Associates of Occupational Studies - Construction Management (Heavy Equipment Operations)

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Construction continues to employ more people than any other industry. It is an ever-changing environment with top salaries. The mission of the Heavy Equipment Operations degree program is to prepare students with the skills to obtain satisfying employment and to lead the construction industry with high standards.  Completion of the program will provide graduates with the necessary skills to operate heavy equipment on construction projects with confidence and authority.

The associate of applied science degree program includes Heavy Equipment and Crane courses and college-level general education courses. Coursework is accomplished through business simulations that prepare students to immediately and effectively impact the work environment. Student industry employment is encouraged to allow direct application of skills learned through course projects. (Program Length: 4 Semesters Minimum)

Semester Hours to Complete: 60 Semester Hours
Cost of Program: 
Tuition: $350.00 per semester hour
Registration Fee: $100 one-time
Technology Fee: $50.00 per semester hour
Fuel Fee: $75.00 per semester hour (applies to all field training courses)
Equipment Fee: $250.00 per semester hour (applies to all field training courses)
Environment Fee: $50.00 per semester hour (applies to all field training courses)
Books and Supplies: Please contact Administration Office for current pricing

Books, Tools and Supplies
Required books, tools and supplies are provided to students at an additional charge.  A Training Binder containing the program curriculum is checked-out to students upon enrollment and students check-in the Training Binder at program completion.  There is an additional fee for any Training Binder that is lost or damaged at program completion.

E101-Interpersonal Communications-Online Delivery

An introduction to interpersonal communication research results and theories with application in two-person and small group relationships in a variety of human communication contexts. 5 Semester Hours

PS101-Basic Soil Science-Online Delivery

The objectives of this course are to provide a general understanding of soil science as related to soil composition, properties and bio-chemical reactions so that students understand the importance of soils in the environment in which we live.  5 Semester Hours

M101-Construction Math-Online Delivery

This course provides instruction to prepare students with the needed knowledge and skills used in the construction fields, using construction related math problems. The course includes the use of math solutions to calculate areas, volumes, lengths, angles, percentages, material amounts, and costs in relationship to building construction. Students will do all aspects of math calculations involved in residential construction. 5 Semester Hours

SS101-Introduction to Sociology-Online Delivery

An introduction to basic sociological concepts, theories, and methods. Students in the course will be encouraged to develop "sociological imagination," that is, an understanding of the connection between personal biography and history. Course content will include an examination of social structure and culture (and the relationship between these two concepts), the socialization process, the major social institutions and their impact, the nature of inequality in society, and deviant behavior and social problems. 5 Semester Hours

MCT101-Introduction to Microcomputers-Online Delivery

Fundamental concepts of computer information systems as applied to microcomputers in business and personal use. Lecture format and supervised hands-on experience with a variety of microcomputer software. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. 5 Semester Hours

HEO101-Heavy Equipment Operation 1

This is a hands-on course on a full scale construction backhoe and front end loader. Techniques learned in the course work will be put to use in real-time situations commonly found on a construction jobsite with emphasis on equipment specific safety tips and techniques used for proper equipment operation. 5 Semester Hours

HEO102-Heavy Equipment Operation 2

This is a hands-on course on full scale construction bulldozers. Techniques learned in the course work will be put to use in real-time situations commonly found on a construction jobsite with emphasis on equipment specific safety tips and techniques used for proper equipment operation. At this stage of their training, our trainees will also be allowed to practice/operate equipment they have already been trained on at our facility providing they have met the required prerequisite. [Prerequisite HEO 101] 5 Semester Hours

HEO103-Heavy Equipment Operation 3

This is a hands-on course on full scale construction excavators. Techniques learned in the course work will be put to use in real-time situations commonly found on a construction jobsite with emphasis on equipment specific safety tips and techniques used for proper equipment operation. At this stage of their training, our trainees will also be allowed to practice/operate equipment they have already been trained on at our facility providing they have met the required prerequisite. [Prerequisite HEO 101] 5 Semester Hours

HEO104-Heavy Equipment Operation 4

This is a hands-on course on full scale mobile cranes. Techniques learned in the course work will be put to use in real-time situations commonly found on a construction jobsite with emphasis on equipment specific safety tips and techniques used for proper equipment operation. Skills learned in this course will prepare the trainee for a certification exam endorsed by the NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) at this stage of their training; our trainees will also be allowed to practice/operate equipment they have already been trained on at our facility providing they have met the required prerequisite. [Prerequisite HEO 101] 5 Semester Hours

HEO201-Introduction to Construction-Online Delivery

Provides an introduction to basic mathematical procedures commonly used in the heavy equipment construction trade. Information used in this section is tied to everyday activities that are likely to be encountered on the job and illustrates how and why mathematics is a valuable tool of the trade. The trainee will also be introduced to blueprints in this phase of training. They will learn how to identify and interpret common symbols used on construction blueprints. This course will also provide a comprehensive introduction to hand tools, power tools and how to properly identify and use specific items related to the trade. The final phase of this class is an introduction to basic rigging and the principals and practices associated with it. Trainees need only be aware of the basic equipment requirements and selection criteria at this phase of their training. They will be introduced to more in depth rigging practices later in their training. 5 Semester Hours

HEO202-Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operations-Online Delivery

This program provides an overview of heavy equipment operation, operator responsibilities, while covering basic operating principles and functions. Also learned in this program are procedures used in preventive maintenance of heavy equipment, identification of the most commonly used pieces of heavy equipment in the construction industry before leading into individual equipment and their proper use. This program is essential to the trainee since it directly relates to the heavy equipment they will be training on later in the program. 5 Semester Hours

HEO203-Heavy Equipment Safety-Online Delivery

Provides a comprehensive overview of safety requirements on job sites, with emphasis on OSHA requirements. Also presents basic safety requirements for personal protection on the job site, on and off the equipment, along with HAZCOM. This course finishes with safety techniques required for heavy equipment operators, with emphasis on organizing and conducting safety meetings, performing safety inspections/investigations, and proper inspection reporting. 5 Semester Hours

Education Pays!

We encourage all students to obtain as much schooling as possible. When it comes time to find employment or negotiate salary with an existing employer, the more knowledge and experience you have on a wide variety of machinery, the better you'll look to an employer - and that translates to more money for you and your family!