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If you’d like to learn more about the Construction and Remodeling program, we’d love to talk with you.
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Financial Aid Available-
Program Overview
Construction and Remodeling program students at Madison College come from all walks of life, but they all share an interest in learning the most current construction techniques for completing projects small to large, rough to refined. After completing the Construction and Remodeling program, graduates go on to employment in all areas of the construction industry,from commercial to residential, new construction to remodeling.
As a Construction and Remodeling student, you will
- Learn hands-on how to complete a project from prints and specifications.
- Understand site preparation, layout and foundations.
- Practice framing floors, walls, ceilings and roofs and related carpentry tasks.
- Install shingles, windows, doors, stairs, exterior trim, siding, cabinets and interior trim.
- Gain experience working in all phases of home construction including estimating materials, understanding building codes and maintaining tools and equipment.
- Prepare for a career in residential construction, remodeling, and commercial construction.
Program Details
Students in the Construction and Remodeling program can attend full or part time.
Women and minorities are highly encouraged to apply since our program has a diverse staff including two female instructors.
Night Classes are Available!
Fundamentals of Construction- Spring semesters
Introduction to Construction - Fall semestersConstruction and Remodeling Program classes are offered at our Truax Campus.
Visit us on Facebook and YouTube to learn more about our Construction and Remodeling program.
Construction Careers
Earning your technical diploma in the Construction and Remodeling program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:
- Rough/Finish Carpenter
- Remodeler
- Product Sales Representative
- Estimator
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
- Master Carpenter
- Supervisor
- Head Estimator
- Teacher
- Inspector
Madison College's Wood Technics Department is an active member in the following organizations:
Resources
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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 Semester31-410-338Nailin' It--Success in Construction & Remodeling
This course introduces students to the skills needed to be a successful Construction & Remodeling student. It also gives students an introduction to construction careers, basic construction safety and a campus and program orientation. Students who complete this course with a C or better will have completed their College Success requirement towards the Construction program.1 credit31-410-301Introduction to Construction
This course provides instruction in the fundamentals of floor, wall, ceiling and roof framing. A variety of building methods are discussed in the context of current understanding of how buildings work and why they fail.5 credits31-410-302Layout, Foundations and Concrete
This course takes students through all that happens below the mudsill. We will locate a building on a lot, form up concrete footings and walls, mix and place concrete slabs, and dive into concrete science.2 credits31-410-309Plan Reading and Drawing
This course provides instruction in the interpretation of construction drawings and documents. Specific areas of emphasis include architectural scale, symbols, abbreviations and specifications, and how drawings are translated to create the built world. Areas of drawing instruction include sketching techniques, orthographic projection, and isometric drawings.1 credit31-410-328Construction Techniques 1
Continues instruction on roof framing and introduces installation methods for roof shingles, windows and doors, soffits and fascia, exterior trim and siding. Deck building and stair construction are also included. Drainage planes and greener building techniques are also discussed.3 credits31-410-337Workplace Safety
This course will cover several key areas of OSHA workplace safety, including: erection of ladders and scaffolds, HASCOM (Hazardous Materials Communication), selection and use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), proper machined guarding, and prevention of slips, trips and falls.1 credit31-410-379Construction Math
Construction Math is a review of basic mathematics that consists of an introduction to using a scientific calculator, order of operations, fractions, decimals, use of percentage, units of measurement including the metric system, the reading of analog instruments for length measurement, and practical plane geometry.1 credit(Note: Program evening students take 31-410-399 Fundamentals of Construction in place of 31-410-410 and 31-410-411.)31-410-410Fundamentals of Construction 1
This course provides an introduction to the identification, safe use, and care of hand and portable power tools. Lab work includes the construction of sawhorses using techniques learned in class. Students must also complete Fundamentals of Construction 2 (one credit) to fulfill the Fundamentals of Construction (total 3 credits) requirement for the Construction & Remodeling Program.2 creditsSecond Semester31-410-308Construction Industry Codes and Regulations
Units of instruction include zoning requirements, residential and commercial building codes, sanitary regulations, permit applications, building permits and inspection procedures. Contract documents and office practice are also discussed. (Instructor consent required to enroll.)2 credits31-410-329Construction Techniques 2
This course emphasizes interior finish including, but not necessarily limited to, installing wall board, hanging interior doors, installing interior trim, installing kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and completing a punch list.5 credits31-410-339Construction and Remodeling Lab
Students will practice carpentry skills learned in Introduction to Construction and Construction Techniques 1. They will continue to work, under faculty supervision, on the sheds and the home that they began in the fall semester. They may also complete a small remodeling project. Carpentry tasks will include framing, roofing, window and door installation and exterior finishing.4 credits31-410-345Materials and Estimating 1
This course introduces students to using building plans to create materials and labor estimates. Material selection and methods for calculating labor rates will also be covered. (Instructor consent required to enroll.)1 credit(Note: Program evening students take 31-410-399 Fundamentals of Construction in place of 31-410-410 and 31-410-411.)31-410-411Fundamentals of Construction 2
This course provides an introduction to the identification, safe use and care of hand and portable power tools, especially those used for finish carpentry. Lab work includes the construction of cornhole games using techniques learned in class. This course fulfills the third and final credit of the Fundamentals of Construction program requirement for students in the Construction & Remodeling program.1 creditCourse Selectives (3 credits required)Select 3 courses from the Course Selectives list below. (Recommended during second semester in program.)3 credits31-410-363Building Science and Sustainability
In order to design and build quality, energy efficient and resource efficient homes, it is important to understand the interaction of building systems. In this course, students explore the home as a system through the lens of the four control layers. Building more sustainable homes will be discussed.1 credit31-410-385Introduction to 3D Computer Assisted Drafting
In this course, students create three dimensional building models using Sketch Up and a building information modeling software such as Chief Architect. Those models will then be used to create construction documents.1 credit31-410-311Commercial Construction
This course focuses on techniques and materials used in commercial construction settings. By introducing common practices, it will help you determine if the commercial setting is right for you. It also identifies how to gain work in the commercial setting.1 credit31-410-310Materials and Estimating 2
This course builds on material and estimating skills learned in Materials and Estimating 1. Students will create estimates using Excel spreadsheets. In the capstone project, students will create a bid for building one of the student project homes. The bid will then be used as the basis of a sales presentation delivered to professionals from the home building industry.1 credit
Careers in construction provide family supporting wages and benefits.
Feel the satisfaction that comes with seeing what you’ve built.
Our carpentry instructors have over 100 years of building experience.
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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: This program maintains a maximum of 54 students enrolled at any given time. It shares this capacity with other programs that have similar curriculum.
- Estimated Wait Time: 0-1 semester
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
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
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 limited capacity:
- 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
- Out-of-state residents (except Minnesota residents*) are offered a place in the program after district and state residents, if there are still spots available. Acceptance into the program is on hold until a month before the semester begins to determine if there is space in the program. Out-of-state residents are not eligible for admission to a program that has a waiting list.
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 Construction and Remodeling career.
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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.
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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
Completion of MC Technical Diploma in Construction & Remodeling will transfer to UW Platteville with a maximum of 72 credits to be applied to B.S. in Construction ManagementWisconsin Private Schools
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 Construction and Remodeling program graduates are prepared to:
- Solve construction problems using accepted principles, tools and skills.
- Apply techniques and principles appropriate to building science.
- Investigate basic construction business operational strategies.
- Model professional and ethical behavior.
- Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal relationship skills.
- Analyze the environmental impacts of building practices.
- Apply safety practices and procedures in the work area.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 15 32 16 Number of Surveys Sent 15 31 16 Number of Surveys Returned 13 21 15 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 12 8 8 Percent Available for Employment 92.3% 38.1% 53.3% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 7.7% 14.3% 46.7% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 12 6 8 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 75.0% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 10 6 7 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 83.3% 100.0% 87.5% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 2 0 1 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 16.7% 0.0% 12.5% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 2 0 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 25.0% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.7 3.6 3.9 Number of Satisfaction Responses 13 9 12 Very Satisfied (4) 9 7 11 Percent Very Satisfied 69.2% 77.8% 91.7% Satisfied (3) 4 1 1 Percent Satisfied 30.8% 11.1% 8.3% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 11.1% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 13 11 15 Preparation for Getting a Job 6 4 3 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 46.2% 36.4% 20.0% Career Change 3 1 3 Percent Career Change 23.1% 9.1% 20.0% Improvement of Existing Skills 1 2 3 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 7.7% 18.2% 20.0% Preparation for Further Education 0 3 4 Percent Preparation for Further Education 0.0% 27.3% 26.7% Personal Interest 3 1 2 Percent Personal Interest 23.1% 9.1% 13.3% 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 12 6 7 Before Enrollment 2 1 1 Percent Before Enrollment 16.7% 16.7% 14.3% While Attending the College 3 1 1 Percent While Attending the College 25.0% 16.7% 14.3% After Training at the College 7 4 5 Percent After Training at the College 58.3% 66.7% 71.4% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 12 16 8 In College District 10 6 5 Percent In College District 83.3% 37.5% 62.5% In Wisconsin, Not in District 2 0 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 16.7% 0.0% 12.5% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 1 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 12.5% Employer Location Unknown 0 10 1 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 62.5% 12.5% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 9 4 5 Average Monthly Wage $4,317 $4,472 $3,973 Average Hourly Wage $25.10 $26.00 $23.10 Average Work Hours per Week 44.4 42.0 39.6 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 1 Average Hourly Wage $22.00 $26.00 Average Work Hours per Week 32.0 24.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Aldo Partners Carpenter Verona Architectural Building Arts LLC Carpenter Holtz Builders Carpenter Lake Delton JKB Construction Carpenter Jenison MI Oleson Remodeling Unspecified Tilesmith LLC Apprentice Tilesetter Brooklyn * - 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
