Search | Menu Build the road for that journey of a thousand steps. Start here. Then go right to work – or transfer to get your bachelor’s.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’d like to learn more about the Civil Engineering Technology program, we’d love to talk with you.
We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step.
Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Civil Engineering Technology
Program Number: 106071
Your Degree: Associate Degree
Estimated Time to Complete: 65 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
Delivery Method: 100% In Person
Area of Study: Architecture and Engineering
Estimated Program Cost: $11,634.55
View Tuition and Fees
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.
Financial Aid Available Learn About Financial Aid and Scholarships
-
Program Overview
Civil engineers design and build important parts of our infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, dams and water supply systems. As a student in Madison College's Civil Engineering Technology program, you will train to assist engineers and land surveyors in:
- Planning: Determine the scope of the project, what data will be required to complete the project, the most appropriate technique to gather the required data, and review agencies that will be involved in the project.
- Scheduling: Determine the schedule of the design and construction phases of a project, prepare for public meetings and identify meeting dates.
- Designing: Use design software to prepare plans for transportation projects, municipal sewer and water projects, and land development projects.
- Estimating: Perform estimates of quantities used in a project, as well as the expected cost of engineering projects.
- Surveying: Perform field surveys for design and construction of engineering projects, land developments and retracement surveys, including route surveys, topographic surveys and subdivision surveys.
- Observing and Inspecting Construction: Observe the construction of highways, bridges, buildings and other structures to ensure they are constructed in accordance with the engineers' plan, as well as perform material testing to ensure materials are in accordance with design specifications.
Transfer Options
Madison Area Technical College's Civil Engineering Technology offers an affordable track toward earning a bachelor's in science in Broad Fields Natural Science at Edgewood University.
Program Details
Students in the Civil Engineering Technology program can attend full time.
Civil Engineering Technology program classes are offered at the Madison College - Traux campus.
Careers
Earning your associate degree in applied science in the Civil Engineering Technology program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Construction Inspector
- Land Survey Technician
- CAD Technician
- GIS Technician
- Materials Testing Technician
- Construction Estimator
-
Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-607-120Methods In Civil Engineering
An introductory engineering course that familiarizes students with the civil engineering and construction processes from project concept to completion. Provides new students opportunity to develop and improve their problem-solving skills and prepare for subsequent technical courses.2 credits10-607-125Intro To CAD for Civil Engineering
This course introduces computer aided drafting (CAD) and will utilize software related to civil engineering design. This course will focus on: basic drawing techniques, creating and editing objects and text, proper utilization of layers, and creating blocks and templates.2 credits10-607-149Aggregates And Concrete
Introduces the fundamental principles of aggregates, Portland cement concrete and bituminous concrete. Emphasizes standards-based sampling and testing in laboratory and field environments. Tests are performed according to standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Students communicate results in written reports. Prerequisites: 10-804-114, and 10-103-137.2 credits10-607-155Survey 1
Basic measurement concepts, procedures, errors and computations underlying the technical aspects of surveying. Students use modern instrumentation to perform elevation, distance, and angular measurements. Coordinate geometry is introduced as a computational tool. Computations are done both manually and on computer using commercial software.3 credits10-804-107College Mathematics
This course reviews key math concepts in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, measurement, and data. Topics include simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities with one variable, proportions, and percent applications, and working with geometric figures. It covers the Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometric ratios, and unit conversions between U.S. customary and metric systems. Data analysis focuses on organizing and summarizing data, central tendency, and measures of dispersion. Emphasis is on problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.3 credits10-809-103Think Critically & Creatively
Provides instruction about critical and creative thinking that is in high demand in all occupations. Models, theories, and processes provide the foundation for learning logical thinking strategies. Students will apply a systematic approach to problem solving by analyzing the problem, assessing possible solutions, and making effective decisions. In addition, students will generate ideas and analyze complex issues. This course assists students with developing a critical thinking mindset which is essential at every level of personal and professional life.3 creditsEconomics (10-809-195) or Intro to Diversity Studies (10-809-172) may be taken instead of Thinking Critically & Creatively (10-809-103). For students considering transferring, Economics may be the recommended course for this requirement. (The combination of both Macroeconomics and Microeconomics can also be used to satisfy the requirement.)3 creditsSecond Semester10-607-147Civil Drawing 1
This is an intermediate course in computer aided drafting (CAD) software, with emphasis on civil engineering land development applications. It covers drafting of property boundary surveys, topographic surveys including point coding for automated point and line drawing, surface modeling, basic grading plans, volume computations, and critical settings such as linear units, coordinate systems and object styles. Software used is Autodesk’s AutoCAD and Civil 3D.3 credits10-607-156Survey 2
Principles, computations and field methods, from design to stakeout, involved in three-dimensional curvilinear survey applications. AASHTO and WisDOT vertical and horizontal alignment standards; geometric and volumetric calculations. Field work reflecting different construction surveys are performed utilizing modern instrumentation. Prerequisite: 10-607-155. Corequisites: 10-607-147 and 10-804-107.3 credits10-607-160Soils
Introduces the basic principles of soil mechanics and their application in engineering practice. Topics include soil composition and texture, subsurface investigation, classification, moisture-density relationships, permeability and seepage, consolidation, settlement, shear strength, lateral earth pressures, fundamentals of retaining structures, shallow and deep foundations, slope stability and erosion loss calculations.2 credits10-607-178Statics and Mechanics for Civil Engineering
Introduces students to the basics of statics. Learners study and analyze forces and loading conditions applied to structures and mechanical devices. Areas of study include resultant and equilibrant of forces, moments, nonconcurrent-coplanar forces (trusses), concurrent-noncoplanar forces and static friction. Related engineering analysis software will be utilized throughout the course.2 credits10-607-193Career Development
Prepares students for work in a professional engineering environment by providing them with a knowledge and understanding of themselves and others. This course also guides students through the etiquette required for success in the job market and assists them in assembling the materials and information necessary for effective job applications and interviews.1 credit10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 credits10-809-199Psychology of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.3 creditsThird Semester10-607-140Strength of Materials for Civil Engineering
An analysis of the principles of strength of materials as they apply to various fasteners, welded joints, beams and shafts through practical design and analysis problems. Topics covered include simple stresses, mechanical properties of materials, center of gravity, moment of inertia, shear force and bending diagrams and beam design. Related engineering analysis software is utilized throughout the course.2 credits10-607-148Civil Drawing 2
Applications-oriented class with CAD emphasis. More complex drawing projects including mapping, roadway design elements and structural detail applications. Drawing organization and standards, data conversion and sharing, third-party add-ins. Prerequisites: 10-607-147 and 10-607-156.2 credits10-607-158Survey 3
Advanced concepts and procedures building on knowledge and skills attained in previous surveying classes. Concepts include geodetic applications, spatial reference systems, equipment adjustment, digital data collection and photogrammetry. Fieldwork includes total station calibration, control leveling, control network establishment and digital topographic data collection. Prerequisites: 10-607-156 and 10-607-147.3 credits10-607-172Stormwater Management
Introduces principles involved in the design of storm sewer systems, culverts, and detention/retention basins. Covers the basic concepts of hydraulics and hydrology. Pre-requisite: Third semester standing.2 credits10-607-177Legal Elements Engineering
Emphasizes contract relationships. The first half of the semester is spent studying the elements of a valid contract along with a study of the court system. The remainder of the semester concentrates on specifications, contracting procedure and the relationship between the three main parties involved in a construction contract: owner, engineer and contractor. Other topics include professional liability, professional ethics, product liability, discharge and remedies for non-completion. Prerequisite: third-semester standing or consent of instructor2 credits10-801-197Technical Reporting
Prepare and present written, oral, and visual communication products, including instructions, proposals, informal and formal reports. Produce clear, usable communication by incorporating information design principles, arranging content to satisfy diverse audience needs, and presenting visuals for various contexts. Designed as an advanced course to develop collaborative communication practices, information literacy skills, and ethically responsible professional communication strategies.3 creditsElective3 CreditsFourth Semester10-607-133Estimating
Stresses estimating for general civil engineering work. Covers the preparation of detailed estimates as prepared by contractors for bidding purposes, the general estimate as prepared by engineers, and approximate estimates. Areas covered: highways, water and sewer lines, bridges, culverts, streets and general construction grading. Prerequisite: 10-607-177, fourth-semester standing or consent of instructor.3 credits10-607-161Project
Project-driven course through which civil engineering technicians gain firsthand experience with design by developing plans, specifications and reports for a "real-world" project while working in a team environment. Students present written and oral reports to reinforce technical communication skills. Prerequisites: 10-607-148 and 10-607-158. Corequisites: 10-607-133 and 10-607-182.3 credits10-607-171Construction Materials
Introduction to the design, specification and detailing of steel and reinforced concrete in typical civil engineering projects. Emphasis on infrastructural applications. Prerequisite: 10-607-1602 credits10-607-179Intro to Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
This course introduces the Geographic Information System (GIS) for digital spatial analysis and cartographic presentation of land. It covers the basics of spatial data types, attribute tables and relational databases, coordinate systems, spatial analysis techniques, and cartographic principles for effective display of information. Emphasis is on developing software skills, particularly ESRI ArcGIS.2 credits10-607-182Water Supply and Sewerage
This course will provide the student with an understanding of the principles involved in the design of municipal water supply, municipal sanitary sewerage and private on-site waste treatment (POWTS) systems.2 creditsElective3 CreditsRecommended Electives10-607-168Land Surveying 1
This course covers legal principles for land rights and boundary location. Emphasis is on legal knowledge required to become a licensed professional land surveyor in Wisconsin. Much of the material is presented in the context of writing land descriptions (a.k.a. property / boundary / legal descriptions) and how such descriptions provide evidence for retracing boundaries in the future.3 credits10-607-175Land Surveying 2
This course covers more advanced legal principles for land rights and boundary location. Emphasis is on legal knowledge required to become a licensed professional land surveyor in Wisconsin. Land Surveying 2 builds on the basics from Land Surveying 1 and goes into more detail on unwritten rights such as adverse possession, retracement of sequentially simultaneously created boundaries, and particular considerations for retracing boundaries of the U.S. Public Land Survey.3 credits10-607-180Civil Engineering Tech Internship1 creditAn internship experience may be a consideration for an elective. To explore internship opportunities and how to register for an internship course, please consult the Program Director.1-3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
- Program capacity: 21 students each Fall
- Estimated Wait Time: 0-1 year
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Learn more in the After You Apply section on this page.
Application Dates
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
3. Residency Requirement
Per Wisconsin Statute TCS-10 because this program has a waitlist:
- Out-of-state residents (except Minnesota residents*) are not eligible for admission consideration to this program
- Non-district state residents
- May only be considered after January 1 for the upcoming fall term
- *Minnesota residents are considered non-district state residents for admission purposes
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Civil Engineering Technology career.
-
After You Apply
This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and high program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program.
A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
- Students on the waiting list receive priority in future terms based on the date they complete all application requirements.
- Priority does not guarantee a spot in the program.
- You may remain on the waiting list if you continue to follow the steps to notify Madison College of your continued interest.
Learn more about waiting lists and Admission to Programs with Limited Capacity.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
-
Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
The terms of the B.S in Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S or A.A.A. degrees and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higherStudents who complete the A.A.S. degree are guaranteed admission to UW-Platteville to the B.S. in Construction Management major given that all admission requirements are met (minimum 2.0 transfer GPA, in good standing at previous school).Wisconsin Private Schools
Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Mechanical Design Technology, Electromechanical Technology, or Automated Manufacturing Systems Technology, students will be guaranteed admission to Edgewood University and be able to complete the Bachelor's Degree in Physics with a concentration in Applied Science in as little as 2 years at Edgewood University. Completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in one of the above programs guarantees up to 64 general/transfer credits based on course selection.Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2018, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.Out-of-State Schools
Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree. -
Career Outcomes
MATC Civil Engineering Technology program graduates are prepared to:
- Communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written format.
- Apply civil engineering design principles to all facets of planning an engineering project.
- Demonstrate and apply fundamental surveying skills.
- Operate technical computer software, hardware and instruments to perform civil engineering procedures.
- Perform fundamental construction materials tests.
- Demonstrate professional work ethics and positive interpersonal skills in the workplace.
- Assume responsibility for continuing education to remain current in the civil engineering profession.
-
Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 8 7 7 Number of Surveys Sent 8 7 7 Number of Surveys Returned 6 4 7 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 6 3 6 Percent Available for Employment 100.0% 75.0% 85.7% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 0.0% 25.0% 14.3% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 6 3 6 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 4 3 5 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 66.7% 100.0% 83.3% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 2 0 1 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 33.3% 0.0% 16.7% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.7 3.8 3.6 Number of Satisfaction Responses 6 4 7 Very Satisfied (4) 4 3 4 Percent Very Satisfied 66.7% 75.0% 57.1% Satisfied (3) 2 1 3 Percent Satisfied 33.3% 25.0% 42.9% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 6 4 7 Preparation for Getting a Job 3 3 4 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 50.0% 75.0% 57.1% Career Change 2 0 0 Percent Career Change 33.3% 0.0% 0.0% Improvement of Existing Skills 0 0 2 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 0.0% 0.0% 28.6% Preparation for Further Education 0 1 1 Percent Preparation for Further Education 0.0% 25.0% 14.3% Personal Interest 1 0 0 Percent Personal Interest 16.7% 0.0% 0.0% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 6 3 6 Before Enrollment 1 0 2 Percent Before Enrollment 16.7% 0.0% 33.3% While Attending the College 4 1 3 Percent While Attending the College 66.7% 33.3% 50.0% After Training at the College 1 2 1 Percent After Training at the College 16.7% 66.7% 16.7% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 6 3 6 In College District 5 3 6 Percent In College District 83.3% 100.0% 100.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 16.7% 0.0% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 4 3 5 Average Monthly Wage $4,300 $3,669 $5,824 Average Hourly Wage $25.00 $21.33 $33.86 Average Work Hours per Week 41.3 40.0 43.2 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Burse Surveying And Engineering Survey Technician General Engineering Co Certified Survey Technician Portage Grothman & Associates Land Surveying Land Survey Technician Portage KL Engineering, Inc Technician Self-Employed Land Surveyor Baraboo * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu