The Major

BCT requirements include courses in built environment, building materials technology, construction methods, building systems, building energy conservation, computer-aided design, structural design, business and construction management. The remainder of each student's program includes electives in areas such as green building, engineering or business according to the individual's career objectives and chosen curriculum option. The functioning student organization is the University of Massachusetts Student Chapter of the National Association of Home Builders. Students frequently continue to advanced study at the master's or doctoral level or accept employment immediately.

The major requires background coursework in Math, Science (Physics), Economics or Resource Economics and Computer Science. Twelve courses in the Building & Construction Technology major are also required. The diverse curriculum prepares BCT graduates for careers in: Construction Management, Sustainable Building Planning, Engineered Wood Design, Building Energy Performance Evaluation, Building Products Distribution, and Research and Development.  Visit the BCT website at https://bct.eco.umass.edu/academics/undergraduate-major-bs-building-construction-technology/ for details, sample schedules, requirements and Frequently Asked Questions.

Requirements

  • BCT 150 The Built Environment or NRC 100 Environment and Society
  • COMPSCI 105 Computer Literacy
  • MATH course with R2 designation
  • PHYSICS 131 Introductory Physics
  • Two additional PS courses (e.g. PHYSICS 118)
  • RES-ECON 102 Introduction to Resource Economics or ECON 103 Introduction to Microeconomics
  • ECON 104 Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • ACCTG221 Introduction to Accounting or MARKETNG 301 Fundamentals of Marketing
  • MARKETNG 301 Fundamentals of Marketing or ACCTG 221 Introduction to Accounting
  • NATSCI 387 Junior Writing Course
  • NRC 492A Verbal Communication Skills or any COMM course
  • BCT 204 Construction Methods and Materials
  • BCT 211 Energy Efficient Housing
  • BCT 304 Properties of Wood
  • BCT 311 Sustainable Indoor Environmental Systems
  • BCT 313 Light-Frame Structure Technology
  • BCT 314 Construction Estimating
  • BCT 320 Introduction to CAD in Construction and Architecture
  • BCT 353 The Business of Building
  • BCT 420 Advanced Topics in CAD or BCT 540 Design of Wood Structures or BCT 520 Energy and Buildings or BCT 550
  • Project Management for Design and Construction
  • BCT 494BI Senior Integrative Experience