Frequently Asked Questions

What does the SDCET program at Penn State offer?
What is the difference between SDCET and civil / architectural engineering?
Can SDCET students pursue the Professional Engineering (PE) or the Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) licenses?
What are the prerequisites to enroll in the SDCET program?
How do I declare this major at Penn State Harrisburg?
What are the degree requirements at Penn State Harrisburg?
What is placement rate of graduating SDCET students?
How many students are enrolled in SDCET?
What is the average starting salary for a SDCET graduate?
What job opportunites are available?


What does the SDCET program at Penn State offer?

The Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology program is a four-year, Bachelor of Science degree covering fundamental engineering principles and basic courses in structural design and construction. The curriculum incorporates an option to allow the student to concentrate in either Structural Design, Construction Management or a general option. Option courses may include Advanced Design, Advanced Analysis, Dynamics, Building Energy Systems, Planning & Scheduling, Construction Management II, Business Management, Accounting, and a Capstone Project course in Structural Design or Construction Management. This program is accredited by ABET since 1972.

What is the difference between SDCET and civil / architectural engineering?

The main difference is the the breadth of curriculum. Civil and architectural engineering focus on many areas of specialty including: structural design, transportation, and the environment for civil engineering; electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and building systems for architectural. With such generalized curriculums such as these, students wishing to study specific structual and constructive systems may be limited. SDCET is an obvious choice for students of this kind because the courses are geared towards these two sub-disciplines. Also, while civil and architectural engineering focus mainly on theory, SDCET emphasizes practical laboratory experience.


Can SDCET students pursue the Professional Engineering (PE) or the Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) licenses?

An emphatic YES! SDCET students are encouraged to sit for either or both of these exams. Professional Engineering licence requirements vary from state to state and students need to check each state's criteria. Pennsylvania has the same requirements for SDCET students as engineering students sitting for the P.E. exam. SDCET students are qualified to take the Level I Certified Professional Construction(CPC) exam and pursue their Professional Certification. This certification is transferable to all states.


What are the prerequisites to enroll in the SDCET program?

Freshmen are accepted to Penn State University with their intent to pursue a SDCET degree at Penn State Harrisburg. After completing 18 credits with a 2.0 GPA they may apply and be accepted into the SDCET major.

How do I declare this major at Penn State Harrisburg?

Current students attending other Penn State campuses, former Penn State students, and associate degree candidates should review the Application Procedures for Undergraduate Students. Students transferring from other colleges or universities must submit a Penn State Harrisburg Application. High school graduates are eligble to enroll at Penn State Harrisburg directly. Such graduates may declare SDCET as a major and then choose to start at another Penn State campus. The degree is, however, only offered and awarded at Penn State Harrisburg.


What are the degree requirements at Penn State Harrisburg?

The SDCET degree has a minimum 125 credit hours as outlined on the Four-year Curriculum Outline. At least 52 of these credits must be completed at Penn State Harrisburg; 2.0 Overall GPA; 2.0 Technical GPA; grade of "C" or better in those specific C required courses. With proper SDCET Program advising and course planning, a student could start at another location and finish at Penn State Harrisburg in the spring semester of their junior year to complete the degree in one and a half years.


What is placement rate of graduating SDCET students?

The program here at Penn State Harrisburg boasts a 100% placement rate shortly after graduation (based on the last ten years).


How many studnts are enrolled in SDCET?

There are currently 110 majors enrolled.


What is the average starting salary for a SDCET graduate?

About $48,000 per year is the average starting salary for a SDCET graduate. This does depend on the graduate's practical experiences, position location, and current job market opportunities.


What job opportunites are available?

Some major companies that recruit SDCET students are: