Residential Building Science & Technology
You can be at the forefront of the transition to highly efficient,
highly durable, and more environmentally-compatible structures.
The Residential Building Science and Technology program is designed
to investigate the important relationships between people, their
homes, and the environment. From a solid scientific and engineering
base, this interdisciplinary program builds critical thinking skills
and helps students explore the opportunities that can enhance the
performance of houses. The curriculum draws upon a wide range of
resources across the University and includes physical science,
social science, management, marketing, communications, material
sciences, and engineering coursework. The core residential building
courses focus on housing policy and design; architecture, building
materials and construction methods; building dynamics such as heat
flow, moisture movement, and air quality; and project management.
Did you know that
we can build houses today that use half the energy of a typical
new house? Such houses can also be healthier for the people who
live in them. And, the materials used to build them can perform
better and last longer with less environmental impact. You can
be at the forefront of the transition to highly efficient, highly
durable, and more environmentally-compatible structures.
Do you like old houses and buildings? Be a part of making them
better! When older buildings are updated and remodeled, the basic
way they work is changed. There is an important and growing role
for professionals who understand how buildings work to make sure
they always perform properly and are as efficient as possible.
This program is the first of its kind in the country. It is designed
to help the industry meet the technical challenges of building
homes for the 21st century. The program embraces science and technology
to encompass all aspects of a building–from careful resource
management to a systematic approach in choosing every material
and product in a house to maximize energy efficiency, performance,
longevity, and sustainability. Graduates have a clear understanding
of the relationship between people, their homes, and the environment.
Course
of Study
You will
understand every part and every system of a building when you complete
this program. You will begin with an array of courses in general
science, social science, management, and communication. Upper level
courses focus on building and housing, including building diagnostics,
housing policy, design, building materials, engineering, and construction
management.
Using these basic skills as a foundation, you will put it all
together in classes that teach you to understand the building dynamics
of heat, moisture, and air flow–the critical skills you need
to understand how buildings work or sometimes fail.
Scholarship and Employment Opportunities
Students enrolled in the Residential Building Science and Technology
program in the Department of Bio-based Products are eligible for
scholarships. Currently, students with a 3.0 GPA or higher can
receive up to $9,000 in scholarships. The funds for scholarships
are made available primarily through corporate contributions.
Students also find paid summer internship and co-op employment
opportunities in variety of residential building-related industries.
Career Opportunities in Residential Building Science & Technology
Technology plays an important role in the Residential Building
Science and Technology program.If you have an interest in buildings,
architecture, and new technology, the Residential Building Science & Technology
(RBST) program may be a perfect match for you. Every day building
scientists find new ways and new materials to make buildings better.
RBST graduates have a range of career possibilities. You might
work with builders in the field, in a research institute, with
a product manufacturer, or as a consultant.
Graduates of the program are prepared for employment with home
builders and remodelers, developers, building material manufacturers,
design and consulting firms, building code agencies, home inspection
and diagnostic companies, trade and industry associations, residential
energy companies, architects, and many others. As of 2004, typical
starting salaries for our graduates range from $40,000–$60,000.
Position titles of recent graduates include:
- Residential Energy Consultant
- Building Diagnostician
- Builder/Contractor
- Project Supervisor/Manager
- Energy Auditor
- Estimator
- Educator/Trainer
- Building Code Official
- Purchasing Agent
- Site Supervisor
- Home Inspector
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