Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology at Camosun College

Planning, constructing and maintaining built and natural environments

If you look around any urban area, most of what you see is the result of Civil Engineering. Learn how to plan, construct, and maintain structures and public works, while respecting and responding to the natural environment.

Is Civil Engineering Technology right for you?

While trial and error may work when building your own marble run, it won’t work if you’re designing a bridge. The calculation of all the forces and stresses needs to occur before anything is built and these calculations require some pretty complex math. Furthermore, a much-overlooked talent necessary in engineering is communication. Drawings, reports, site meetings, instructions to contractors, even emails and phone conversations all require communication skills. The best engineers and technologists have skills in both areas.

As a Civil Engineering Technologist, you'll have the opportunity to work on:

• bridges, buildings, towers, silos and tunnels
• highways, roads, railroads, airports and canals
• protection of the environment and public health by treating water and sewage, and by protecting our streams and waterways from urban runoff
• structures and subdivisions
• infrastructure such as water supply, water mains, sewer mains and flood control

Design and construct

In this two year program you’ll be introduced to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and drafting techniques, surveying using state-of-the-art equipment, computer-based design systems and all aspects of project management. You’ll acquire the skills and knowledge you need for a successful career within the wide-ranging field of civil engineering.

What to expect

The program is delivered over four semesters. You can start Year 1 in either September or January. Those starting in September will complete Year 1 by the end of April. Those starting in January will complete Year 1 at the end of August. It is also possible to start in September and spread the Year 1 courses over three semesters. Year 2 for everyone starts in September and completes at the end of April. You will have the option of taking paid co-op work terms after either first year or second year.

Year 1

In your first year, you'll learn the theoretical background necessary for civil engineering calculations. You will also learn skills such as AutoCAD drafting and surveying.

Year 2

In second year, you will apply your background skills to civil engineering applications such as structural and municipal design, asset management, and properties of soils and materials. You will complete your program with a major design project of your own choosing.