Civil Engineering Technology Program Details

What is the average starting salary for graduates?

Graduates can expect to earn between $45,000-$55,000 (2022 Placement Report). From there, the sky's the limit depending on who you work for and what you're doing for them. Examples of success stories: we have graduates working as construction managers, professional licensed land surveyors, and running their own firms.

Does this program meet the educational requirements to become a Licensed Land Surveyor?

Yes, the AAS degree meets the minimum requirements. The certificate by itself does not. Iowa's current law requires a two-year degree (or higher) in math, physical sciences, mapping and surveying, or engineering. Learn more about Iowa Land Surveying Licensure requirements here.

What are the degree options?

Want to get into the workforce as quickly as possible? The CET Certificate program is made up of 8 courses and intended to be completed in one calendar year (August - August). Classes are condensed, taken one at a time in the fall term, with only slight overlap in the spring term. The Certificate program is over 80% online, requiring only 17 face to face class days on Boone Campus.

Want to learn more? You can continue after the certificate for two more semesters and earn the Civil Engineering Technology AAS Degree.

Are online classes offered?

All of the CET courses in the program will have a heavy online component. You can complete the CET Certificate program in one calendar year, with only 17 days of on-campus time required. If you go on to complete the 2nd year and earn an AAS degree, the 2nd year has an additional 15 days of on-campus time.

What days will I be required to be on Boone Campus?

The following days have been scheduled for upcoming semesters. Each face to face day is from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Spring Term

Freshmen Courses

Sophomore Courses

Do I need a special calculator or computer?

A regular scientific calculator is all that is needed, it does not have to be fancy or programmable, and it does not need to have graphing capability. Common calculators used by our students are:

• TI30-Xa
• TI30XIIS
• TI-30XS

The computer that you use does not need to have any special features, however the CAD programs will not work on a MAC. You will need a PC. Also for CAD classes it is helpful if your computer has good speed and memory, but it does not need to have high graphics capabilities. If you are purchasing a new computer, our I.T. department recommends the following:

• Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
• 16 GB to 32 GB RAM
• 1TB SSD or 1TB m.2
• Dedicated graphics card

Can I enroll in just a few classes that I’m interested in?

The CET program will allow non-CET students to register for courses if there are seats available (after CET students have completed their registration). For the surveying coursework (CET 113, CET 180 and CET 265) we will consider going over the course maximum for a person who is in the process of seeking Land Surveying licensure and needs a survey course to complete their academic requirement. This will be handled on a case by case basis and is not guaranteed. Contact Jean Ostrander, jmostrander2@dmacc.edu for more information.

I already have Iowa DOT Certifications, do any of them give me CET credit?

Yes! In Term 5 on the Student planner there are 3 materials courses. We will substitute your Iowa DOT Certification courses as follows:

• CET 110: Current IDOT certification in Aggregate Technician and PCC I will substitute for CET 110
• CET 240: Current IDOT certification in Soils and Erosion & Sediment Control will substitute for CET 240
• CET 210: Current IDOT certification in HMA I and PCC II will substitute for CET 210

What does a Civil Engineering Technician do?

Civil Engineering Technicians use their technical skills to help build and maintain our infrastructure: highways, dams, bridges, culverts, airports, etc. They use their skills in the area of design, surveying, material testing, inspection and project management to act as the "eyes and ears" for the engineer. Technicians are not the people who physically build the roads (the laborers), they're the people on site making sure it gets done properly, and they are the people behind the scenes who assist in the design process. They are critical to ensuring that our highway projects get built right the first time, and that they last for many years to come.

Where do Civil Engineering Technicians find employment?

Iowa Department of Transportation, county engineering offices, city engineering offices, private material testing labs, private surveying firms, consulting engineering firms, and construction firms make up the bulk of the hiring. But there are many other employers as well, the DNR, Army Corp of Engineers, etc. DMACC graduates have worked all over this country, and overseas, helping build civil engineering projects.

How much will books/supplies cost?

Costs for books and materials range from $200-$575 per semester for full-time students.

All CET books and materials are paid for with a course fee that you will pay when you register for your course. The CET department will provide you with your books and materials the first day of class.

The only books you will need to purchase from the bookstore are for non-CET acronym courses (Communications, Math, Electives)

Will DMACC help me get a job when I graduate?

Yes!! Faculty have close ties with industry, and take the placement rate very seriously. Historically we have 95-100% placement.

Can students transfer to another school to get a bachelors degree?

They could, and some have, but this degree is intended to be a 2 year degree that places you directly into the work force. It is not the first 2 years of a 4 year degree.

Can I become an engineer someday with this degree?

Not unless you go on to get a 4-year degree in Civil Engineering (only 12 credits of the CET degree will transfer to a 4-year engineering college). We educate technicians, who are the eyes and ears of the engineer.

How can I get more information?

Check out the Engineering & Manufacturing Pathway Success Team page for who to contact for more information.