Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Engineering Civil Technology

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

This program prepares students for employment as a CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN.  Civil engineering technicians assist civil engineers and surveyors to plan, design, and build various infrastructure projects (e.g., highways, bridges, utilities, etc.) as well as commercial, industrial, and residential projects.

Transfer engineering students may benefit from this program as it teaches essential ENGINEER job skills that may not be taught at the university.  Other courses in this program may transfer to the university.

select and develop engineering careers

use CAD software to produce industry-standard models and technical drawings.

use common land surveying instruments

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

10 units
ENGR 100A
Introduction to Engineering
The course explores the branches of engineering, the functions of an engineer, and the industries in which engineers work. Explains the engineering education pathways and explores effective strategies for students to reach their full academic potential. Presents an introduction to the methods and tools of engineering problem solving and design including the interface of the engineer with society and engineering ethics. Develops communication skills pertinent to the engineering profession.
    ENGR 122
    Engineering Drawing
    Principles of engineering drawing: projections, views, sections, dimensions, tolerancing, assemblies, manufacturing processes, engineering drafting practices. Utilizing 2D CAD and 3D solid modeling CAD software. Suggested preparation: prior course or experience in drafting and CAD.
      MATH 162
      Trigonometry
      Angles and their measurement, trigonometry functions and their applications, including vector problems. Use of trigonometric identities. Graphing the basic functions and variations, solving trigonometric equations. Graphing using polar coordinates, and use of complex numbers.
      • Prerequisite: MATH 140
      • Prerequisite: or equivalent skills as measured by placement into Math 162 according to the Santa Ana College Math Department’s placement standards.
      Plan 1: 2. Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning

      Second Semester

      7 units
      ENGR 118
      Surveying
      The course applies theory and principles of plane surveying: office computations and design; operation of surveying field equipment; and production of engineering plans/maps. Topics include distances, angles, and directions; differential leveling; traversing; property/boundary surveys; topographic surveys/mapping; volume/earthwork; horizontal and vertical curves; land description techniques; and GPS. Field work using tapes, levels, transits, theodolites, total stations, and GPS.
      • Prerequisite: MATH 162
      • Prerequisite: MATH 170
      • Prerequisite: transcripted high school trigonometry or pre-calculus
      ENGR 183
      AutoCAD I
      A first course in AutoCAD by Autodesk, an industry standard engineering CAD software, especially in the civil and architectural fields. Topics include display and file management, units, entities, object selection, advanced editing, layers, dimensions, text, and graphic exchange.

        Summer

        4 units
        ENGR 185
        Civil 3D
        Course teaches Autodesk Civil 3D – an industry standard CAD software for civil engineers. Topics include advanced modeling, model merging, project management, parcels, surveys, surfaces, alignments, profiles, 3D rendering, and presentation. Prior coursework or experience with AutoCAD is strongly suggested.

          Third Semester

          8 units
          GEOL 101
          Dynamic Earth: Introduction to Geology
          This introductory course that covers Earth materials and the processes that develop and modify the composition, structure, and features of the earth. Included is an overview of minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, geologic time, water resources, glaciation, desertification, structural geology, and energy and mineral resources. Students requiring lab experience should enroll in GEOL101L concurrently with GEOL101. Optional field trip offered.
            Plan 1: 5. Natural Sciences
            Plan 2: 5A. Physical Science
            GEOL 101L
            Dynamic Earth: Introduction to Geology Laboratory
            This course is the laboratory component to Dynamic Earth: Introduction to Geology (GEOL101). The laboratory focuses on the identification of rocks and minerals and the interpretation of topographic and geologic maps illustrating the work of water, wind, ice and tectonics forces.
            • Corequisite (Previous or Concurrent): GEOL 101 - Corequisite
            Plan 1: 5. Natural Sciences
            Plan 2: 5C. Laboratory
            ENGR 184
            AutoCAD II
            A second course in Autodesk AutoCAD, an industry standard engineering CAD software, especially in the civil and architectural fields. Topics include: advanced dimensioning, viewports, hatches, blocks, plotting, attributes, inquiry, intermediate apps, working drawings, introduction to 3D CAD. Suggested preparation: prior course or experience with AutoCAD.

              Fourth Semester

              3 units
              ENGR 119
              Advanced Plane Surveying
              A second course in surveying with emphasis on coordinate geometry calculations. Topics include: route surveying with horizontal and vertical curves, topographic surveying and mapping, construction surveying, introduction to geospatial technologies, boundary surveying and surveys of public lands. Field surveying projects. Completion of Engr 118 and 119 assists in passing the land-surveyor-in-training (LSIT) exam.
              *Spring only
              • Prerequisite: ENGR 118
              • Prerequisite: Instructor may waive if student can show proof of industry experience in surveying equal to or greater than ENGR 118.