Civil Engineering Technology

Program Description

Build your future as you build the world.

Civil Engineering Technology is one of civilization’s classic professions. Our renowned Civil Engineering Technology program prepares you to be a dynamic participant in the design and creation of our built environment. This ranges from the metropolitan infrastructure of bridges, airports and harbours to the neighbourhood design of water supply systems, sewage disposal, residential layout, and areas such as water management, the resource issue of the 21st century.

Your studies will be grounded in the skills and knowledge that are most important to employers. They include: advanced computer software packages (AutoCAD, MicroStation, Revit); new developments in highway design and building information modeling (Civil 3D); Geographic Information Systems (GIS); municipal and building design; environmental assessment; construction inspection, supervision and management; and field skills in surveying, as well as soils and materials testing.

The CVT program provides an intensive learning experience at the second and third year levels. You’ll work independently and in teams; produce a comprehensive, professional technology report by the end of the program; and demonstrate progression towards becoming a professional engineering technologist. If you fail to maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5 during your first year and during each subsequent semester, you'll be transferred to the technician program. In exceptional cases, this requirement may be waived by the Promotion Committee.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics*: MCT4(C) Mathematics for College Technology (recommended grade 60% or over) or Grade 12 (U) Mathematics, MHF4(U) (Advanced Functions) or MCV4(U) (Calculus and Vectors)

* Seneca may also consider applicants with good grades in MAP4(C) (80% or over recommended) or MCR3(U) (70% or over). Students with grades lower than these recommended benchmarks and who test below the appropriate level in the skills assessment can expect to be placed into a preparatory mathematics course or will be counseled to enroll in the Applied Science and Technology Fundamentals Certificate Program.

Note: All applicants who are offered admission to programs in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology will have an English and Mathematics skills assessment. The assessments are used for academic placement in English and Mathematics courses that are appropriate to the student’s skill level. In the event a preparatory course is required before enrolling in the standard semester one English or Mathematics, students will automatically be timetabled into the appropriate preparatory course.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills.

Applicant Selection:

• Applicant grades in pre-requisite subjects (or their equivalents) may be used as a basis for the selection of candidates.

Your Career

Design and create the environment around you. As a Civil Engineering Technologist, you’ll find career opportunities in consulting engineering firms, government, private contractors, municipalities, utilities and telecommunication firms. Graduates of this diploma program are prepared for success in a wide range of employment fields including: topographic, location and construction control surveys; municipal and transportation planning; design drafting and estimating; structural design in steel, concrete, and wood; soils and materials testing/evaluation; concrete and asphalt quality control; and, construction supervision. Your career could include roles as a designer, supervisor, project manager, contractor or inspector on construction projects, subdivisions, and environmental protection and enhancement initiatives.

FAST TRACK into Semester Three

If you have existing post-secondary education in Civil Engineering, or a directly related Technology discipline, you can apply for the FAST TRACK assessment of your credentials. If you qualify, you may be given direct entry into the second year of this program. The granting of credits beyond semester two is possible in exceptional cases. FAST TRACK entry may, at the discretion of the department, be offered to partially qualified candidates, in conjunction with requirements to complete additional subjects from semesters one or two.

University Option

Upon graduation from the Civil Engineering Technology program, you may choose to pursue a university degree. Through a university transfer agreement, your CVT diploma can significantly reduce the time you’ll be required to spend achieving this goal.

University Degree Opportunity

A York University Bachelor of Environmental Studies Degree is available to Civil Technology graduates in partnership with the Faculty of Environmental Studies at York University. Civil Engineering Technology (CVT) graduates with the necessary grade point average can combine their three years of study at Seneca with two additional years at York University to obtain the four-year Degree in Environmental Studies specializing in Urban Sustainability.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Ontario

Canada

U.S.

International

Co-operative Education Option

Students from both the Civil Engineering Technology program and the Civil Engineering Technician program can benefit from an optional Co-operative Education program. Once you’ve completed semester one with passing grades in all subjects, and met appropriate G.P.A. requirements, you’ll be eligible to apply.

There are valuable services to facilitate placement opportunities available for students enrolling in the program in semester two. You'll gain access to them through the CPP100 subject and co-op facilities. The co-op program consists of one work term from MAY – AUGUST, that provides a wealth of valuable course-related experience, employer contacts and greater opportunities for permanent placement after graduation.

Specializations

Students working toward the Civil Engineering Technology Diploma may specialize in Building Engineering Technology or Municipal Engineering Technology by the appropriate selection of two elective subjects in the third year.

• B: Building
• M: Municipal

Recognition as a Certified Engineering Technician or Technologist

OACETT (The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) recognizes the Civil Technology program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification either in the Technician or Technologist category. Application and additional requirements (i.e. work experience and qualifying professional practice exam, etc.) to become certified are available from OACETT.

Curriculum

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