Penn State affiliate sets 2018 launch for concrete science major

Sources: Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport; CP staff

A two-year associate degree in concrete science technology will be offered in the fall 2018 semester through the Penn College School of Construction & Design Technologies. Presented as the East Coast’s only program of its kind, it will prepare students for success in concrete production and analytical evaluation.

“Graduates will be fully prepared to meet a variety of professional options in the field of concrete construction. It’s a wonderful opportunity,” says Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association Director of Concrete Promotion Ken Crank.

Penn College Building Construction Technology instructor Franklin Reber conferred with PACA representatives at the World of Concrete on a concrete science technology degree program. “He saw the need out there,” affirms Dean of Construction & Design Technologies Marc Bridgens. “From there, we gathered people within the industry for a small focus group and developed the curriculum—the major components that should be instilled in the program—with help from advisory committee members.”

Advisory committees are comprised of in-field professionals who serve as partners in keeping Penn College’s instructional portfolio relevant and responsive. Reber and Construction Technology peer Harry W. Hintz Jr. will be the primary concrete science degree faculty members. Program graduates stand to enjoy a variety of career paths, among them quality control specialist, highway inspector, research & development technician, decorative concrete specialist, and structural engineer. www.pct.edu/cdt