About the Masonry Construction Certificate

The Masonry Construction certificate provides the opportunity to develop the basic skills of a mason and is designed as an introduction to the trade. Students will focus on basic tool skills, trade materials, safety procedures, and terminology. Emphasis is placed on brick and block skill sets. These skills are developed through hands-on projects, which are preceded by theory lectures and demonstrations. Special emphasis is placed on the appreciation of the beauty and permanence of brickwork and on the development of pride in workmanship.

Students successfully completing the Masonry Construction certificate program find employment in the field as mason tenders and masons with experience and further education as forepersons or superintendents. Many masons are self-employed.

All students completing the certificate program may enroll in the associate degree program.


What you’ll learn

  • Operate masonry tools and equipment safely and effectively.
  • Use masonry terminology.
  • Read blueprints to estimate materials quantity and pricing.
  • Layout and construct footings.
  • Layout and build a block foundation.
  • Apply brick veneering to a structure.
  • Construct a masonry arch.

Location
Thaddeus Stevens College at Greenfield

Type of program
Certificate

Length of program
9 months, 31 credits

Tool List (PDF)

Courses

MODEL SCHEDULE FOR MASONRY CONSTRUCTION

SEMESTER 1
MASN 101 Intro to Tools, Safety, and Equipment 3
MASN 105 Intro to Masonry Construction 3
MASN 110 Development of Masonry Materials 3
MASN 116 Chimney Construction 3
MATH 126 Technical Mathematics I or higher 3

SEMESTER 2
MASN 155 Block Construction, Bearings,
and Anchoring Systems 4
MASN 158 Adhered Concrete Masonry Veneer 2
MASN 162 Masonry, Hard-scaping, Patios, and
Retaining Walls 2
MASN 171 Concrete Sidewalks 1
MASN 167 Masonry Restoration & Building Maintenance 3
ENG 106 English Composition 3
HEAL 111Basic First Aid 1

Thaddeus Stevens College Masonry Construction students working on fireplace arch