Build a better future for yourself and your community in Construction Technology.
Major Details
Construction tradesmen and women make up the largest group of building-trade workers. They work quickly, accurately, and efficiently to maximize use of time and materials. With a shortage of these qualified professionals in today's job market, graduates of Minnesota State College Southeast's Construction Technology program can expect to find many employment opportunities in Southeast Minnesota and beyond.
At Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona, our students gain hands-on skills in the construction lab and on-site in a real-world environment. In addition to gaining experience with the tools, materials, methods, and standard practices of the trade, our students learn:
- Planning, designing, estimating, and blueprint reading
- Robotic building layout, solar, and green building
- Building, finishing, and installing custom cabinets
The two-year Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technology offers additional commercial construction and residential trim classes to fine tune your skills. It also includes an apprenticeship so you'll get valuable workforce experience. Plus, math, communications and general education coursework will enrich your opportunities to own or manage a business in the future.
Southeast's Construction Technology program partners with Habitat for Humanity and the City of Winona to help develop and build high quality, affordable housing in the community. And when the weather is too rough for most outdoor projects, students can work on building cabinets and other projects in the lab.
Nationally, employment of construction trades workers is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033. Southeast's Construction Technology program graduates can look forward to an outstanding job market as the construction industry continues to grow.
Apply now for admission to Southeast
Cluster/Pathway
Career Field: Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology
Cluster: Architecture & Construction
Pathway: Construction
Download the Program Plan
Courses
1) Must complete a minimum of 3 different MnTC goals in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
2) 1100 or higher Liberal Arts and Sciences courses required unless specified.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Goal 4: Mathematics
Choose one
Goal 4 course. MATH 1230 Introduction to Statistics is suggested. (If transferring to a 4-year college, MATH 1220 - College Algebra is preferred.)
3 cr
CARP1100
Cabinetry I
The student will explore styles, make working drawings, plan for efficiency, develop a building plan, layout cabinets, and estimate materials for a variety of cabinets. (Prerequisite: none) (2credits: 2 lecture/0 lab)
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2 cr
CARP1105
Residential Construction 1
This course will cover common residential framing methods including floor systems, wall framing and sheeting, roof types, interior framing details and wall layout. (Prerequisite: none) (2 credits: 2 lecture/0 lab)
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2 cr
CARP1110
Concrete Construction
This course covers the theory and practices used when designing and installing footings, foundations and flatwork for residential construction as well as light commercial. (Prerequisite: none) (2 credits: 2 lecture/0 lab)
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2 cr
CARP1125
Carpentry Lab 1
This course is used to practice the theory learned in Framing Theory I, Concrete Construction, and Cabinetry 1. This will cover a number of projects pertaining to footings, foundation, flatwork, wall framing, roof design, and cabinetry. (Prerequisite: none) (5 credits: 0 lecture/5 lab)
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5 cr
CARP1200
Cabinetry 2
This course will provide the student with the knowledge to finish fine woodworking projects. Cabinet installation and plastic laminates will also be covered. (Prerequisite: CARP 1100 Cabinetry 1) (3 credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)
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3 cr
CARP1205
Residential Construction 2
This course covers materials, methods and techniques used to frame various roof styles and designs. Ridges, common rafters, hip and valley rafters and jack rafters will be designed, constructed, and installed. (Prerequisite: none) (1 credit: 1 lecture/0 lab)
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1 cr
CARP1225
Carpentry Lab 2
This course is used to practice the theory learned in commercial Construction 1, Cabinetry II, and concrete construction. This will gain experience in areas such as roof framing projects, cabinet construction, laminates, steel studs, and decorative concrete projects. (Prerequisite: CARP 1125) (4 credits: 0 lecture/4 lab)
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4 cr
CARP2105
Residential Construction 3
This course covers materials, methods, and techniques used to build stairs, railings, and spindles. Interior millwork and trims will also be discussed along with floor coverings and other interior finishes. (Prerequisite: CARP 1205 Residential Construction 2) (1 credit: 1 lecture/0 lab)
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1 cr
CARP2110
Commercial Construction 2
This course is designed to have students use commercial skills to complete wall assemblies, hollow metal doors and hardware, and stair assemblies. (Prerequisite: CARP 1220 Commercial Construction 1) (1 credit: 0 lecture/1 lab)
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1 cr
CARP2210
Commercial Construction 3
This course is designed to have students gain further knowledge of commercial building and gain knowledge of prefabricated steel buildings. (Prerequisite: CARP 2110 Commercial Construction 2) (2 credit: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
CARP2215
Emerging Construction Technologies 2
This course provides the theory and practice to complete commercial systems, modern concrete practices, advanced door hardware, and sustainable building techniques. (Prerequisite: CARP 1115 Emerging Construction Technologies 1) (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
CARP2230
Carpentry Internship
An internship allows the student the opportunity to work in an actual industry setting. This site must provide the student with skill building opportunities learned in previous courses of study and provide work that challenges the student beyond that of an unskilled worker. (Prerequisite: none) (7 credits: 0 lecture/0 lab/7 OJT)
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7 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 60 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $12,810 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | $700 |
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| Books/Supplies: | $885 |
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| Estimated Total: | $14,395 |
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Career Opportunities
- Commercial & Residential Carpentry
- Construction Management
- Small Business Owner
- Cabinet Making
- Concrete Finisher
- Insulator
- Lumberyard
Career Information
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Program graduates will be able to:
- Produce quality carpentry labor working safely under the direction of a construction foreman.
- Understand basic carpentry theory and apply the use of hand and power tools of the carpentry trade.
- Communicate efficiently with the construction company and its employees.
- Produce adequate math skills to be able to solve math related construction problems on site.
Highlights
- MSC Southeast program has excellent placement history
- There is a huge demand for quality trades men and women
- Learn new technologies such as geosystems, solar, and geothermal
- Curriculum integrates BPI standards for energy efficiency
- Work hands-on with non-profit organizations to better the community
- Opportunities are almost endless -- you can take your training in several different directions.
Instructors
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Scott Herold
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Scott Herold has been working in the construction field for almost 20 years. He has experience in multiple fields of construction, including 13 years building residential and agricultural buildings. He also spent time constructing pre-engineered steel buildings and worked for Schwab Construction, a local company in Winona, MN. He worked on projects such as Main Square apartments as well as Vision 2020 for Cotter Schools. Scott enjoys all aspects of the building process and has a solid foundation of knowledge in the construction industry. He is a graduate of Ashworth College with a diploma in carpentry.