Civil Engineering Technology Diploma

Learn about the design and construction of integral infrastructure as it relates to the function of cities and urban areas. Gain the knowledge and skills to work on the design and construction of various sustainable infrastructure, from roads to parks, drainage to sewer plants.

Technology Accreditation Canada seal of accreditation

OC's Civil Engineering Technology Diploma is a Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) nationally accredited program at the technologist level.

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Campus

  • Kelowna
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Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered

Credential

Diploma

Delivery options

Full-Time

  • International students eligible

Tuition and fees

2023-24: $13,088.96 (Total for the two year program)

Program details

The civil engineering technologist is involved in the design and construction of buildings, bridges, highways, streets, parks, subdivisions, dams, drainage and irrigation systems, water supply and sewer systems, and plants. Aspects of civil engineering and urbanization in Canada are studied throughout this program. A diverse and stimulating program, Civil Engineering Technology incorporates field trips to reinforce theoretical background, and to develop appropriate methods of approach and solution. Graduates will possess the following knowledge and skills:

  • a knowledge of mathematics, applied science, surveying principles, graphical language and oral and written communication techniques;
  • a grounding in applied civil engineering technology as related to highway surveying, road design and construction, municipal construction, bridge construction, municipal water and sewage works, irrigation and drainage, and heavy construction;
  • skills in drafting, detailing, computing, surveying, laboratory testing (soil mechanics, concrete and asphalt paving), construction inspection, writing technical reports and correspondence, preparation of specifications and costs, basic structural design in steel, reinforced concrete, design of water distribution and sewage collection systems, heating and air conditioning and other building services, and engineering law.

Employment Opportunities:

Graduates of this program can seek employment in the following types of positions:

  • engineering assistants in highway construction, communications and power development projects; draftsperson; estimators, detailers and assistant designers;
  • technologists in concrete, asphalt and soil testing labs; construction inspectors in municipal water development and structural projects; technologists in hydrographic surveys, waste resources studies, irrigation and hydraulic laboratories;
  • town works superintendents and building inspectors; concrete plant supervisors; technical sales involving building and construction materials and equipment; and
  • project chiefs and instrument persons in field surveys related to pipelines, construction, mining drainage, irrigation, highways and roads, etc.

National Accreditation:

The Civil Engineering Technology program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB). While attending Okanagan College, students may register with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC). Graduates are eligible for registration as an applied science technologist after two years of related work experience.

This two-year diploma program is nationally accredited by the Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) and Okanagan College students may register with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC). Graduates are eligible for registration as an applied science technologist after two years of related work experience. 

Graduates go on to work in positions that include:

  • Engineering Assistants
  • Draftspersons
  • Estimators
  • Designers
  • Town Works Superintendents
  • Building Inspectors
  • Concrete Plant Supervisors
  • Technical and Project Supervisors
  • Technologists

Technologists:

  • Work involves gathering and analyzing data, particularly in the lab/shop and/or field. There may be lab and office work, as well as light design and production
  • Typically, three to four technologists will work in an office for every engineer
  • Need approximately two years of post-secondary education (diploma)
  • Credential includes AScT
  • Typical salary range is $50,000 to $75,000 a year

Engineers:

  • Work involves analyzing data in the lab, field and office. Positions are typically slanted more towards design and management. Responsible to sign off on safety of projects and assuming liability for the project.
  • Need four years of post-secondary schooling (bachelor’s degree)
  • Credential includes P. Eng.
  • Typical salary range is $50,000 to $100,000 a year

If you complete the Civil Engineering Technology diploma program, you may be able to take the Engineering Bridging program at Camosun College (then onto UBCV, UBCO or UVic), Lakehead University or University of Victoria (into Mechanical Engineering).

The following links will provide some information on the appropriate Engineering bridging programs:

You can also bridge into the Bachelor of Business Administration at Okanagan College.

Campus Start date Schedule
Kelowna Sep. 04, 2024

Admission requirements

  • B.C. secondary school graduation (or equivalent).
  • English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.
  • Math requirement:
    • A minimum of 60% in any of:
      • Pre-calculus Grade 12
      • Foundations of Mathematics Grade 12
      • Principles of Mathematics 12
      • Applications of Mathematics 12
      • Adult Basic Education MATH 012
      • Okanagan College MATH 120
    • Or a minimum of 64% in an Okanagan College Mathematics 11 Proficiency Test.
    • Or a minimum of 67% in any of:
      • Pre-calculus Grade 11
      • Principles of Mathematics 11
      • Adult Basic Education MATH 011
    • One of the Grade 12 mathematics courses is recommended. The mathematics requirement must be satisfied no more than seven years prior to enrolment in the program.
  • A minimum grade of 60% in Physics 11, or a minimum grade of 50% in Physics 12 or Applied Physics 12.
  • The Civil Engineering Technology program stresses the use of computers in solving engineering problems. It is recommended that students entering the program have a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and presentation tools software. An introductory course in computers or computer experience is strongly recommended.

Mature Students:

  • Applicants who do not have secondary school graduation may apply as a mature student provided they are at least 19 years of age and have not attended secondary school on a full-time basis for a year or more. Mature students must complete specific entrance requirements that apply to regular applicants.
  • The mathematics requirement will not be waived for mature students.

Program outline

Year 1

Semester 1

CIEN 131 - Drafting I
CIEN 139 - Construction Surveying 1
CIEN 133 - Concrete Technology
CIEN 134 - Statics and Strength of Materials I
CIEN 136 - Applications for Engineering Principles
COSC 115 - Microcomputer Orientation
CMNS 135 - Technical Writing & Communications 1 for CIEN
MATH 113 - Mathematics for Civil Engineering Technology I
Co-op Education/Employment Seminar

Semester 2

CIEN 141 - Drafting II
CIEN 149 - Construction Surveying 2
CIEN 143 - Highway Material Testing I
CIEN 144 - Statics and Strength of Materials II
CIEN 145 - Elementary Hydraulics
CIEN 147 - Software Applications for Engineering Technology
CIEN 148 - Structural Design
MATH 123 - Mathematics for Civil Engineering Technology II
CIEN 101 Co-op Work Term I (May - August) 4 months
CIEN 102 Co-op Work Term II (September - December) 4 months

Year 2

Semester 3

CIEN 231 - Watershed Management
CIEN 232 - Construction Estimating
CIEN 233 - Engineering Soils
CIEN 234 - Structural Design in Wood
CIEN 235 - Municipal Design
CIEN 236 - Highway Materials Testing II
CIEN 237 - Design of Urban Road Systems
CMNS 145 - Technical Writing & Communications 2 for CIEN
CIEN 103 Co-op Work Term III (May - August) 4 months

Semester 4

CIEN 240 - Project
CIEN 241 - Project Management
CIEN 242 - Steel Detailing and Estimating
CIEN 244 - Structural Design in Concrete
CIEN 245 - Municipal Engineering
CIEN 246 - Pavements
CIEN 248 - Construction Law
CIEN 249 - Computer Applications for Civil Engineering

Successful completion of the prescribed courses as listed in the program outline with a minimum graduating grade average of 60%.

Additional information

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