Overview
Gain the skills to design, draft, cost and manage the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.
Become a civil engineering design and construction professional through our hands-on learning approach that combines theoretical training, advanced technology and applied learning. You’ll gain knowledge on building science and the building process; this entails engineering, drafting both 2D and 3D, construction management, virtual and augmented technology, structural design, geotechnical engineering, construction management principles, including estimating and project scheduling.
You’ll also develop your knowledge on material science by exploring the strength of building materials, building science and sustainability, mixing concrete, testing materials and asphalt samples, and discovering the importance of soil mechanics to building projects. In addition, you’ll learn about urban services, water resources, transportation infrastructure and technical communications.
This two-year diploma program consists of four 15-week semesters. The first two semesters are common to all students in the program to prepare you for your second-year options. In your third and fourth semester, you will specialize in Construction Management (CM), Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) or Municipal Engineering (MD). The construction management specialization is buildings construction design, estimating and construction execution for both residential and commercial construction. The virtual design and construction (VDC) option focuses on advanced construction communication technology, digital drafting, and design delivery in the virtual world from 2D to HoloLens. The municipal specialization focuses on infrastructure services and road design. If a specialization option is oversubscribed, selection will be based on the first-year cumulative grade point average.
This program has fall, winter and spring intakes. If you start in the fall, you’ll study for two semesters per year with a summer break in between. If you start in the winter or spring, you will study for four consecutive semesters and have one-or two-week breaks between semesters.
Is this the right fit for me?
Proficiency in the following skills will help Student success: mathematical skills, science skills (Physics), communication skills (oral and written), problem-solving skills, and ability to work in a team environment or on your own.
If you are an applicant with Applied Math 30 you should consider upgrading as the path to enter SAIT. If you are confident of your algebra and trigonometry skills, you may wish to complete an assessment exam to evaluate your math skills. Achieving a score of at least 65 per cent on the SAIT Mathematics 30 Assessment Exam demonstrates knowledge to the level required and is acceptable as an equivalent.
Students with higher grades usually experience more success in SAIT’s programs.
Accreditation
This program is nationally accredited, at the technologist level, by Technology Accreditation Canada. Graduates are eligible for membership in The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals in Alberta (ASET).
The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors recognizes the program as training for a qualified estimator and quantity surveyor.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT diploma in Civil Engineering Technology.
Get more information about this and similar programs
Career opportunities
Graduates find diverse work as civil engineering technologists. Potential positions include:
- civil engineering design technologist
- traffic technologist
- building inspector
- materials testing technologist
- estimator
- construction project coordinator
Related careers include:
- drafting technician
- construction estimator
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $7,712.50
- Year 2: $7,420
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $21,062.83
- Year 2: $20,134.60
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 60% in Math 30-1, AND
- at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or at least 75% in English Language Arts 30-2, AND
- at least 60% in Science 30 or Physics 20.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the construction.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023* | Jan. 9, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Spring 2023* | May 8, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
| Winter 2024* | Jan. 8, 2024 | Aug. 16, 2024 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | Dec. 13, 2024 |
*There are no semester breaks between academic years for the winter and spring intakes.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
First year
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-222 | Concrete Technology | 3.0 |
| CIVL-252 | Construction Practices Theory | 3.0 |
| COMP-261 | Applied Digital Technologies | 1.5 |
| STCS-200 | Civil Engineering Statics | 3.0 |
| SURV-203 | Civil Surveying | 1.5 |
| MATH-238 | Math for Engineering & Tech I | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-226 | Soil Mechanics | 3.0 |
| CIVL-201 | Introduction to Civil Drafting | 1.5 |
| COMM-238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| ESTM-262 | Estimating I | 3.0 |
| SMTL-246 | Strength of Materials | 3.0 |
| STAT-245 | Statistics for Engineering & Technology l | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 16.5 |
Courses offered in either semester 1 or 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ESTM-262 | Estimating I | 3.0 |
| SURV-203 | Civil Surveying | 1.5 |
Second year: Construction Management major
Semester 3 - Class A
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-312 | Contracts and Regulations | 1.5 |
| CIVL-315 | Project Planning and Control | 3.0 |
| CIVL-326 | Geotechnical Design | 3.0 |
| CIVL-351 | Structural Steel Design | 3.0 |
| ESTM-360 | Estimating II | 3.0 |
| SURV-325 | Surveys and Geographic Information Systems | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 total |
15.0 | |
Semester 3 - Class B
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-340 | Building Science and Systems | 3.0 |
| CIVL-351 | Structural Steel Design | 3.0 |
| CIVL-355 | Reinforced Concrete Design | 3.0 |
| CIVL-356 | Construction Economics | 3.0 |
| CIVL-358 | Structural Wood Design | 1.5 |
| ENVS-302 | Environmental Engineering | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 total |
15.0 | |
Semester 4 - Class A
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-340 | Building Science and Systems | 3.0 |
| CIVL-355 | Reinforced Concrete Design | 3.0 |
| CIVL-356 | Construction Economics | 3.0 |
| CIVL-358 | Structural Wood Design | 1.5 |
| ENVS-302 | Environmental Engineering | 1.5 |
| PROJ-386 | CVT Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 | |
|
Program total - Construction Management major
|
61.5 | |
Semester 4 - Class B
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-312 | Contracts and Regulations | 1.5 |
| CIVL-315 | Project Planning and Control | 3.0 |
| CIVL-326 | Geotechnical Design | 3.0 |
| ESTM-360 | Estimating II | 3.0 |
| SURV-325 | Surveys and Geographic Information Systems | 1.5 |
| PROJ-386 | CVT Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 | |
| Program total - Construction Management major | 61.5 | |
Second year: Municipal major
Semester 3 - Class A
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-310 | Urban Services | 3.0 |
| CIVL-318 | Water Resources | 3.0 |
| CIVL-326 | Geotechnical Design | 3.0 |
| CIVL-328 | Asphalt Technology | 1.5 |
| CIVL-355 | Reinforced Concrete Design | 3.0 |
| ENVS-302 | Environmental Engineering | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 total | 15.0 |
Semester 3 - Class B
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-312 | Contract and Regulations | 1.5 |
| CIVL-315 | Project Planning and Control | 3.0 |
| CIVL-351 | Structural Steel Design | 3.0 |
| CIVL-353 | Transportation Engineering | 3.0 |
| CIVL-355 | Reinforced Concrete Design | 3.0 |
| SURV-325 | Surveys and Geographical Information Systems | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 total | 15.0 |
Semester 4 - Class A
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-312 | Contracts and Regulations | 1.5 |
| CIVL-315 | Project Planning and Control | 3.0 |
| CIVL-351 | Structural Steel Design | 3.0 |
| CIVL-353 | Transportation Engineering | 3.0 |
| PROJ-386 | CVT Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| SURV-325 | Surveys and Geographic Information Systems | 1.5 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 |
Semester 4 - Class B
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-310 | Urban Services | 3.0 |
| CIVL-318 | Water Resources | 3.0 |
| CIVL-326 | Geotechnical Design | 3.0 |
| CIVL-328 | Asphalt Technology | 1.5 |
| ENVS-302 | Environmental Engineering | 1.5 |
| PROJ-386 | CTV Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 | |
| Program total - Municipal major | 61.5 | |
Second year: Virtual Design and Construction major
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-301 | Structural for Technologists | 3.0 |
| CIVL-302 | Virtual and Augmented Reality | 1.5 |
| CIVL-303 | Advanced Drafting | 3.0 |
| CIVL-304 | Building Systems | 1.5 |
| CIVL-305 | Construction Modeling | 3.0 |
| CIVL-306 | Civil Drafting and Modeling | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 total | 15.0 |
Semester 4
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CIVL-307 | Pipe Drafting and Modeling | 3.0 |
| CIVL-308 | Virtual Construction Management | 3.0 |
| CIVL-309 | Advanced Virtual and Augmented Reality | 1.5 |
| CIVL-311 | Building Systems Modeling | 1.5 |
| ESTM-302 | Virtual Estimating | 3.0 |
| PROJ-374 | Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 | |
| Program total - Virtual Design and Construction major | 61.5 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $6,142.50 | $948 | $622 | $7,712.50 |
| 2 | 2 | $5,850 | $948 | $622 | $7,420 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $19,492.83 | $948 | $622 | $21,062.83 |
| 2 | 2 | $18,564.60 | $948 | $622 | $20,134.60 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation (ORNT 118) for students starting in Fall 2023 will take place on campus August 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a power-user hardware and software. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
You'll need CSA-approved, above-ankle steel toe boots, a hard hat, and safety classes for labs and site visits.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
MATH 123: Mathematics Refresher
Give your math skills a boost, refresh some of the basics and get ready for calculus with a review of algebra, geometry, functions, graphs, trigonometry, exponents, systems of equations and more.
MATH-123 is specifically designed to help prepare students who must take MATH 238 as part of their program.
The course is virtual, self-paced, and can be accessed on Brightspace (D2L) from January 3, 2023 until April 28, 2023.
Register online between November 23, 2022 and January 23, 2023.
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Textbooks and reading materials will be discussed with your instructors during the first week of classes.
Contact
Phone: 403.589.4715
Email: construction.advising@sait.ca
Academic chair
Dylan Kunz, Academic Chair
Email: dylan.kunz@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
Sign up to get important updates on: