60 Credits AAS3405, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
Learners in the Civil Engineering Technology program will learn surveying techniques along with design and construction practices dealing with sewer, water, streets, roads and land surveying. Learners will be introduced to the newest surveying equipment plus computer programming, computer aided drafting and surveying systems. The ability to work independently and make decisions, along with accuracy and neatness are very important qualities for technicians. Technicians must be able to deal with professional people as well as the general public on a daily basis. The A.A.S. degree provides students with the necessary technical skills plus the Arts and Sciences base to broaden their horizons and aid them in seeing employment advancement.
Campus:
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 60 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $12,867
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $12,867 *
and you'll see that tuition at 色中色 is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (13 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
CTLS1110 Basic AutoCAD (3 credits)
This course covers the basic operations of AutoCAD. It includes drafting and editing, drawing setup, scaling and plotting. (Prerequisites: None)
CTLS1800 Construction Contract Documents (3 credits)
This course covers the concepts relating to Civil Engineering drawings, construction specifications, and legal documents as associated with the industry. (Prerequisite: ENGL 100)
CTLS1805 Civil Cad (3 credits)
This course covers the use of AutoDesk Civil 3D software in the design and drawing of Civil Engineering plans. (Prerequisite: CTLS 1110)
CTLS1810 Introduction to Surveying (4 credits)
This course covers the principles of plane surveying involving methods of measuring horizontal and vertical distance, elevation and angles. Practice in the use of common measurement equipment, leveling instruments, compass, transit, theodolite and total station is stressed along with introduction to Global Positioning Systems and proper care and maintenance of all equipment. Recording of field information and correction of acquired data are an important part of this course. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH 0075 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or Next Generation Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 250 or higher or Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher or MCA Math score of 1146 or higher.)
CTLS1815 Surveying 2 (4 credits)
This course covers the practices and techniques required in topographic, route, control, and construction surveys. It will also stress highway curves, cross-sections, and layout. The course will focus on the use, care, and maintenance of TopCon total stations and Trimble GPS. (Prerequisites: CTLS 1810)
CTLS1820 Materials Technology (4 credits)
This course covers the types of materials, construction methods, and quality control necessary in the construction of driven surfaces. The course examines basic geology with soil identification and classification for base construction, materials evaluation, testing methods for quality assurance in grading and base, bituminous surfacing, and concrete surfacing. This course is based on MnDOT certification requirements in the areas of Aggregate Production and Concrete Field 1. (Prerequisite: Must have a Next Generation Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 250 or higher; or Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher or MCA Math score of 1146 or higher or completion of MATH 0075 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.)
CTLS2110 Statics and Strengths of Materials (3 credits)
This course covers an introduction to structural theory and calculation. It includes analysis of forces, vectors, calculations of forces, moments and internal stresses and strains in structural materials. It also includes tracing of load paths through the structure. (Prerequisite: MATH 125)
CTLS2825 Civil Design (4 credits)
This course covers the general techniques and procedures used in the design of necessary infrastructure associated with highway design. Bentley's Microstation software is utilized throughout the course. (Prerequisites: CTLS 1110, 1815)
CTLS2830 Construction Estimating and Inspections (4 credits)
This course covers the study and performance of procedures necessary in estimating quantities and costs and construction inspection of heavy construction. Emphasis is placed on construction inspection through measurement of quantities, documentation, record keeping, and contract document interpretation. The equipment and materials utilized are also presented. (Prerequisite: CTLS 1110)
CTLS2835 Introduction to Land Surveying (3 credits)
This course covers the history of land surveying from the beginning advancement of the United States to modern day standards. Students will learn technical elements of writing legal land descriptions, basic fundamentals of platting land, and methods of researching property and property corners. (Prerequisite: CTLS 1110, CTLS 1810)
GIS2840 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4 credits)
This course covers the theory and use of computer software for the collection, analysis, and communication of geographic information. This course will use ArcGIS software, which was developed by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) as a tool to create, manage and manipulate spatial data within a GIS. (Prerequisite: None)
CTLS2846 Hydrology and Hydraulics (3 credits)
This course introduces the basic design of water treatment and distribution systems, wastewater treatment and collection systems, stormwater flow systems, stormwater detention facilities, erosion control, and stormwater pollution prevention plans. (Prerequisites: CTLS 1110, MATH 120)
CTLS2851 Internship (3 credits)
The internship/practicum requires a minimum of 144 hours of hands-on experience performing civil engineering technology duties, such as construction Inspection, surveys, roadway design, GIS, materials testing, and or other duties as requested. This course is designed to provide the student with a field experience to observe how procedures and/or policies are implemented and completed in civil engineering environments. (Prerequisites: None)
Required Arts and Sciences (1 Course)
To complete an AAS Degree, students must complete 15 MNTC credits from 3 of the 10 MNTC Goal areas. The following course is required:
ENGL100 Composition (4 credits)
Composition is concerned with developing, through theory and practice, the ability to communicate in written form for personal and professional reasons. Students will develop writing skills, analytic skills, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete readings, papers, grammar exercises, and in-class activities. Students will complete research and write a research paper. Students will learn methods of writing informatively and persuasively. (Prerequisites: Must have one of the following: (MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher) OR (READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) OR (completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) AND (completion of either ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C [2.0] or higher) (MNTC 1: Communication)
Required Math Courses (1 Course)
Select one or two courses to complete the Math requirement. NOTE: You must receive a grade of "C" or higher in MATH 120 before taking MATH 125.
MATH120 College Algebra (4 credits)
College algebra studies functions and their applications. This course focuses on linear functions, quadratic functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and related equations, inequalities, and graphs. Additional topics include inverse functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, sequences and series, and the Binomial Theorem. MATH 120 satisfies the MNTC Category 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning requirement. (Prerequisites: Corequisite enrollment in MATH 0098 OR Completion of MATH 0098 OR MATH 0085 OR MATH 0095 with a grade of C or higher OR Accuplacer score of 56+ in Arithmetic and 76+ in Elementary Algebra and 50+ in College Math OR Next Gen Accuplacer score 250-300 AAF OR ACT Math score 22-36 OR MCA score 1158-1164)
OR
MATH130 Pre-Calculus (4 credits)
This is an accelerated course covering many topics from both College Algebra and Trigonometry. These include functions, graphs of functions, analytic geometry of the conic sections, systems of equations and inequalities, elementary matrix operations and determinants, properties and applications of exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, complex numbers, vectors, polar coordinates and elementary combinatorics. Should not be taken for credit in addition to either MATH 120 or MATH 125. (Prerequisites: Next-Generation Accuplacer AAF score of 250 or higher or Classic Accuplacer College Math score of 86 or higher, or ACT Math score of 23 or higher.) (MNTC 4: Mathematical/Logical Reasoning)
Arts and Science Electives (4 Credits)
Select 4 - 7 MnTC credits to reach a total of 15 credits. At least one course must be outside of MnTC Goal Areas 1 and 4. Courses must be chosen in consultation with advisor/faculty.
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
