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Earn an Associate Degree in Building Engineering Technology
An emphasis is placed on preparing students for jobs that are traditionally among the highest paid technician positions. Penn State technology graduates are recruited annually by national and regional companies. Surveys show that starting salaries for Penn State building engineering technology associate degree graduates range from $26,998 to $43,000.
Students can choose one of two options.
Architectural Engineering Technology
The Architectural Engineering Technology Option prepares graduates to work as architectural engineering technicians under the supervision of a graduate architect or architectural engineer, translating sketches and design concepts into working drawings and specifications.
The AET major emphasizes a hands-on approach to technology. Students spend about half their time in our high-tech labs working with AutoCAD, surveying transits, and in small groups developing details for real construction projects.
Building Environmental Systems Technology
The Building Environmental Systems Technology Option prepares graduates to focus on designing and maintaining healthful, comfortable environments in specialized facilities: laboratories, computer clean rooms, spaces subject to a wide range of climate conditions, and many new alternatives, such as microprocessor controls, variable speed fans, and thermal storage systems.
While most BEST graduates prepare design drawings for new buildings, sizing the components and locating them within the structure, the full range of career paths in the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) field is available.
Penn State is nationally recognized as a leader in engineering technology education. The BEST program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202; Telephone: 410-347-7700 or on the Web at www.ABET.org. This is valuable because many employers require graduation from an ABET-accredited program.
AET and BEST graduates have the option to move directly into the bachelor of science degree in structural design and construction engineering technology (SDCET) at Penn State Harrisburg.
