Structural Engineering Technology (4850)

Structural engineers design and execute large structural projects, such as dams, docks and bridges, tunnels, airport terminals and many railroad structures.

With your Associate in Science (AS) in structural engineering technology, you may be able to work as an assistant to an engineer or find entry-level employment as a(n):

• Computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) operator
• Construction inspector
• Designer
• Drafter
• Engineering technician
• Specification writer

To continue advancing in this career, you may want to earn your bachelor’s degree to become an engineer.  

This career could be perfect if you:

• Have strong communication skills
• Work well in teams
• Are an analytical thinker who can solve problems creatively
• Can focus on the details of the project without losing sight of the end goal
• Have solid computer and math skills

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Structural Engineering is a large specialty discipline within the broader engineering field, particularly within civil and mechanical fields.  Our curriculum allows you to participate in team-based projects that allow you to complete basic designs for commercial buildings and other structures. Your projects will cover such specifics as calculating design loads and stresses, drawing free-body diagrams and sizing components such as beams, columns and joists.

Our highly qualified professors will teach you to:

• Assist in the design and development of civil structures using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) equipment
• Prepare, interpret and read technical drawings
• Conceptualize ideas and communicate them to other project team members
• Analyze static structures using trigonometry
• Perform simple member designs
• Interpret and apply the appropriate codes, regulations and standards that govern the practice of structural engineering
• Collect and interpret engineering data
• Prepare reports, specifications and manuals under the direction of scientists and engineers
• Write and speak effectively
• Identify the student's career path
• Identify global and ethical engineering issues

• View summaries of every course at HACC by browsing our class schedules database.

• Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.

Yes! Although this program is designed to lead directly to employment, transfer opportunities do exist. Our programs are designed to be flexible enough to transfer to a variety of four-year colleges and universities with no loss of credit. However, each individual college has its own unique program. Therefore, we encourage you to select a four-year school as soon as possible. This will allow you to learn the transfer college’s program requirements so that you can take the proper classes at HACC.

Your transfer option includes:

At this time, the college is not accepting new students into this program. The courses are not currently being offered while the program is under review by the academic department. Interested students should consider the Engineering AS (#4120) or the Mechanical Engineering Technology AS (#4700) programs.

Yes! We offer many scholarships through the HACC Foundation. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements. To learn how to apply, please visit hacc.edu/Scholarships.

We offer classes in the spring, summer and fall for your convenience. Please apply anytime by visiting our website. When you apply, please include the unique program code 4850. The code is unique to your intended program.

Future students, we are excited to connect with you and answer your questions. Please choose the option that works best for you to meet with us.

Current HACC students, please contact our Advising Department with any questions.