Civil Engineering Technology - Virtual Design and Construction

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Those in civil engineering technology tend to be innovative, methodical, and directive.

You need:

• math and science skills, specifically an aptitude for physics
• organizational abilities
• an analytical mind
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to work alone
• the flexibility and commitment to work overtime when required to meet deadlines
• the ability to communicate effectively with project managers and contractors.

You should enjoy taking a systematic approach to your work, finding innovative solutions to problems, and providing direction to others. 

Academic path

Graduates of this program with a minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA (67% or C+) may apply for SAIT’s Bachelor of Science Construction Project Management program. 

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities

You’ll participate in a capstone project where you’ll develop a proposal through research, data collection and analysis and present your findings to faculty and industry guests.

Accreditations, designations or certifications

This program is nationally accredited, at the technologist level, by Technology Accreditation Canada.

Graduates are eligible to join The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals in Alberta (ASET).

The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors recognizes the program as training for qualified estimators and quantity surveyors.

Credential

Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Civil Engineering Technology diploma with a major in Virtual Design and Development.

Program length

2 years

Accepts international applicants - not-PGWP eligible

This program is open to international applicants; however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. 

Not eligible for CAJG

This program is not eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant. 

Related careers

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education. 

Potential careers (NOC):

• Civil engineering technologists and technicians (22300)
• Construction estimators (22303)
• Construction managers (70010)
• Urban and land use planners (21202)
• Industrial designers (22211)
• Drafting technologists and technicians (22212)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents:

• at least 60% in Math 30-1, and
• at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or at least 75% in English Language Arts 30-2, and
• at least 60% in Science 30 or Physics 20.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options. 

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Application process

When applying in the application portal, select Civil Engineering Technology. You will declare your major before your second year of the program.

Program outline

The Civil Engineering Technology diploma program requires 61.5 (24 courses) to complete. 

This program has fall, winter and spring intakes.

If you start in the fall, you’ll study for two semesters per year with a summer break.

If you start in the winter or spring, you will study for four consecutive semesters and have one or two-week breaks between semesters. 

Required courses - Civil Engineering core

• CIVL 201 - Introduction to Civil Drafting 1.5 Credits
• CIVL 222 - Concrete Technology 3 Credits
• CIVL 226 - Soil Mechanics 3 Credits
• CIVL 252 - Construction Practices Theory 3 Credits
• COMM 238 - Technical Communications I 3 Credits
• COMP 261 - Applied Digital Technologies 1.5 Credits
• ESTM 262 - Estimating I 3 Credits
• SMTL 246 - Strength of Materials 3 Credits
• STAT 245 - Statistics for Engineering and Technology I 3 Credits
• STCS 200 - Civil Engineering Statics 3 Credits
• SURV 203 - Civil Surveying 1.5 Credits
• MATH 238 - Math for Engineering & Tech I 3 Credits

Required courses - Virtual Design and Construction core

• CIVL 301 - Structural Design for Technologists 3 Credits
• CIVL 302 - Virtual and Augmented Reality 1.5 Credits
• CIVL 303 - Advanced Drafting 3 Credits
• CIVL 304 - Building Systems 1.5 Credits
• CIVL 305 - Construction Modelling 3 Credits
• CIVL 306 - Civil Drafting and Modelling 3 Credits
• CIVL 307 - Pipe Drafting and Modelling 3 Credits
• CIVL 308 - Virtual Construction Management 3 Credits
• CIVL 309 - Advanced Virtual and Augmented Reality 1.5 Credits
• CIVL 311 - Building Systems Modelling 1.5 Credits
• ESTM 302 - Virtual Estimating 3 Credits

Suggested schedule of study

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Books and supplies

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with power-user computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Textbooks and reading materials will be discussed with your instructors during the first week of classes.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.

You’ll need CSA-approved, above-ankle steel-toe boots, a hard hat, and safety classes for labs and site visits.

Construction program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Construction.

Phone: 403.284.8367
Email: construction.advising@sait.ca 

Program outcomes

1. Use research, critical thinking skills and innovation to create solutions in a civil engineering environment.
2. Evaluate existing civil infrastructure elements and prepare reports, including recommendations in a civil engineering environment.
3. Apply all levels of regulatory guidelines to design civil infrastructure elements and prepare construction documentation in a civil engineering environment.
4. Prepare, evaluate and complete cost estimates using appropriate resources to support project viability in a civil engineering environment.
5. Apply current management techniques to control construction projects in a civil engineering environment.
6. Collaborate effectively with diverse individuals and organizations to achieve goals in a civil engineering environment.
7. Apply industry standards and ethical requirements with personal and professional accountability and responsibility in a civil engineering environment.
8. Incorporate health and safety standards in design and construction activities in the civil engineering environment.
9. Apply knowledge of materials to solve engineering problems and support civil engineering projects.
10. Apply oral, written, non-verbal and graphic communication skills to clearly, concisely and accurately convey information to internal and external stakeholders commensurate with the task, ranging from simple notes to complex reports and presentations.
11. Use industry-based current and emerging technologies, computer hardware and software, techniques, materials, surveys and data collection methods to support civil engineering projects.
12. Assess the environmental implications of a civil engineering project.