Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology (SDCET)

Click here for program requirements as listed in Penn State's Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin.

The program in Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology provides the basic education required for the structural engineer and construction profession. Students learn the basic general engineering concepts needed for this major with emphasis on the fundamentals, structural design principles, and construction techniques through required course work. They are given the opportunity to focus in a discipline of construction management or structural design through a selected option or choose a broad general option. Courses in communication skills, arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and other engineering related areas broaden the program. Students gain experience in working as members of a team and in using interdisciplinary approaches to solve problems. These experiences, as well as those related to design and construction principles, are taught through exercises in the classroom, laboratory, and field. The program culminates with a capstone project course in which the students’ knowledge and skills are applied to specific problems.

For the B.S. degree in Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology, a minimum of 128 credits is required.

Opportunities in Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology

Career Opportunities

Penn State Harrisburg’s Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology program is designed to prepare students for a career in the highly specialized construction industry. The program requirements allow for flexible scheduling, enabling students to focus their specialization in either construction or design. Study through these options could lead to opportunities as structural designers for bridges, buildings, or other projects or as project managers for commercial construction projects. Career options may also be available in government for state and federal highway projects and with construction firms in the specialty areas of scheduling, estimating, and cost control. Finally, opportunities may exist for graduates to pursue opportunities as designers, owners, or general contractor representatives.

Accreditation and Licensure

This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology; 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone 410-347-7700, or on the Web at www.abet.org.

SDCET graduates who wish to continue their professional development are qualified to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination in Pennsylvania. Graduates are also qualified to take the first level Professional Constructor Certificate Examination (APC).

Student Professional Organizations

Penn State Professional Engineers and Contractors (PSPEC) is the student organization for SDCET majors. It is the umbrella program for three student chapters affiliated with their national organizations: Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, and The National Society of Professional Engineers. PSPEC stimulates professional growth for students who frequently interact with professionals through guest speakers on a variety of topics, field trips to construction sites and offices, and participation at professional, regional, and national conferences. PSPEC is also involved in local activities serving the College and nearby communities.

Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to the traditional types of financial aid offered by Penn State, outstanding undergraduate SDCET students may qualify for scholarships, including the Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors Scholarship and the Brightbill Memorial Scholarship.

Job Titles

Prospective job titles include: Construction Manager, Construction Engineer, Designer, Estimator, Geotechnical Engineer, Project Engineer, Project Manager, Scheduler, Structural Engineer, Superintendent, and Transportation Engineer.

Job Outlook

Between 1996 and 2006, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for engineers in structural and design fields to grow by nearly 18 percent. Penn State Harrisburg graduates in Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology have had impressive job placements in the last eight years.

Mission, Objectives, and Outcomes

Detailed information on the Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology program’s Mission, Objectives, and Outcomes is available at the Penn State Harrisburg School of Science, Engineering, and Technology Web site.

Selection of Major in Engineering or Engineering Technology

Excellent guidance for students, parents, friends and others regarding the similarities and differences between Engineering and Engineering Technology is provided at the ASEE Web site, as well as the SDCET Web site.