Highway Engineering Technology WVDOH Bridge Inspection, AAS

Major Code: 3704

Program Description

This degree initiated as a collaborative effort between the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) and BridgeValley Community and Technical College. It serves technicians working in the public sector of the civil/highways fields and those working in private industry. The aim of the program is to develop skilled technicians and technologists to service the highway engineering and construction industries.

The program provides a career path by offering academic courses for advancement in the Highway Engineering Technology Technician certification program with the West Virginia Transportation Technician Certification Board (WVTRET). The Bridge Inspection emphasis under the Highway Engineering Technology A.A.S. degree is intended for technicians working in the field of bridge inspection. Technicians in this program may advance through a series of levels based on their years of work experience and technical competency in the various technical aspects of the bridge inspection fields. 

Program Objectives

In addition to the learning outcomes set forth in the general education core curriculum for the associate of applied science degree, specific outcomes for this program have been established. Upon completion of this program should be able to: 

 

• Demonstrate an appropriate mastery of topics encountered by the bridge safety inspector including inspection techniques, erosion and sediment control and of topics related to the structural elements encountered in the field during the bridge safety inspection process.
• Use modern computational tools for problem solving, including scientific calculators and general purpose computer programs to solve broadly-defined calculations common to bridge safety inspection and highway technician work.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments.
• Use knowledge related to bridge safety inspection and highway construction safety issues to maintain a safe working environment.
• Demonstrate teamwork, management, and leadership skills to participate effectively in a team environment and display a commitment to quality and dependability.
• Apply ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering technician situations to make informed judgments.
• Use appropriate standard documents and technical literature.
• Conduct standardized field and laboratory tests and use engineering knowledge to draw conclusions in accordance with standards set forth by ASTM, ACI and other relevant codes.

Types of Jobs Available:

West Virginia Divsion of Highways

Construction Industry

Job Titles:

Bridge Safety Inspector

Field Technician

Program Requirements:

 

1. ILO 1:  Communicate effectively by listening, speaking, and writing using appropriate technology. 
2. ILO 2: Use quantitative and scientific knowledge effectively to solve problems, manipulate and interpret data, and communicate findings.  May substitute College Algebra, Trigonometry, for math course to meet the requirements for a future A.S. or B.S. program. 100 level math course is a minimum requirement for this GEC-2.
3. ILO 3: Demonstrate interpersonal skills and ethical behavior appropriate for living and working in a diverse society.
4. ILO 4: Apply critical thinking skills to analyze problems and make informed decisions. Computer Application course required.
5. Advisor must approve technical Elective.