Building Science

The Budding Industry of Energy Conservation

Our Building Science program will teach you how to upgrade existing buildings to save energy and costs. You will learn how to conduct energy use audits on existing buildings; interpret and produce mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings and details; understand architectural and construction drawings and documents; and produce cost estimates. You will also be able to plan energy renovation projects and alternative energy installations using photovoltaic, solar thermal and wind turbine systems; and create an independent energy conservation contracting business. The College’s partnership with Philadelphia’s Energy Coordinating Agency allows you to access their training facility, which features specialized tools involving the measurement of energy consumption and safety. This collaboration will provide you with a wider range of experiences and career skills. The College also offers an Energy Conservation academic certificate.

Career Options

Careers

Find your path.

Energy Auditor – est. salary $80,807
Nuclear Power Plant Operator – est. salary $150,539
Power Distributor and Dispatcher – est. salary $103,656
Stationary Engineers and Biler Operators – est. salary $60,064*
Utilities Meter Reader – est. salary $56,610

 

**EMSI Data, 2019; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
map animation where the the Community College of Philadelphia is centered, the map zooms out to show the surrounding counties highlighted representing the areas of job and career growth.
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Transfer Opportunities

Courses and Completion Sequence

The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Building Science degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.

Semester 1

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
ADC 101 - Introduction to Design and Construction 3 credits ADC 101 and 103 are prerequisites for most of the program’s subsequent courses. Major Course Tech Comp
ADC 103 - CAD Basics 3 credits   Major Course Tech Comp
ENGL 101 - English Composition I 3 credits   ENGL 101
ADC 136 - Construction Safety and Building Codes 3 credits ADC 136 is only offered in the Fall semester Major Course
MATH 137 - Geometry for Design 3 credits   Mathematics

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

  • This program is designed to provide students with the option of entering the workforce or transferring to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate's degree
  • Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate’s degree in two years
  • Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.

Semester 2

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
ADC 112 - Construction Materials and Detailing: Properties 3 credits   Major Course
ADC 146 - Construction Supervision and Business Practices 3 credits ADC 146 is only offered in the Spring semester Major Course
ADC 161 - Introduction to Building Science 3 credits ADC 161 is only offered in the Spring semester Major Course
ADC 286 - Building Rehabilitation and Energy Retrofit 3 credits ADC 286 is only offered in the Spring semester Major Course
ENGL 102 - The Research Paper 3 credits   ENGL 102 & Info Lit

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

Summer I

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
ADC 163 - Digital Documentation in Architecture and Construction 3 credits   Major Course

A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required

Semester 3

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
ADC 176 / HIST 176 - Philadelphia History: Architecture and Planning or
Humanities Elective

 3 credits   Humanities
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or
HIST 101 - United States History: Colonial America through the Revolutionary Era or
HIST 102 - United States History: The 19th Century or
HIST 103 - United States History: The 20th Century or
ANTH 112 - Cultural Anthropology		 3 credits    Social Sciences
Interpretive Studies, American/Global Diversity, Writing Intensive 
ADC 236 - Construction Cost Estimating I 3 credits ADC 236 is only offered in the Fall semester Major Course
ADC 246 - Contracts and Specifications 3 credits ADC 246 is only offered in the Fall semester Major Course
ADC 253 - Environmental Systems I 3 credits ADC 253 is only offered in the Fall semester Major Course

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

Semester 4

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
BIOL 106 - General Biology I or 
EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation		 3/4 credits Biology 106 is a recommended science course for Building Science. Natural Science
ADC 156 - Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems 3 credits ADC 156 is only offered in the Spring semester Major Course
ADC 237 - Construction Cost Estimating II — Computer Methods & Cost-Benefit Analysis 3 credits ADC 237 is only offered in the Spring semester Major Course
ADC 254 - Environmental Systems II 3 credits ADC 254 is only offered in the Spring semester Major Course
ADC 261 - Construction Management and Scheduling 3 credits ADC 261 is only offered in the Spring semester Major Course 
  • Congratulations, this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
  • Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
  • Finalize your transfer plans:
  • Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
  • Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities

General Education Requirements:

All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.

View the College Catalog for More Information

Featured Career

Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator

Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment, such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.

Median Salary
$60,064

Number of Jobs
295
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
6.5%
in the region

Typical Tasks

  • Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.
  • Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely.
  • Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
  • Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
  • Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.

How well does it pay?

New workers generally start around $41,144. Normal pay for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators is $60,064 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $76,102.

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Program Information

Building Science

Degree Type:

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Credits Needed to Graduate:

63

Online Learning Availability:

Under 25%

Related Programs:

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