Overview
careers
General Construction
Contractor
Commercial Construction
Green Building
The Architectural Design and Building Construction program offers students real construction experience to prepare them for the many employment opportunities available in construction. Beginning with a firm foundation in drafting with instruments, and followed by an introduction to computer aided drafting (CAD), students learn to conceptualize the building process. Using the latest construction methods, and under close supervision, they construct a residence inside the Mitchell Technical College building lab where the weather is always nice.
Additionally, students will be exposed to many techniques and skills required in the area of commercial construction: steel, welding, commercial construction equipment operation, and more. Valuable experience will be gained during a commercial construction internship during the final semester of the program.
What Makes This Program Special?
- Our instructors are Certified Green Professionals
- We are a 100% ENERGY STAR BUILDER
- All our houses are built using Home Energy Rating Standards of Practice
- We focus on energy efficient building practices
- Our students are involved with the National Association of Home Builders (student chapter)
- Bottom line: We are teaching students how to design and build buildings of the future!
- Only program that combines construction and design
Graduates from this program find employment with lumberyards, building contractors, architectural firms, and commercial construction companies. Their skills in CAD, carpentry, surveying, estimating, cabinetry, commercial construction and green building technologies make the students who graduate from this program valuable employees in the building trades industry.
Curriculum
Award: AAS Degree
First Semester
Drawing methods in architectural drafting. Site planning and plot plans drawing are presented. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is introduced.
2 creditsUse and care of drawing instruments, application of skills to basic engineering drawing of orthographic projection, sections, dimension techniques, pictorial drawings and plot plans.
4 creditsThis course covers the safety and operation of the tools and equipment in the construction trade. Everything from hand tools to lifting and digging equipment will be practiced and tested. Students will be given certifications for the operation of numerous pieces of equipment.
1 creditThis is a lab-based class that will cover layout and erection of a wood framed structure along with proper installation of exterior finishes such as roofing and siding. This will be accomplished through our class project of building a single resident home.
3 creditsThis course interprets the methodology of floor framing, evaluates the uses of different fasteners, and reviews different applications of window, door and roof coverings. Students will study different building materials including wood and metal to gain an understanding of each material’s properties and uses.
2 creditsIn this course students will review and learn basic construction geometry. Upon completion of the geometry unit students will begin to delve into material estimating practices. Each student will complete an individual material take-off from a set of construction plans.
2 creditsAn overview of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards focusing on hazard recognition and injury and illness prevention. The 10-hour construction program is intended to provide entry-level construction workers with awareness of hazards in and around the construction work site. Emphasis is placed on recognition and prevention and helps create a culture of safety. Upon successful completion the student will receive OSHA 10 certification.
1 creditProvides a foundation for gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success. Students will learn to make a successful transition to higher education by setting up a pattern of success that will last the rest of their lives. Students will define goals and develop thinking skills, learning strategies and personal qualities essential to both academic and career success. Please note: Students who have served active military duty (excluding basic training and AIT) may be exempt from the Student Success course. Student must provide a copy of DD214 or other official military documentation to the registrar for verification.
1 creditSecond Semester
Continuation of AD 101. Coordinates design including electrical layout and mechanical planning. Emphasis is placed on zoning and traffic flow. Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is utilized.
2 creditsThis course familiarizes students with planning and scheduling strategies in both residential and light commercial applications. An introduction to contracts and types of bidding is provided. Exposure to computer estimating and planning software will be included.
2 creditsDrawing components of residential structures. Efforts will be directed toward precisely correlating the drawings completed in the drafting room with the building construction project. CAD is emphasized.
2 creditsThis course provides a solid background in green building methods, as well as the tools to inform consumers of the benefits of green construction.
2 creditsThroughout this course, students will be exposed to the intricate details of finish carpentry. Building cabinets, hanging and trimming doors, and installing other molding will be covered and accessed.
3 creditsThis course covers the science, methods, and application of post frame structures. Students will be introduced to the industries cutting edge applications and will construct their own structures using these methods.
1 creditOverview of computer applications with emphasis on e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation tools and Internet-based technology. This course will cover the Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams and cloud-based technologies such as GoogleDrive and OneDrive.
3 creditsThis course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Students must complete the hands-on skill session. This class is offered for credit as a Pass/No Pass course.
0.5 creditsThird Semester
On-the-job work experience with a company that will help utilize and develop skills in construction, management, and drafting. Designed to provide students with opportunities to make connections between the theory and practice of academic study and the practical application of that study in a professional work environment while gaining relevant experience and professional connections.
6 creditsFourth Semester
Concrete, advanced framing techniques and construction codes are taught. This course builds upon skills gained in introductory courses.
2 creditsStudents will learn the processes and tools for creating, organizing, and working with computer representations of building components used in architectural design, construction planning and documentation, rendering and visualization. Techniques are covered for creating, managing, and applying building information models in the design and construction process.
2 creditsWorking with and interpreting documents used in commercial construction. Includes commercial plans, details, and specifications.
2 creditsThis course covers the layout, forming and placement of concrete products to construct a solid foundation for a structure. Other material will include forming and pouring concrete sidewalks and driveways.
2 creditsFifth Semester
Requirements
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Successful completion of all 100 level technical courses is required to continue on to advanced 200 level courses.
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
This program requires a laptop computer so that you can effectively integrate computing skills with your technical education. Many resources that instructors assign are online or require specialty software. To address these needs, Mitchell Tech requires that students entering this program purchase their laptops from Mitchell Tech. The cost for a Mitchell Tech laptop averages about $1,150 for this program. Please be aware that our machines come fully loaded with the software required for this program.
Whether it’s Microsoft Office, or a specialty software for a technical program, your needs will be met by your Mitchell Tech laptop. And our laptops are serviced for free by our Technology office. You will not be able to bring a laptop from home into a Mitchell Tech laptop program as we cannot provide support services for every make and model of laptop. Please consider this carefully before making any laptop purchase and check with the Admissions office for more details.
Outcomes
At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate skill and proficiency in computer-aided drafting and design
- Demonstrate skills in framing a residential house
- Demonstrate building skills involved in finish carpentry
- Identify and apply safe working practices through safety training and OSHA 10 certification
- Explain the different attributes associated with commercial construction such as material, blueprints, organization, and operation
- Describe the characteristics and conditions to effectively pour concrete and demonstrate the ability to place flat work and foundation walls
- Understand what it takes to operate a construction business
- Differentiate building practices to attain energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, and “green building”
Annual Program Review
Check out the 2023-24 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.
Faculty
Instructor
Instructor
Program Director / Instructor
Cost
Other Required Costs
Books / Tools (estimated) | $2,955 |
Laptop | $1,150 |
Scholarships
$1000
1 AVAIL.
Learn Your Trade Scholarship
Asmus Family
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher
Must complete the MTC online scholarship application
$500
1 AVAIL.
Willard “Bill” Krueger Memorial Scholarship Fund
Family of Willard "Bill" Krueger
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
$1000
1 AVAIL.
Roger Carlson “Tough Old Bird” Endowed Scholarship
Family & Friends of Roger Carlson
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
$1000
1 AVAIL.
Puetz Development Scholarship
Puetz Development
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
On Campus
$1000
4 AVAIL.
Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
$500
1 AVAIL.
Norman Knickrehm Memorial Scholarship
Knickrehm Family
- About
- Eligibility
- Criteria