Overview

Our Civil Engineering Technology program is designed to forge professionals equipped to design, draft, cost, and manage the construction of various infrastructure projects, including buildings, roads, bridges, and more.

This two-year, intensive program offers hands-on learning combined with theoretical knowledge and the use of advanced technology. Embark on a journey encompassing all facets of civil engineering design and construction management, from foundational building science to 2D and 3D drafting, supported by the latest virtual and augmented technology. 

Apply your learning in real-world construction engineering scenarios, mastering structural and geotechnical engineering principles, construction estimating, and project scheduling. 

The program offers fall, winter, and spring intakes to accommodate your schedule. The program structure adjusts depending on your start date, allowing for summer breaks or continuous study with short breaks. 

Ahead of your second year, you’ll select one of three specialized majors - construction management, municipal, or virtual design and construction. While we’ll do our best to accommodate your preference, selection for each major is determined by the cumulative grade point average (GPA) from your first year, should a specific specialization be in high demand.

Municipal Engineering major

Municipal Engineering majors focus on infrastructure and road design.

You will delve into the design, planning, and management of essential infrastructure services, like water distribution, sewage systems, and public utilities.

In road design, the focus is on the geometrics, pavement structure, and the integration of safety features to develop roadways. 

You’ll be prepared for a variety of civil engineering jobs and roles in commercial construction, from site management to project leadership positions. The curriculum is built with industry input, ensuring your acquired skills are relevant and sought after. 

This diploma program is not just about gaining a credential; it’s about building a career. If you aspire to be at the forefront of the construction industry, innovating and leading in civil engineering design and construction management, this program is your gateway. 

Those in civil engineering technology tend to be innovative, methodical, and directive.

You need:

  • math and science skills, specifically an aptitude for physics
  • organizational abilities
  • an analytical mind
  • problem-solving skills
  • the ability to work alone
  • the flexibility and commitment to work overtime when required to meet deadlines
  • the ability to communicate effectively with project managers and contractors.

You should enjoy taking a systematic approach to your work, finding innovative solutions to problems, and providing direction to others. 

The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.

Graduates of this program with a minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA (67% or C+) may apply for SAIT’s Bachelor of Science Construction Project Management program. 

Learn more about program and institution transfer options.

You’ll participate in a capstone project where you’ll develop a proposal through research, data collection and analysis and present your findings to faculty and industry guests.

This program is nationally accredited, at the technologist level, by Technology Accreditation Canada.

Graduates are eligible to join The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals in Alberta (ASET).

The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors recognizes the program as training for qualified estimators and quantity surveyors.

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Civil Engineering Technology diploma with a major in Municipal Engineering.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 85% graduate employment rate

salary icon $60,000 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 22300, 22303, 70010, 21202, 22211, 22212.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Civil Engineering Technology diploma requires 61.5 credits (24 courses) to complete.

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. 

View classes by semester

Civil engineering technology cores

Course Credits

This course introduces students to the fundamental drafting techniques used in the Civil Engineering field. Students will first learn the basic functions of computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and then use CADD software to create drawings related to the civil engineering field such as excavation cross sections, simplified roof framing plans, environmental site plans, subdivision plans and traverses.

Pre-requisites:
  • COMP 261
1.5

This theory and lab-based course introduces the fundamentals of concrete technology starting with the ingredients and properties of concrete, and common terminology used to describe plastic and hardened concrete. Manufacture of Portland cement and the different types of Portland cement available in Canada are discussed, including Portland Limestone Cement. The classification and types of aggregates used in concrete are discussed along with their properties. Supplementary cementitious materials and chemical admixtures are introduced and their importance for concrete strength and durability reviewed. The culmination of the course will involve how to design a concrete mix for a specific application and exposure type.

3

This is an introductory course in soil mechanics providing the fundamental characteristics of soils as an engineering material used in the design and construction of civil engineering projects. The topics include an overview of geology and groundwater, field investigation, calculation of soil properties, soil compaction and strength. The course also introduces the testing of soils using American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) to determine standard soil properties.

Pre-requisites:
  • STCS 200 or STCS 242
3

In the Construction Practices course, you will examine various forms of construction, focusing on structures, with the aim of improving the standard and quality of design, construction and maintenance practices. You will also compare and contrast the characteristics of various systems of construction and components to set benchmarks for the selection of materials, components and systems as well as to select the appropriate equipment required to build them. Finally, you will develop a basic ability to read construction drawings which provide the details needed to build a specific structure.

Equivalents:
  • CIVL 360
3

This course is designed to develop technical writing and presentation skills to ensure workplace readiness. Students will learn how to evaluate communication situations, analyze documents, assess research sources and develop organizational skills to apply in their work. They will learn about and practice designing, formatting and writing a range of professional documents. Students will also develop confidence (through practice) in the development and delivery of effective and engaging presentations.

3

This applied computer course provides students with critical electronic communications, data and file management skills, along with a strong focus on using common productivity applications to format, calculate, analyze, visualize, and present or report data and information.

Equivalents:
  • COMP 264
1.5

The course involves preparation of quantity takeoffs for excavations, foundations, site services, residential concrete, formwork, wood framing and finish carpentry, interior and exterior finishes. Students will complete a full estimate of a residential project including quantity takeoff, pricing, summary and bid preparation.

3

This course enables the student to apply the basic knowledge of algebra and introductory calculus to resolve applied scientific and technological problems. Applications include linear motion, areas under curves, and volumes of revolution.

Equivalents:
  • MATH 235
  • MATH 1011
3

This course gives an introduction to material properties and the methods of analysis used in structural design. Students will learn the concepts of normal stress and strain, shear stress and strain, thermal stress and strain, deformation, and torsional loading. Structural elements will be designed based on material properties and factors of safety. Students will calculate sectional properties such as centroids and moments of inertia and construct shear force and bending moment diagrams for statically determinate beams. Calculation of flexural stresses, longitudinal shear stresses, and deflection will allow beam sections to be selected for structural applications. Column analysis and design are included.

Pre-requisites:
  • STCS 242 or STCS 200
3

STAT 245 is an introductory course in data analysis for students in engineering technology programs. Students apply techniques to organize, display, analyze and report data. Outcomes include methods of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students will be exposed to software-based methods in laboratory sessions using industry-grade data. Some advanced topics of analysis are selectable toward the end of the course.

3

This course provides foundation skills in the analysis and design of structural and civil engineering applications. Students will analyze civil engineering structures containing simple coplanar force systems using the concepts of static equilibrium, force components, moments, free body diagrams and centroids. Students will also determine the support reactions for statically determinate beams and in two-dimensional pin-connected systems such as frames and trusses.

3

This course focuses on an introduction to surveying including measurement of angles, distances, and performing traverses. Students will learn to calculate 3D coordinates of surveyed points as well as stake-out points extracted from design drawings.

1.5

Municipal major cores

Course Credits

Concepts of planning, site and subdivision development will be investigated. Topics include: planning principles, statutory plans, and land-use planning. The course will discuss raw land analysis, outline plan development, sanitary and storm sewer design, geometric roadway design, consideration of grading, and specification of building grades. Application of Urban Services Design to the preparation of tentative subdivision plans. All plans and drawings will be prepared according to local design specifications.

Pre-requisites:
  • CIVL 255 or CIVL 201
3

The Contracts and Regulation course introduces you to the concept of contracts in construction, the legal aspects of a binding contract, major terms and conditions, the standard terms and the CCDC forms of contract, various contract types, and tort law. The course further introduces the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the National and Alberta Building Codes, which are commonly used in the construction industry. You will also look at various case studies of the actual disputes that became the basis of Canadian Court Decisions.

1.5

The Project Planning and Control course introduces you to the process of planning a project for successful implementation. You will explore tools used in the construction industry for understating and organizing a project, identifying required parties, manage risk, apply methods to manage people and protect the public.

Pre-requisites:
  • COMP 261
  • CIVL 252
  • ESTM 262
3

This course introduces the fundamentals of fluid mechanics with emphasis on static fluids and the flow of fluids through simple pressurized series and parallel pipeline systems. Software is used to analyze water distribution systems in an urban environment. Municipal water treatment and the basics of an open channel flow are discussed. Learners will also be introduced to irrigation canal design.

Pre-requisites:
  • STCS 242 or STCS 200
3

This course includes stress distribution, effective stress and consolidations, testing consolidation, shallow and deep foundations, lateral earth pressure, the design of retaining walls and mechanically stabilized earth, slope stability, site inspections, instrumentation.

Pre-requisites:
  • CIVL 226
3

Learners will study the basic properties of asphalt cement, the classification of asphalt according to use and grades of asphalt, characteristics of various asphalt materials, properties and uses of liquid asphalts, manufacturing processes for asphalt, various mix design methods, and testing procedures, quality control, construction and maintenance of pavements.

Pre-requisites:
  • CIVL 222
1.5

This course is intended to provide students with the skills and knowledge required for effective design of steel buildings using Canadian Limit States Steel Standard CSA S16. This course covers the mechanical properties of steel, the philosophy of limit state design, the computation of the design loads from the National Building Code of Canada, and the design of tension members and cables, compression members and columns, beams, beam-columns and bolted and welded connections according to of the CSA S16 standard.

Pre-requisites:
  • SMTL 246
Equivalents:
  • CIVL 348
3

The fundamentals of transportation engineering includes transportation planning, forecasting traffic flows, determining highway capacity, level of service and roadside environment design. The design and drafting of new highways includes horizontal and vertical alignments and cross section design including all necessary calculations. The design and drafting of rehabilitated highways includes traffic staging, pavement design, removals and new construction. The efficient use of the Civil 3D software is necessary to design roadways and produce documentation including drawings and calculations.

Pre-requisites:
  • CIVL 255
  • CIVL 201
3

Learners will analyze, design and detail reinforced concrete sections for building elements, including beams, columns, slabs and foundations using limit states design. The course will also cover field inspections for concrete reinforcement and reading structural drawings.

Pre-requisites:
  • SMTL 246
  • CIVL 222
3

This is an introductory course for civil engineering technologists that discusses environmental engineering solutions and environmental management. Topics presented include an introduction to environmental issues and impacts associated with civil engineering projects, contaminants and waste, environmental site assessments and site characterization; site remediation; risk assessment and management, water and wastewater treatment; landfill design and operation; site remediation and environmental stewardship; and sustainable design.

1.5

PROJ 386 focuses on the CVT capstone project, from definition of the situation for investigation through research, data collection, data analysis, drafting, editing, and producing a formal report. Written proposal and progress reports are included. The project is presented orally to faculty, peers and industry guests.

Pre-requisites:
  • COMM 238
Equivalents:
  • PROJ 387
3

This course introduces students to advanced surveying techniques and their applications in Civil Engineering. The course focuses on the use of photogrammetry, and LiDAR. Additionally, the student will learn to process surveying data and estimate earthworks for different Civil Engineering projects. They will learn the fundamental applications of common Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its applications. The student will apply the GIS principles using software to manipulate spatial/non-spatial information and create different terrain visualizations.

Pre-requisites:
  • One of:
    • CIVL 201 and SURV 203
    • CIVL 255
1.5

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 >

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Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit. 

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

Available Open Studies courses

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements 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.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Spring 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Extended
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: Jan. 22, 2024

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $6,300 $1,608 $7,908
2 2 $6,000 $1,608 $7,608
Total cost:
$15,516

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $19,876.50 $1,608 $21,484.50
2 2 $18,930 $1,608 $20,538
Total cost:
$42,022.50

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with power-user computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Textbooks and reading materials will be discussed with your instructors during the first week of classes.

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.

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $6,142.50 $1,570 $7,712.50
2 2 $5,850 $1,570 $7,420
Total cost:
$15,132.50

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $19,492.83 $1,570 $21,062.83
2 2 $18,564.60 $1,570 $20,134.60
Total cost:
$41,197.43
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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

Application process

When applying in the application portal, select Civil Engineering Technology. You will declare your major before your second year of the program.

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

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.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants. 

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:

School of Construction Advising

Phone
403.284.8367
Email
construction.info@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca