Construction Pathway Associate in Arts

Build your degree from the ground up, starting with prerequisite courses, including principles of construction, introduction to geology and estimating fundamentals. Whether you’re transferring to a university or pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Construction here at Seminole State, you’ll have the solid foundation needed to prepare you for a career in this high-demand field.

Related Programs

Getting Started: Summer 2024

March 18:  Financial Aid

May 6:  Application

May 13:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates »

Why Seminole State?

  • Affordable tuition: Earn a state university education at about half the cost.
  • Small class sizes: With classes of 30 or less, you don’t have to learn in an auditorium.
  • Seamless transition: With your A.A. degree, you can stay at Seminole State to continue your progress toward a bachelor’s degree in a high-demand field.
  • Guaranteed transfer: Earn your A.A. here, and take advantage of guaranteed admission to UCF or one of Florida’s other state universities for your bachelor’s.
  • More than 100 University Transfer Pathways: Take prerequisite courses for majors in various fields from accounting to theater.

Additional Information

Construction Pathway
Type: Associate in Arts
Major Code: CONST-AA
CIP: 1192401010

Program Description

Available Course Course Not Offered Summer 2024
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Introduction to Building Construction
3
Credits
This course provides a broad overview of the built environment, the architectural, engineering and construction (A/E/C) industry as well as different career paths within the industry. Insight into the processes, the people and the practices involved to bring a building from a concept to reality are presented. An emphasis will be placed on the construction management process and the critical role of the construction manager. Course must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
Construction Materials and Methods I
3
Credits
This course offers an in-depth knowledge of the materials and methods employed in building construction. Students are introduced to building science, materials science, codes and standards in the construction industry. Construction techniques are presented as related to sitework and the building envelope. This course covers major construction materials such as soil, concrete, masonry, wood, metal and other finish materials. Course must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
Construction Materials and Methods II
3
Credits
This course is a continuation of the discussion of materials, methods and techniques with an emphasis placed on mechanical systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire suppression systems. As buildings have become more sophisticated, students will gain an understanding of communications, electronic safety and security and utilities of modern building construction as it pertains to construction processes. Other divisions addressed include, but are not limited to, furnishings, specialty construction, conveying systems, earthwork, construction equipment and exterior improvements. This course will also offer an in-depth study of today's advanced sustainable building technologies and sustainable rating systems. This course must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
Building Construction Documents
3
Credits
This intermediate course provides a basic knowledge of how construction documents are prepared and the extraction of information from these documents. An emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of the information from the construction documents for construction planning and management as it applies to the scope of work, sequencing and processes, submittals, RFI, addendums and change orders. This course will familiarize students with commercial construction building systems, assemblies and the relationship between drawings from various disciplines such as civil, architectural, structural, MEP and so on. Topics include basic construction abbreviations, symbology and understanding various scales of drawings. Emerging computer technologies for construction management are introduced. Students must complete the class with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
Chemistry in Everyday Life Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
This is a one-semester course for the non-science major designed to meet the General Education requirement. Presumes no chemistry or mathematics background. Basic chemical principles are covered and related to larger topics that may include the chemistry of water and the atmosphere, energy sources, natural and man-made materials and environmental issues. Laboratory exercises during the lecture may be used to complement course material. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Science requirement for degree seeking students.
Engineering Graphics - Drawing
2
Credits
This course is an introduction to the techniques of drawing for three-dimensional spatial relationships, visualization, sketching and graphical presentation. Engineering drawing, descriptive geometry and graphical solution techniques using both manual and computer methods will be emphasized. Lab fee required.
Computer-Aided Design I
3
Credits
The purpose of this course is to help drafting students develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to work at an entry-level job in such positions as CAD technician trainee, CAD system operator or CAD technician. This course is designed for students who have already received in-depth training in one or more application areas. Lab fee required. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
Surveying
4
Credits
This course covers the theory and practice of surveying, use and care of instruments, instrument error, balancing and closing traverses, introduction to land and construction surveying. Lab fee required.
Graphic Communication in Construction
3
Credits
Studies in construction communication tools will provide an understanding and the interpretation of construction drawing systems to include blueprint reading. Students will develop both free-hand sketching skills for onsite redline drawings utilizing industry software such as Bluebeam and the introduction of basic Computer-aided design (CAD) applications. Lab fee required.
Introduction to Building Information Modeling
3
Credits
This course will introduce students to basic knowledge in building information modeling. Students will learn to create and modify basic building elements, envelope systems and features in a simple 3D digital building model.
Surveying and Construction Layout
3
Credits
This course covers the theory and practice of surveying, use and care of instruments, instrument error, balancing and closing traverses, introduction to many different types of surveying such as land and route surveys, topographic and hydrographic surveys, pipeline and tunnel surveys, culvert and bridge surveys, construction and municipal surveys. Course must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
Total Credits: 60

Gen Ed Core   Denotes that a class is a State of Florida General Education Core Course.

Beginning in the 2022-23 academic year and thereafter, students entering associate in arts, associate in science or associate in applied science, or baccalaureate degree programs must complete at least one (1) course from each of the general education subject areas listed in this section prior to the awarding of their degree. Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the General Education Core Courses .

Civic Lit   Denotes that a class counts toward the course Civic Literacy Requirement.

The State of Florida requires that all students graduating from Seminole State College of Florida and other institutions in the Florida College System (FCS), as well as from any State University System (SUS) institution, fulfill a Civic Literacy Competency requirement prior to submitting an Intent to Graduate form in the term they plan to graduate. Requirements vary based on admit term and program. Please refer to this catalog’s Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the Civic Literacy Proficiency Requirement.

Foreign Language Proficiency

Per Florida Statute 1007.25, "Beginning with students initially entering a Florida College System institution or state university in 2014-2015 and thereafter, coursework for an associate in arts degree shall include demonstration of competency in a foreign language." Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on Foreign Language Proficiency.

Your tuition shouldn’t go against your intuition.

Your pursuit of higher education is admirable. So why struggle with high tuition in the process? Here we make life’s next steps affordable. Whether you’re seeking a university transfer (A.A.) degree, a four-year bachelor’s, an Associate in Science degree or even earning a college credit certificate, you’ll find reasonable tuition and great value. And to us, that’s scholarly.

In fact, a full-time college education at Seminole State is more than $10,000 less each year than most state universities.

Go For Less.


Tuition and Fee Comparison*

 Seminole StateUFFSUUCF
Tuition and Fees$3,131$6,380$5,666 $5,954 
Room and Board-0-$11,500
$12,740  $12,070 
Books and Supplies$1,000$1,060$1,000$1,000
Total$4,131$18,940$19,406$19,024

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on the current academic year for in-state students living on campus. Dorm fees, meal plans and book expenses are estimates based on cost of attendance information provided by the State University System of Florida. Lab fees and other fees that may be assessed at the time of registration may be viewed in the College fee schedule. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.