Engineering

The E in STEM

Engineering focuses on the application of scientific principles and knowledge of mathematics to create solutions for problems involving human, biological, and mechanical systems. Engineering is a broad discipline of related areas of study including civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, and industrial.

Program Awards

Our Engineering programs are included in the Mathematics, Science, and Engineering field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Engineering, Associate in Science Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the engineering major. A few of these require an associate degree, most require a bachelor’s degree, and some require a graduate-level degree: technician, engineer’s assistant, civil engineer, urban planner, biomedical engineer, electronics engineer, computer engineer, software designer, telecommunications specialist, computer architect, test engineer, environmental engineer, soil engineer, aerospace engineer, CADD specialist, product engineer, estimator, technical sales representative, construction manager, and general contractor.

The average annual salary in this field is $122,350 for occupations like Mechanical Engineer.

Typical Duties

• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Documenting/Recording Information
  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Training and Teaching Others
  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies
  Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.