Carpentry Associate of Applied Science Degree

Overview and Award Outcomes

Overview

The Carpentry A.A.S. degree prepares graduates for carpentry and advanced craftsmanship roles in residential and light commercial construction. Students learn to interpret complex blueprints, apply building codes, and manage projects from design through completion. Through hands-on training and applied learning, graduates develop the skills to supervise job sites, lead construction teams, or operate independent carpentry businesses. The program emphasizes safety, professionalism, and craftsmanship while integrating modern digital layout and project management tools.
Graduates are prepared for employment as lead carpenters, site supervisors, estimators, or small business owners, and for advancement into construction management and related professional roles.

Award Outcomes

Apply safety practices and professional standards that promote inclusive and respectful residential carpentry environments.

Interpret complex blueprints and building codes to guide the design and construction of advanced structural systems.

Construct framing assemblies, including advanced roof and stair systems, to precise specifications.

Fabricate finish-grade components and cabinets that meet industry quality standards.

Integrate digital and traditional layout methods to ensure structural accuracy and design precision.

Demonstrate carpentry and small business practices by using ethical and transparent estimating, planning, and financial analysis.

Demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and problem-solving skills that foster respect and inclusion in carpentry and site coordination.

Career Opportunities

This program prepares students for high-demand careers across Minnesota’s construction industry. With hands-on training in framing, stair construction, roof systems, interior and exterior finishes, blueprint reading, estimating, building codes, and even small-business management, students develop the comprehensive skill set employers look for in today’s workforce. Graduates are employed by framing contractors, remodeling companies, custom homebuilders, cabinet shops, and specialty contractors across the Twin Cities metro and beyond.

Program Requirements

Technical Studies Required 45 Credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
CARP1102Introduction to Residential Construction

3

CARP1111Floor and Wall Framing

5

CARP1141Engineered Roof Systems

3

CARP1180Stair Framing

2

CARP1191Deck Construction

2

CARP1240Exterior Finishes

4

CARP1511Insulation and Drywall

3

CARP1711Stair Finishing

3

CARP1720Interior Trim

4

CARP1810Residential Blueprint Reading

1

CARP1820Residential Estimating

2

CARP1830Building Code

1

CARP2030Small Business Management for Carpenters

2

CARP2100Advanced Stair Framing

3

CARP2150Advanced Roof Framing

2

CARP2200Cabinetmaking for Carpenters

2

General Education Required 15 Credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
ARTS1000Elements of Design

3

COMM1260Small Group Communication

3

ENGL1200Introduction to Humanities

3

PHIL1100Critical Thinking for College Success

3

PHIL1600Environmental Ethics

3

General Education Elective 0 Credits

Technical Studies Elective 0 Credits

Total Associate in Applied Science Degree Credits 60

Semester Sequence

Offered at Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie

First Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
CARP1102Introduction to Residential Construction

3

CARP1111Floor and Wall Framing

5

CARP1141Engineered Roof Systems

3

CARP1180Stair Framing

2

CARP1240Exterior Finishes

4

CARP1810Residential Blueprint Reading

1

Total Credits 18

Second Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
CARP1150Rafter Framing

3

CARP1191Deck Construction

2

CARP1511Insulation and Drywall

3

CARP1711Stair Finishing

3

CARP1720Interior Trim

4

CARP1820Residential Estimating

2

CARP1830Building Code

1

Total Credits 18

Summer Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
CARP2030Small Business Management for Carpenters

2

CARP2100Advanced Stair Framing

3

CARP2150Advanced Roof Framing

2

CARP2200Cabinetmaking for Carpenters

2

Total Credits 9

Third Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
ARTS1000Elements of Design

3

COMM1260Small Group Communication

3

ENGL1200Introduction to Humanities

3

PHIL1100Critical Thinking for College Success

3

PHIL1600Environmental Ethics

3

Total Credits 15

Graduation (60 Credits)

Semester listings reflect the recommended sequence. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the information herein is subject to change without notice.

 

3/18/2026 : BP 3210 / EP 3211