Western Technical College
Published on Western Technical College (https://www.westerntc.edu)

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Building Science & Energy Management

  • Associate Degree
Building Science & Energy Management Image

Program Number: 

104815

Program Credits: 

60.00

Estimated Total Cost: 

$9,849.00

Typical Start: 

Fall, Spring
Financial Aid Eligible

In the United States, buildings represent one of our biggest energy consumers. As a result, buildings have been targeted for energy reduction strategies to reduce cost and dependence on carbon based fuels. Building Science and Energy Management will examine the built environment and how it relates to energy using the latest research, tools, and technology available. You will gain hands-on experience working with community projects and in living laboratories in Western's state-of-the-art facilities. Study topics include energy auditing, energy management, renewable energy systems, and integrated design.

The focus of the program is to prepare you for entry-level work in the growing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and building systems industry. Having these unique skills will give you a leg-up in an increasingly competitive job market.

Building Science & Energy Management 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats

Graduates14
Graduates Responding6
Employed in Related Occupation3
Employed in Non-related Occupations1
Seeking Employment0
Continuing Education0
Not in Labor Market2

Salary Data - Related Employment

Part TimeFull Time
Responding01
Average Hours Per Week
Average Hourly Wage
Hourly Wage Range
Average Annual Salary$37,440

Respondents in Related Occupations

  • Interior Mill Work, Lead Solar Installer, Inside Sales

Career Opportunities

Construction and Building Inspectors
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
Energy Auditors
Energy Conservation Representative
Environmental Field Technician
Weatherization Inspectors

Program Outcomes

  • Evaluate renewable, fossil, and other energy resources in context of sustainability, environment, society, and economics
  • Evaluate building performance and energy use
  • Recommend building/site solutions to optimize performance
  • Install equipment and materials to optimize performance
  • Monitor equipment and systems

Admission Requirements:

College Requirements

Application: 

Yes

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [1].

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

  • Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [2].
  • Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
  • Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [3] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

  • Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [4]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [5].
  • The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [6] or call 608-785-9198.

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons [7]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Career Pathways: 

Building Science & Energy Management

Prior Learning: 

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more [8] about what may apply to this program.

Certificates: 

Solar Installation Technician

Associate Degree: 

Building Science & Energy Management

Courses

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [9] for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [10] self-service portal for academic planning.

First Term

College Math
Course Number: 10804107
Credits: 3.00
Construction Industry Basics
Course Number: 10410103
Credits: 2.00
Intro to Energy Effic & Mgmt
Course Number: 10481100
Credits: 3.00
Introduction to Building Science
Course Number: 10481106
Credits: 3.00
PV Design and Install 1
Course Number: 10480113
Credits: 2.00
Strengths Seminar
Course Number: 10890106
Credits: 1.00

Second Term

3D Modeling for BSEM
Course Number: 10481115
Credits: 1.00
Energy Modeling 1
Course Number: 10481105
Credits: 3.00
Intro to Building Envelope Analysis
Course Number: 10481109
Credits: 3.00
Oral/Interpersonal Comm
Course Number: 10801196
Credits: 3.00
PV Design and Install 2
Course Number: 10480114
Credits: 2.00
Renewable Energy Overview
Course Number: 10480101
Credits: 3.00

Third Term

BSEM Work-Based Experience
Course Number: 10481116
Credits: 1.00

Fourth Term

Construction Project Management
Course Number: 10481118
Credits: 2.00
Economics
Course Number: 10809195
Credits: 3.00
Energy Modeling 2
Course Number: 10481108
Credits: 3.00
HVAC for BSEM
Course Number: 10481117
Credits: 1.00
Intro to Psychology
Course Number: 10809198
Credits: 3.00
Project Investment Appraisal
Course Number: 10481113
Credits: 3.00

Fifth Term

BSEM Capstone Prep
Course Number: 10481121
Credits: 2.00
BSEM Capstone Project
Course Number: 10481122
Credits: 2.00
Energy Storage Solutions
Course Number: 10660164
Credits: 3.00
High Performance Buildings
Course Number: 10481107
Credits: 3.00
PV Operations & Maintenance
Course Number: 10481119
Credits: 2.00
Technical Reporting
Course Number: 10801197
Credits: 3.00

Western Technical College
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, Wisconsin
54601

608-785-9200
800-322-9982


Links
[1] https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DniDXv9HckGZ5BpZ1xtAINzEPDqm29RGnADqdoibRwxUM0ZIV0tLRE1OS0NaOTY5U01aOFNVNDdVUS4u
[2] https://westerntc.libguides.com/blackboardforstudents/
[3] https://kb.westerntc.edu/112380
[4] https://www.westerntc.edu/computer-labs
[5] https://www.westerntc.edu/regional-locations
[6] mailto:LearningCommons@westerntc.edu
[7] https://www.westerntc.edu/learning-commons
[8] https://www.westerntc.edu/credit-prior-learning
[9] https://www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks
[10] https://mywestern.westerntc.edu/