ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENTAL DESCRIPTION

The Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering offers the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Engineering. The department also offers Bachelor of Science degrees in chemistry and physics. The department has highly qualified and caring faculty, small class sizes, well-equipped modern laboratories and classrooms, and a 24-station computer lab housed in the state-of-the-art Sciences Complex.

WHAT IS ENGINEERING?

Engineering combines the fields of science and mathematics to solve real problems that improve the world around us. What distinguishes engineering from other disciplines in science and mathematics is the focus on taking ideas – considering all parameters such as cost, size, practicality, and environmental stewardship – and translating them into reality. Engineers are problem solvers, organizers, communicators, and designers. They are capable of clearly defining a problem and its relevant constraints and providing a simple solution. An engineer might have the opportunity to work as a member of a team in creating something extraordinary, like a two-hundred story skyscraper or a car that runs on electricity. Engineers have the potential to leave a lasting impression on the world by following in the footsteps of engineers such as Thomas Edison whose inventions are still used today.

MAJOR DESCRIPTION

The A.A.S. in Engineering is a college degree offering the first two years of a bachelor-level engineering program. By successfully completing the requirements for the A.A.S. in Engineering you can expect to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in engineering to complete your engineering studies in one of five fields: civil, electrical, mechanical, industrial, or environmental engineering. To begin this program, you should have an aptitude and good high school performance in mathematics, physics and chemistry. The coursework in the engineering program demands that students be ready to take calculus in their first semester.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Mechanical Engineering – Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Electrical Engineering – Research, design, develop, test or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components or systems for commercial, industrial, military or scientific use. Civil Engineering – Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems. Environmental Engineering – Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Industrial Engineering – Design, develop, test and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

ENGINEERING AS A CAREER

To work in the field of engineering requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with some jobs requiring even more advanced degrees. Many areas also require licensing, especially those working in the public sector. Salaries for engineers are typically higher than many other technical fields. Mechanical engineers earned median annual wages of $86,120 as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics in May of 2017. Median annual salary for electrical engineers was even higher at $92,770. Civil engineers’ median wages were $87,060. Environmental engineers’ median wages were $74,660. Industrial engineers’ median wages were $85,030.