Considering a degree designing large-scale construction projects? Ranken’s Building Systems Engineering Technology program provides hands-on training using computer-aided drafting and 3D modeling techniques to design the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems.

Does a career in building systems engineering sound right for you?

Building Systems Engineering student working in AutoCADYou’re the kind of person who looks at a large, complex project and wants to know how each piece works.

You have a pragmatic, analytical mind. You like the idea of challenging yourself to design a system in a way that does not clash with other building components. You don’t just want to make things work –your projects are models of efficiency.

Does this sound like you? If so, a degree in Building Systems Engineering Technology could be the path to a successful and rewarding career. As a graduate, you will have a robust knowledge with sophisticated software tools for designing the systems that make our buildings habitable.

Why choose Ranken for MEP training?

Building Systems Engineering student and instructor reviewing blueprintsThis 4-semester (16-month) program covers the fundamentals and extensive use of Autodesks’s leading construction drafting software – AutoCAD and Revit. Both programs are used to produce technical documents used in the AEC (Architectural, Engineering, and Construction) industry. Additional software covered will include Autodesk Naviswork for project coordination and Bluebeam REVU for marking up PDF documents.

Graduates of the Building Systems Engineering Technology program will have the technical skills and aptitude necessary to enter careers in the planning and design of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing model environment. Graduates of this associate degree program are prepared for careers in the planning and design of building systems; they have the abilities to produce technical documents and utilize standard industry software and to perform basic analysis and design of system components.

Our graduates find jobs in a wide range of positions, such as:

  • Mechanical designer/draftsperson
  • Electrical designer/draftsperson
  • Plumbing designer/draftsperson
  • CAD Technician
  • BIM Technician
  • VDC Technician

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between Building Systems Engineering Technology (BSET) and Architecture?
A: Buildings Systems Engineering focuses its study on the analytical design of all building systems, including the mechanical, lighting/electrical, and plumbing systems of a building, while also planning the construction process of buildings and building systems. Architecture has a lot in common with BSET; however, the study of architecture focuses more closely on the spatial, cultural, and material forces that shape buildings and the built environment.

Q: Are there any networking opportunities for students?
A: Yes, Ranken Technical College is the home of one of the largest career fairs in the region. Throughout each semester, employers often come into the classroom to give presentations and lectures on their area of expertise. Classes take field trips to engineering firm offices, construction sites, and existing buildings. Instructors are constantly in contact with employers through advisory meetings, industry events, and employer events held at Ranken. Most students obtain part time employment in the industry prior to graduation and end up transitioning to full time employment with that company upon graduation. Lastly, BSET has an internal database of employers in the St. Louis area that are familiar with the BSET program. Through this approach, job placement is essentially 100%.

Q: How long does the program take to complete? What time commitment is required of me as a student?
A: BSET is a 16 month program consisting of 4 distinct courses/semesters. The program is a full time commitment; classes are conducted each week day for 4 hours per day.

John D. Baldwin

Instructor, Full Time

Building Systems Engineering Technology

Daniel J. Stevens

BSE & ESDT Dept. Chair, Instructor, Full Time

Building Systems Engineering Technology

Students enrolled in Ranken’s Building Systems Engineering Technology program are trained to design, analyze and provide estimates for the following building systems:

  • Mechanical, electrical and piping (MEP)
  • Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR)
  • Commercial piping and plumbing
  • Lighting systems
  • Life safety/fire sprinkler systems

Mehmet Dinceroglu

Department: Alumni Construction
Maintenance Technician @ DLT Properties

2018 HVAC and 2019 Major Appliance Technology
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Adam Blattel

Department: Alumni Construction
HVAC Technician @ Scott Air Force Base

2020 HVAC and 2003 Automotive Maintenance Technology
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Colton Knowles

Department: Alumni Construction
Custom Home Building Assistant @ Riesenmy Construction Services

2020 Plumbing Technology
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Cody Frank

Department: Alumni Construction
Plumbing Superintendent @ Comfort Systems USA, Mtech-ICON

2007 Plumbing Technology
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David Munie

Department: Alumni Construction
Department Chair & Instructor, Plumbing Department @ Ranken Technical College

1990 Plumbing Technology
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Christopher Mills

Department: Alumni Construction
Plumber Pre-Apprentice @ Grasse & Associates

2021 Plumbing Technology
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Jonc Pender

Department: Alumni Construction
HVAC Apprentice @ Jarrell Contracting

2020 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology
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Abigail Pritchard

Department: Alumni Construction
Carpenter's Apprentice @ Metis Construction Inc.

2020 Carpentry and Buillding Construction Technology
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Jason Monesmith

Department: Alumni Construction
Technician @ Goldkamp Heating and Cooling

2020 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
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Andrew Poetz

Department: Alumni Construction
Plumbing Apprentice @ Beis Plumbing

May 2020 Plumbing Technology Certificate
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Andrew Stephens

Department: Alumni Construction
Plumbing Apprentice @ Beloman Services

May 2020 Plumbing Technology Certificate
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Andre Hickman

Department: Alumni Construction
Plumbing Apprentice @ Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562

May 2020 Plumbing Technology Certificate
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Jake Aurelio

Department: Alumni Construction
Carpenter @ Pfund Construction

May 2020 Carpentry and Construction Technology
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Mark Ezepue

Department: Alumni Construction
2nd Year Apprentice @ Murphy Contractors

2019 Plumbing Technology Certificate
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Brett Stockmann

Department: Alumni Construction
Residential Service 2nd year Apprentice @ E&M Plumbing

2019 Plumbing Technology Certificate
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Daniel Otten

Department: Alumni Construction
Chemical Operator and Subject Matter Expert @ Afton Chemicals

2019 Carpentry and Building Technology; 2020 BS Applied Management
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Jacob Hartman

Department: Alumni Construction
R & D Lab Technician @ Hussmann Corporation

May 2016 Control Systems Technology; May 2019 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technology
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Amanda Blazer

Department: Alumni Construction
Water Restoration Technician @ Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

December 2019 Carpentry Maintenance Certificate
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Ryley Wallin

Department: Alumni Construction
Plumbing Apprentice @ Beloman Services

May 2019 Plumbing Technology Certificate
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Chris Richardson

Department: Alumni Construction
Plumbing Apprentice @ Grasse and Associates

May 2019 Plumbing Technology Certificate
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Dale McCrackin

Department: Alumni Construction
Controls Technician @ The CTS Group

May 2019 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology
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Michael Landolt

Department: Alumni Construction
Project Manager, Aramark Technical & Energy @ Baylor University

2011 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology
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Victor Moore

Department: Alumni Construction


1971 Plumbing Technology
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Bruce Bruening

Department: Alumni Construction


1971 Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
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Everett West

Department: Alumni Construction


1971 Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
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Charles Riechers

Department: Alumni Construction


1971 Architectural Design & Structural Engineering
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