Building Science and Design Cluster

Architecture Students with professor and model

Are you someone who prefers to work with their hands? Are you interested in immediate employment in a high demand, high paying field? Do you always need to figure out how something works? Do you have an entrepreneurial mindset?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions, check out our Building Science and Design Cluster! STCC can be your entry to a career in a rapidly growing industry or a pathway to “upskill” your current skill set as you aim for that next promotion!

You’ll have access to cutting edge equipment, materials, and technology while learning from experienced instructors who have practical, hands-on experience! You’ll learn by doing and not just listening and discussing!

Find Job Opportunities

Students who pursue a course of study in the Building Science and Design Cluster of programs find employment opportunities in:

  • Architecture
  • Building Automation Technologist
  • Building Construction
  • Civil Construction Manager
  • Construction Foreperson
  • Drafting
  • Green Energy
  • Horticulture Management and Sales
  • HVAC Technician
  • Landscape Design and Management
  • Oil Burner Technician
  • Project Management
  • Sustainable Building Design
  • Many, many more!

Take a look at our Career Services page where you can learn more about the support we provide throughout your education and your career. Career Coach gives you immediate access to current job opportunities, a resume builder and search tools to learn more about the career landscape and employment opportunities in your field!

Building Science and Design Cluster Programs

Architecture and Building Technology

Architecture and Building Technology- Have you ever thought about designing your own home and getting involved with its construction? Architecture and Building Technology is a two-year program of study that has been developed to build a solid foundation for study and professional exploration in the multi-faceted fields of Architectural Design and Building Construction. You’ll develop your design and presentation skills by learning technical drawing and a variety of computer-aided design programs taught by Pioneer Valley’s best professional designers. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop a portfolio of design projects that will serve as part of your application requirement for future architectural studies at the University of Massachusetts or the Boston Architectural College, and for professional career placement. This program is available in both daytime and evening formats.

Building Automation

Building Automation is the automatic centralized control of a building's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting and other systems through a building management system or building automation system. The objectives of building automation are to improve occupant comfort, efficient operation of building systems, reduce energy consumption and operating costs, and improve the life cycle of utilities.

Building Construction Management

Building Construction Management- If you are interested in being a part of the supervision and construction of buildings then this program is for you. This program includes all of the fundamentals of architectural design plus building codes, sustainable design, project estimation and management, and building information modeling (BIM). This program fully articulates with the Building Construction Technology Program at the University of Massachusetts and Project Management Program at Wentworth Institute of Technology. This program is available in both daytime and evening formats.

Civil Construction Management

Civil Construction Management combines construction related engineering education with business, marketing, and management to allow students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in construction. The construction field encompasses a wide range of technical areas and employment opportunities ranging from field personnel responsible for earthmoving and building projects to support personnel in supply industries, as well as management staff. Construction accounts for a large portion of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. Construction is one of the single largest business activities in the country, which can provide a wide variety of exciting and challenging opportunities for employment. Beyond the opportunities for employment, the construction management degree option provides a strong background for pursuit of a bachelor's degree in construction management.

Civil Engineering Technology

The Associate of Science in Civil Engineering Technology provides the broad background needed for employment and advancement in industries that require knowledge and skills to work alongside civil engineers. You’ll acquire skills in computer-aided design (CAD), construction estimation, and an introduction to construction materials and methods. In the second year of the program, you’ll build on this knowledge base and study soils, hydrology, surveying, concrete testing, asphalt production, and roadway construction to develop the skills needed in a wide variety of infrastructure projects and employment opportunities readily available in municipalities and private industry.

Energy Systems Technology

Energy Systems Technology offers the essential theory and hands-on experience to work in various energy fields such as energy auditing, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), HVAC equipment troubleshooting and repair, building management systems and microprocessor controls, and power plant operations. The program can be completed during the day or evening. You’ll qualify to test for the oil burner technician license, EPA certification, and fireman’s license. There is also a one year HVAC certificate program available.

Landscape Design and Management Technology

Earning an Associate’s Degree in Landscape Design and Management Technology will teach you to understand the world of plant propagation, soils, landscape design, and sustainable landscape practices to help you begin, or enhance, a career in the original "Green" industry. Learning the hows and whys with us will provide you with an excellent head start in opening doors to great and numerous career opportunities.

Landscape Design and Management Technology Transfer

The Landscape Design and Management Technology Transfer program is for the student who plans to attend a four-year institution upon graduation from STCC. In addition to many of the core landscape courses offered in the curriculum, this program provides the general education courses needed for you to enter a bachelor's degree program as a junior, a substantial cost savings. This program incorporates the MassTransfer GenEd Foundation and prepares students for transfer to the UMass Amherst Landscape Architecture program.

Take the Next Step

For more information on any of these programs, please complete the information request form below and select the programs that you are interested in. You can also skip this step and Apply Now or find out more about possible careers at Career Coach.