Do you want to make a difference? Are you curious about the world around you – how
buildings, roads and infrastructure get designed and built? Do you look at yourself
and say, “I could do better than that?” Perhaps the School of Built Environment at
Ferris State University is for you.
The School of Built Environment encompasses many of the careers that deal with the
design, construction, operation and maintenance of the buildings and infrastructure
people use every day. Bachelor of Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees,
as well as Minors and Certificates, are offered in the following areas:
All of the programs within the School of Built Environment are presented by faculty
with considerable industry and professional experience. Exciting new developments
include a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Sustainability and several cross-disciplinary
initiatives in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and a preparation course for the
certification test for Certified Document Technologist (CDT) as administered by the
Construction Specifications Institute.
Architectural Technology, Architecture & Sustainability and Facility Management
The Architectural Technology program has a strong focus on digital drawing and building
technology that builds proficiency in critical thinking and technical skills. Taught
by practitioners, the Architectural Technology curriculum is unique in its emphasis
on the practice of the profession – students are exposed to the areas of residential
and commercial building materials and systems, cost estimating, architectural CAD,
Building Information Modeling (BIM) construction methods, building codes, presentation
techniques and architectural design.
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Sustainability has been designed as an
upper level specialization for graduates of Ferris and Community College Associate
Degree Programs in Architecture Technology. As a 2+2 program, the first two years
of the undergraduate experience includes the foundation of technical and artistic
skills of the AAS degree in Architectural Technology. The second two years of the
undergraduate experience leads to a BS degree in Architecture and Sustainability.
The curriculum is unique in its emphasis on sustainability and the practice of the
profession. Courses and studios are structured to mirror the office environment. Course
content and projects are designed to incorporate a set of practices and ways of thinking
about the making of buildings for sustainable development of the built environment.
Taught by practitioners, the curriculum provides skills, knowledge, and aspirations
necessary to allow students to become successful professionals.
The Bachelor of Science in Facility Management gives students the education to manage
the physical workplace with the people and work of an organization. Students are exposed
to facility management coursework including: building technology and operations, and
management and business practices.
The Associate of Applied Science degrees in Building Construction Technology and Civil
Engineering Technology are building blocks for the Bachelor of Science in Construction
Management degree. Students in Building Construction Technology and Civil Engineering
Technology learn:
The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree builds upon the foundation
of the Associate's degrees in Building Construction Technology and Civil Engineering Technology - Highway Emphasis with advanced courses in technology, scheduling, contracts, safety, estimating, and
project management, to name a few.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Ferris is one of only two institutions in the United States to offer a Bachelor of
Science in HVACR. In keeping with the philosophy of Ferris, the HVACR degrees provide
a balance of theory and application. This includes a solid foundation grounded in
the principles of HVACR combined with extensive laboratory experience.
The Associate in Applied Science in HVACR Technology degree prepares students to enter
the workforce as an HVACR technician. Students develop skills and learn about fabrication
and joining techniques, basic refrigeration, heating, air conditioning, commercial
refrigeration, electrical fundamentals, HVACR controls, and design of HVACR systems.
The Bachelor of Science in HVACR Engineering Technology degree is a continuation of
the Associate in Applied Science in HVACR Technology degree. Energy efficiency is
a central theme for the programs here. Students learn to optimize system performance
by learning about:
Load calculations to determine building heating and cooling needs,
System analysis that concentrates on the selection of appropriate options,
Design principles and processes,
Controls to operate mechanical systems to a specified sequence of operation,
Commissioning to ensure that mechanical systems are operating at peak efficiency,
and
Energy audits and analysis.
Graduates from this program will serve business and industry in the community, State
of Michigan and the nation in the following areas: perform audits and complete energy
/ economic building and system analysis, to identify, recognize and recommend solutions
to problems encountered in HVACR systems and controls for optimum comfort and economy,
to optimize building and system operation through the utilization of digital controls
and state of the art facility management systems. The degree fill the gap between
the technician and the engineer.
