Sustainable Construction and Design AAS Degree

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Sustainable Construction and Design AAS Degree

Build Your Future

Learn to build homes that are energy-efficient and eco-friendly. You study how to use green materials and smart techniques to make homes that are durable and save energy, following NCCER and U.S. Green Building Council guidelines.

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Sustainable Construction and Design AAS Degree at a Glance

Degree

Associate of Applied Science

Length of Study

2 years

Course Format

Face-to-Face

Classes Meet

Daytime

Program Start

Fall

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Your Sustainable Construction Career

As a graduate, your career can take you into many different roles, including

Carpenter
Laborer
Insulation worker
Operator

Want to go further? Continue your education to become

Project manager
Job site superintendent
Building inspector
Plumber
Electrician

100%

OSHA 10-Hour Pass Rate

100%

OSHA 30-Hour Pass Rate

The Hawkeye Difference

From the Ground Up Build a Better House

Build a home from the foundation to the roof, and everything between.

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First in the U.S. Zero Energy Design Designation

Hawkeye is the first community college recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for its commitment to teaching sustainable building practices.

Graduate Spotlight Patrick Shields

After a decade working in construction, Patrick Shields was ready to move up. Through the Sustainable Construction and Design program, he gained new skills and new confidence.

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Program Overview

Put the theories and concepts you learn in class into practice on the job site.

First year students start with foundation. Literally. As a class, you will build the foundation of a home, learn concrete work, framing, and more. As the home build continues, you will become skilled in

Siding
Roofing
Thermal/moisture protection
Drywall installation and finishing
Stair construction
Cabinet installation
Appliance installation
Landscaping

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Building Experiences: Put the theories and concepts you learn into practice with

foundations
concrete work
framing
siding
roofing
thermal/moisture protection
drywall installation/finishing
stair construction
finishing
cabinet installation
HVAC
electrical
plumbing
appliances
landscaping

Energy Audits: Perform energy audits on existing homes to identify problems, develop solutions, and retrofit solutions cost effectively.

Employment Experience: Gain 256 hours of real-world work experience ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in your future career.

You will earn your OSHA 10 Hour, OSHA 30 Hour, and ACI Flatwork Finisher certifications.

This is a partial list of employers who have hired Sustainable Construction and Design graduates:

Builders Select, Cedar Falls, IA
Dietz Construction LLC, Nashua, IA
Johnny B's Construction, Inc., Denver, IA
Peterson Contractors, Inc., Reinbeck, IA
Steve McDonald Construction, Cedar Falls, IA
Woods Construction, Inc., Fairbank, IA

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

You can get right to work after your program. Or, if you plan to earn an associate degree and go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, consider your transfer options.

There is a documented pathway to these programs at the University of Northern Iowa:

Construction Management
Technology Management

Check out UNI’s transfer guides for these programs to learn more.

If you’re interested in transferring, you must work closely with an academic advisor here and at the transfer institution. This is important to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Plan your transfer

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" My time at Hawkeye really helped develop my skills and gave me a lot of the tools necessary to be successful in my field. "

Jacob Boeshen
Sustainable Construction & Design '19

Meet Your Instructor: Craig Clark

Craig’s vast experience in the construction industry has led to teaching others. “I enjoy working with students as they gain essential skills to join the field.”