Architectural Design & Building Construction

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Overview

Job Placement Rate ⓘ
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Average Salary ⓘ
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Eligible Program

Career Ready in 2 Years Badge
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. Students learn to conceptualize the building process by beginning with a firm foundation in drafting with instruments, followed by an introduction to computer-aided drafting (CAD). 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

Semesters
0
First Semester
AD101 > Building Design2 credits
AD116 > Material Takeoff2 credits
AD151 > Architectural Drafting Design4 credits
BC110 > Framing and Exterior Finish2 credits
BC115 > Building Methods2 credits
BC120 > Equipment and Concrete2 credits
OSHA101 > OSHA 10 Construction1 credit
SSS100 > Student Success1 credit
Total Semester Hours16 credits
Second Semester
AD102 > Building Materials2 credits
AD117 > Project Timeline and Cost2 credits
AD152 > 3D Architectural Design2 credits
BC124 > Green Building2 credits
BC125 > Building Envelope2 credits
BC130 > Casework3 credits
BC162 > Post Frame1 credit
CIS105 > Introduction to Computers3 credits
CPR100 > First Aid, CPR AED0.5 credits
Total Semester Hours17.5 credits
Third Semester
BC290 > Commercial Internship6 credits
Total Semester Hours6 credits
Fourth Semester
AD242 > Building Information Modeling2 credits
AD272 > Commercial Contruction Documents2 credits
BC200 > Building Code & Principles2 credits
BC201 > Advanced Building Lab4 credits
BC212 > Drywall, Tape and Texture2 credits
> Written Communications Elective 3 credits
> General Education Elective3 credits
Total Semester Hours18 credits
Fifth Semester
BC225 > Commercial Structures3 credits
BC230 > Interior Finish4 credits
BC271 > Construction Contracting Leadership3 credits
WLD103 > Basic SMAW1 credit
> Math Elective3 credits
> General Education Elective3 credits
Total Semester Hours17 credits

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 proficiency in computer-aided drafting and design
  • Demonstrate skills in framing a wood structure
  • Demonstrate skills involved in finish carpentry
  • Explain the different attributes associated with commercial construction such as material, blueprints, organization, and operation
  • Describe the planning and procedures to effectively form and place concrete
  • Describe the processes involved in starting and operating a construction business
  • Differentiate building practices to attain energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, and “green building”
Annual Program Review

Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Faculty

Program Coordinator / Instructor

Cost

Program Tuition & Fees ⓘ
$ 4000

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated) $2,387
Laptop $1,300

Scholarships

$1000

Van Buskirk Family Foundation Scholarship

The Van Buskirk Family Foundation Scholarship supports students pursuing education in the Heating & Cooling Technology, Architectural Design & Building Construction, and Electrical Construction & Maintenance programs at Mitchell Technical College. This scholarship reflects the Van Buskirk family’s commitment to strengthening the skilled trades workforce in South Dakota and the region. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate a history of community involvement. Preference may be given to students who express a commitment or strong interest in remaining in South Dakota after graduation. By investing in technical education and supporting students dedicated to their communities, the Van Buskirk Family Foundation aims to help develop the next generation of skilled professionals who will contribute to the region’s workforce and economic growth.
Architectural Design & Building Construction
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling Technology
Must be enrolled fulltime in a Mitchell Technical College program with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Must be enrolled in the Architectural Design & Building Construction, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, or Heating & Cooling Technology program. Must have a history of volunteering. Preference will be given to students committed to remaining in South Dakota upon graduation and who are from within 150 miles of Sioux Falls.
$2000

Ron and Terry Schlegel Scholarship

Must be a Current Student
Must be a full-time student
Must be enrolled in the Architectural Design & Building Construction program
College GPA 2.5 or higher
Must be from the Wessington Springs area
*Enrolled fulltime in the Architectural Design & Building Construction program *GPA 2.5 or higher *From the Wessington Springs area
$1000

Learn Your Trade Scholarship

Must be enrolled in fulltime in Progressive Welding Technology, ADBC, or Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher
Must complete the MTC online scholarship application
Must be enrolled in fulltime in Progressive Welding Technology, ADBC, or Electrical Construction & Maintenance Must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher Must complete the MTC online scholarship application
$500

Willard “Bill” Krueger Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Willard “Bill” Krueger Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by his family to honor Bill, who was an amazing husband and an outstanding Dad and Grandpa who had a sweet and patient personality. Bill was from Howard, SD, and worked most of his adult life in the building and construction industry. He also had a passion for woodworking and created numerous master pieces for his wife and daughters.
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Applicant must be currently attending MTC as a second year, full-time student in Architectural Design and Building Construction program Applicants must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above Demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application) Applicant who demonstrates determination and patience First priority given to applicants from Howard, SD. SD resident
$1000

Roger Carlson “Tough Old Bird” Endowed Scholarship

The endowment was established in 2013 by the family and friends of longtime Mithell Tech Ag instructor Roger Carlson. Carlson began his career at Mitchell Tech in August, 1990, and was a valued member of the Ag Technology department until May, 2011, when health problems forced his retirement. Carlson passed away on August 27, 2012 from complications related to leukemia. The endowment began providing scholarships in the 2013-14 school year to a qualifying student in the Ag Technology, Architecture Design and Building Construction or Farm Power Technology programs. The scholarship will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Precision Ag
Applicant must be an first year full-time student enrolled at MTC in the Ag Business, Animal Science, Agronomy, Architecture Design and Building Construction, Precision Ag or Diesel Power Technology program Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC scholarship application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship
$1000

Puetz Development Scholarship

Puetz Development established this scholarship for ADBC students in 2022. Puetz Development have been recorded supporters of the Mitchell Technical College’s ADBC program with cash donations, student partnerships, and provided scholarship funding the Mitchell Technical College.
Architectural Design and Building Construction
On Campus
Must be a Current full time student studying in the ADBC program Must be enrolled full time 2.5 GPA Applicant must complete the MTC Online application to be eligible to receive this scholarship.
$1000

Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships

Martin and Maude Osterhaus established this endowed scholarship in 1995 to provide financial support for at least four deserving Mitchell Tech students each year. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
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
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
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Applicant must have good leadership skills
$500

Norman Knickrehm Memorial Scholarship

Norman Knickrehm was a man who had a passion for woodworking. His creative mind could create something out of nothing. Out of love he he crafted his grandchildren wooden cradles when they were babies to sleep in. Another talent Norman had was refinishing furniture. Norman was a US Postal Service mail carrier here in Mitchell for 32 years. After Norman passed away in April of 2022 his family established this scholarship for a second year student in the Architectural Design and Building Construction program.
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Must be a second year full time student studying an Architectural Design and Building Construction program Preference to a student from the Mitchell surrounding area 2.5 GPA Applicant must complete the MTC Online application to be eligible to receive this scholarship.
$1000

Mitchell Tech Retiree Endowed Scholarship

The scholarship was established by the former faculty and staff of Mitchell Tech.
Accounting
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
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
Office Technology Specialist
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be enrolled full time at MTC. Applicant must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Applicant must complete the MTC Online application during the open application period to be eligible to receive this scholarship.
$1000

Mike Blasius Memorial Scholarship

Raymond “Mike” Blasius owned and operated Blasius Construction in Kimball, SD for nearly 50 years before his death in March 2022. Mike held his crew to the highest expectation of work ethic and attendance and was known for his quick and witty sense of humor. This scholarship will be awarded to a current Mitchell Tech student in a Construction and Manufacturing Technologies program who exhibits excellent attendance and work ethic. Preference is given to students from Mike’s hometown of Kimball, SD and the surrounding area.
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Construction & Manufacturing Technologies
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Construction Maintenance SCADA Option
Heating & Cooling Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Progressive Welding Technology
Must be a current full time student enrolled in an Construction & Manufacturing program Applicant must have excellent attendance Preference is given to students from Mike’s hometown of Kimball, SD and the surrounding area Applicant must complete the MTC Online application to be eligible to receive this scholarship.
$1000

Laverne & Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship

The LaVerne and Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship is eligible for any program at Mitchell Technical College. Also the recipient must have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher and be a current student.
Accounting
Administrative Office Specialist
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Engineering Technology
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Diesel Power – Light Truck Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
On Campus
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Progressive Welding Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
Small Business Management
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be accepted or currently enrolled as a full-time student in any program at Mitchell Technical College. Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship
$1000

John And Diane Weber “Career Change” Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2015 by the daughters of Diane Weber. Diane’s early adult years were spent in the Peace Corp, working at Bell Telephone and teaching German and English after college. The scholarship honors Diane’s desire in 1974 to change her career and her enrollment at Mitchell Tech to become a Clinical Lab Technician. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
• Full-time enrollment in a program at Mitchell Technical College to prepare for a career change. • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher • Program instructor recommendation. • Veterans pursuing new training as they enter the civilian sector are encouraged to apply. • Complete the MTC online application during open application periods.
$500

Home Builders Of The Sioux Empire Scholarships

Home Builders of the Sioux Empire has been offering scholarships to Architectural Design and Building Construction students since 2003. The scholarships awarded to Current student recipients will have funds applied to their accounts the Fall semester of their second year. The scholarships will be selected by a committee comprised of ADBC instructors and Mitchell Tech staff.
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Scholarships will be awarded in September to students currently enrolled as full-time second year Architectural and Building Construction students. Students must complete the online application in the Fall of their first year as instructed to be eligible for these scholarships. The funds will be applied to their accounts at the beginning of the second semester of their second year Scholarship recipients must be members of the NAHB in order to receive the scholarships
$500

Daniel Roy Todd Memorial Scholarship

Daniel Roy Todd, son of native Letcher, SD parents, returned to his family roots in 1998 to care for his father and in August, 2001 he accepted the position of Executive Director of the recently-established Mitchell Technical College Foundation. Dan’s varied experiences in research, planning, consulting, and community development allowed him to focus on strategic planning for the Mitchell Technical College Foundation. In a very short time he had established the Mitchell Technical College Alumni Association and provided an excellent base upon which the Foundation was built. Dan passed away in 2005 after a brief illness but the Mitchell Technical College Foundation still credits him with the early success of the organization. The Daniel Roy Todd Fund began providing scholarships in 2016.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship First priority of scholarship recipient is a graduate of Sanborn Central or Artesian/Letcher High School. In the event there is not an application from Sanborn County the award will be given to a Davison County resident The award will be announced in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester
$1000

Dale Letcher Memorial Scholarship

In 1968 Dale Letcher became employed at Mitchell Tech where he was the department head and instructor of the Architectural Design and Building Construction program. Dale loved his students and made a profound effect on many throughout the years. He retired from teaching in 1997. This scholarship will be awarded to an accepted Incoming students who meets the listed criteria and applied to their account for the following Fall semester.
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Applicant must be a first year student enrolled full time in the Architectural Design and Building Construction program. Applicant must complete the MTC Online application to be eligible to receive this scholarship.
$1000

BPO Elks #1059 Endowed Scholarship

The Endowment was established in 2010 with the first scholarship provided in the 2011/12 school year. The scholarship will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
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 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
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and have attended school in the Mitchell area Applicant must be involved with student leadership Applicant must be currently enrolled full-time at Mitchell Technical College and be within two years of MTC graduation Applicant must complete the MTC online application form during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for the scholarship Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.6 Applicant must demonstrate financial need according to FAFSA Scholarship award may be retained for 4 semesters or put on hold for military service Applicant must permit selection committee to solicit oral or written recommendation from instructor or administrator Applicant must live within 50 miles of Mitchell
$1000

Associated General Contractors (AGC) Endowed Scholarship

Associated General Contractors (ACG) is a South Dakota trade association that represents the interests of the construction industry. The Building Chapter is headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD and the members primarily build commercial buildings. Their scholarship objective is to help a young person enter a construction-related trade. They began offering a scholarship in the 2012-13 school year. The scholarship will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling Technology
Applicant must be a current full time student Applicant must be enrolled in Architectural Design & Building Construction, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, or Heating & Cooling Technology Applicant must have a GPA greater than 2.5 Applicant must complete the MTC Online application to be eligible to receive this scholarship.
$1000

Thomsen Family Endowed Scholarships

The first endowed fund for scholarships at Mitchell Technical College, the GF Thomsen Family Scholarship has been awarded annually since 1995. This scholarship for Incoming Mitchell Tech students in any program will be awarded by April 1 each year and applied to the recipient’s accounts the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
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
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
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
Applicant must be an accepted Incoming full-time student in any program at MTC. Applicant must complete the MTC Incoming Student online application between January 1 and March 31 to be eligible for this scholarship Recipient selection will be based on essay responses
$500

MTC Freshmen Scholarship

These scholarships are provided to full-time Incoming students enrolled at Mitchell Tech. The funding for this scholarship is provided by the contributions to the Mitchell Technical College Foundation by the staff and faculty of Mitchell Technical College. Recipients will be notified of awards mid-summer. All awards will be credited to student accounts for the Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
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
Applicant must complete the MTC Incoming student online application to be eligible for the scholarship Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form)

Contact Admissions

For information about any of our programs, application, or any of our other student services please contact us:

Admissions Office
Mitchell Technical College
1800 E. Spruce St.
Mitchell, SD 57301

800.684.1969
605.995.3025
fax: 605.995.3067
[email protected]

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