graduates find jobs as building designers, sustainable construction professionals, carpenters, insulation workers, residential site supervisors, and energy auditors.

Graduates are also prepared to continue their education to become construction managers, building inspectors, commercial drafters, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC installers.

Example Careers and Average Wages
Entry Average Experienced
Carpenters $31,900 $46,000 $53,100
Construction Managers $57,100 $89,400 $105,500
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $30,300 $44,700 $52,000
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades $47,200 $66,500 $76,200

Source: 2021 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development

Employers

The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
Business Location
Builders Select Cedar Falls, IA
Dietz Construction L.L.C. 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

Program Contacts
Admissions
Email Admissions 319-296-4000 Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor
Alex Kissel Email Alex Kissel 319-296-4014 ext.1065 Bremer Hall 124
Faculty Advisor
Craig Clark Email Craig Clark 319-296-2329 ext.1314 Buchanan Hall 128H
Faculty Advisor
Ben Strickert Email Ben Strickert 319-296-2329 ext.1326 Buchanan Hall 128F
Administrative Assistant
Connie Smith Email Connie Smith 319-296-4009 Butler Hall 131
Dean
David Grunklee Email David Grunklee 319-296-4042 Butler Hall 131A

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