Build Your Future with a Construction Technology, AAS Degree
Ready to turn blueprints into reality? The Construction Technology Management, AAS Degree at Iowa Lakes equips you with the technical skills, hands-on experience, and industry knowledge needed to excel in the fast-growing construction industry. Whether you want to specialize in residential, commercial, or industrial construction, this two-year program prepares you for high-demand careers in carpentry, project management, site supervision, and more.
Train in state-of-the-art construction labs and on active job sites, learning essential construction techniques such as framing, roofing, concrete work, and finishing. Gain experience with cutting-edge tools, blueprint reading, and industry safety standards, ensuring you graduate with real-world expertise that employers value. With Iowa Lakes’ emphasis on hands-on learning and practical application, you’ll be prepared to enter the workforce or advance to specialized training programs.
Explore career opportunities and salary expectations through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Construction and Extraction Occupations Outlook.
Ready to start building your future? Connect with an enrollment coach today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in construction!
Find Your It!
Hands-On Training & Career Pathways
Master Essential Construction Skills
The Construction Technology AAS program at Iowa Lakes provides comprehensive training in all aspects of modern construction, including:
- Blueprint reading and site planning
- Framing, drywall installation, and finishing
- Roofing, siding, and exterior structures
- Concrete work, masonry, and flooring installation
- Workplace safety, OSHA regulations, and construction codes
Multiple Pathways to Career Success
Graduates of the Construction Technology AAS Degree program can enter the workforce immediately or continue their education in specialized areas such as commercial construction, construction management, or advanced building technology. Whether you aspire to become a site supervisor, project manager, or skilled tradesperson, this program gives you the foundation to build a successful career.
With continued growth in the construction industry, the demand for skilled construction professionals remains high. Iowa Lakes provides the technical training, hands-on experience, and industry certifications to help you launch a career with stability and growth potential.
Program Details
Length
5 terms
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (67 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Training
Internship
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
CON 113 – Construction Print Reading
Studies the builders’ visual language and communication.
CON 201 – Framing Techniques and Lab I
Basic framing techniques with emphasis on identification and application. Lecture and laboratory.
CON 217 – Exterior Finishing
Exterior finish work on residential and commercial structures. Lecture and laboratory.
CON 218 – Framing Techniques and Lab II
This course covers the framing of a structure including floor systems, exterior and interior bearing/non bearing walls, stairways, roof systems, exterior fascia and soffit framing along with exterior sheathing.
CON 300 – Optimum Value Engineering – Adv. Framing
This course describes and explains advanced framing techniques that are used in high energy efficient framing in residential housing construction. Students will explore and apply ways to frame and finish framing systems that save energy but using proven techniques. Students will also go to current building projects and critique framing methods being used on site.
CON 399 – Concrete Systems & Foundations
This course is designed to have the student work with site prep, plan and on-site building layout, and foundation work along with basement bearing partitions. Also included will be interior and exterior concrete. The student will study slab-on-grade foundations, poured and block foundations, and permanent pressure-treated foundations. Estimating foundation and concrete materials will be covered.
Term 2
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
CON 120 – Construction Estimating
Estimating techniques used at the lumber desk at a retail establishment.
WEL 334 – Trade & Industry Welding
Principles and applications of gas and MIG welding theory, safety and shop practices are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
CON 228 – Methods of Interior Finishing
Covers interior finishing material and its installation in residential and commercial structures. Lecture and laboratory.
CON 429 – Interior Finishes
Covers interior wall coverings and their application as well as thermal and sound insulation. Lecture and laboratory.
CON 430 – Methods of Exterior Finishing
This course is a study of the products used in the exterior covering of a residential project including various types and styles of roofing materials, siding and exterior wall coverings, soffit and fascia materials, flashings, trim and moldings, exterior fasteners, caulks and sealants, and paints and preservatives.
MAT 772 – Applied Math
A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.
Choose either CON 120 or WEL 334
Term 3
CON 431 – Construction Internship I
On-the-job training to gain experience in the student’s field of interest.
Term 4
BUS 102 – Intro to Business
The basic fundamentals of business. Basic business and economic concepts and terminology; management, marketing, finance, human resource management, accounting and other business areas.
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
CON 932 – Internship
The Construction Internship II provides on the job training for area of student interest. This course will have a manager’s or supervisor’s emphasis with job shadowing and leadership skills the main focus. Students will be required to document their time and discuss with instructor during scheduled meetings.
MGT 101 – Principles of Management†
Principles of Management provides the student with a conceptual framework for understanding the basic theories of management. Emphasis is placed on the internal and external environment, ethics, planning, goal setting, decision making, organizational structure, motivation and group dynamics, and effective control mechanisms for establishing and accomplishing business objectives.
MKT 140 – Principles of Selling
Studies the concepts of selling. Includes an understanding of the customer; realizing the importance of product knowledge; securing and conducting sales presentations, analyzing and handling different types of customers; steps in selling; and the importance of maintaining good will. Personality development and principles of selling are stressed.
Term 5
ACC 111 – Intro to Accounting
Introduces the basic principles of accounting and the recoding of simple business transactions using the double entry system. Includes the accounting procedures of journalizing transactions, posting to the ledger, making a trial balance, creating receipt and disbursement of cash.
CON 125 – Construction Estimating II
Construction Estimation II is an extension of the concepts learned in the first year in Construction Estimation. Processes learned in the first year class will be implemented and put into practice. Industry professionals will present different methods they use along with computerized estimation programs. Students will develop different estimation sheets for a specific task and implement into practice.
CON 351 – Computer Generated Blueprint and Design
This course is an overview of basic computer aided residential construction drafting and design. It explores concepts, issues and methods in computer-aided design. Emphasis is placed on the creation of two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional models using the design program.
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
BCA 212 – Intro to Comp Business Apps
In a Windows environment, the focus of this course is to use hardware and software as business productivity tools. Training includes a hands-on introduction to computer applications vital in business and industry . The course covers computer terminology, operating system, email, and Internet applications . Hands on training is provided for software business applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
MKT 110 – Principles of Marketing
This course is designed to give students a clear understanding of the elements of the marketing mix (4P’s) and explanation of environmental issues that are employed in business to gain a competitive edge in the global economy. Includes identification of consumer and organizational needs and an understanding of the basic consumer behavior components.
Choose CSC 110 or BCA 212
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Construction Technology Management A.A.S. program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn:1
- Communicate effectively with customers, vendors, employers and employees.
- Interpret building plans.
- Implement building codes.
- Produce a project using various building techniques.
- Operate the tools and equipment necessary for construction processes.
- Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others.
- Demonstrate a general knowledge of industry safety.
- Produce a completed estimate that accurately measures and calculates material quantities and operating costs.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of personal and business finance.
- Achieve the basic skills necessary to manage resources/supervise a construction project.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Construction Technology Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Industry Certifications & Specialized Training
To give students a competitive edge, the program includes industry-recognized certifications, preparing you for advanced opportunities in construction leadership, safety compliance, and specialized trades. Certification opportunities may include:
- OSHA 10 & OSHA 30 Safety Certifications
- Forklift and heavy equipment operation
- Construction project management training
Building with Purpose: The House as a System Concept
At Iowa Lakes, the Construction Technology AAS program is built around the House as a System concept—an approach that integrates structural integrity, energy efficiency, sustainability, and modern building techniques to create high-quality, long-lasting structures. This whole-building perspective ensures students gain expertise in how different construction elements—framing, insulation, HVAC, and electrical systems—work together for optimal performance.
Students don’t just learn in a classroom—they build real-world projects every year, ranging from full-sized homes to cabins and specialty structures. Through a partnership with the Emmetsburg Economic Development Corporation, students apply their skills on live job sites, gaining practical experience in new home construction, renovations, and community projects. This hands-on training prepares students for real construction jobs and contributes to the local community’s growth and development.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.4%
Potential Careers
General Contractor, Estimator, Construction Management, Building Inspector, Maintenance, Self Employment, Real Estate, Insurance Adjuster, Carpenter, Foreman, Project Manager
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$52,957
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$60,970
Average Salary
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Questions? Let's Talk
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Corey Menning Assistant Professor | Construction Technology 712-852-5341 | cmenning@iowalakes.edu |