The engineering transfer program encompasses a variety of engineering disciplines. Students should have a general idea of which type of engineering they are considering studying. Various recommended courses of study are given below based upon what engineering discipline is selected.
Each student has a unique set of circumstances so an advisor should be consulted to devise an appropriate schedule for you.
Current TCC Engineering advisors are:
Pre-Engineering
If you are an incoming engineering student and are not yet ready for the higher level engineering and physics courses due to math assessment below Math& 151 (Calculus), we recommend the following strategy:
- Math - Take math every quarter in order to be ready for Calculus (MATH& 151) as soon as possible.
- Chemistry - If you have not taken high school chemistry, take CHEM& 110 (Math 99 is a pre-requisite) and CHEM& 121. CHEM& 161 and CHEM& 162 are required for most engineering programs (take these following CHEM& 110 and CHEM& 121 or take them immediately if you had high school chemistry and satisfy the MATH& 141 prerequisite). Some engineering disciplines also require CHEM& 163 (see individual disciplines below)
- Distribution - Take ENGL& 101 and ENGR& 104 (counts as Social Science credit). ENGR& 123 is suggested as a 5 credit Humanities distribution. You must take either 5 credits of Humanities (ENGR& 123 satisfies this requirement) and 5 credits of Social Sciences or 10 credits of Humanities. (Universities require a 10 credit in-depth sequence for graduation so you might research what will best satisfy graduation requirements at your transfer institution). At least 5 credits taken in the distribution category must qualify as Multicultural credits.
- Engineering Electives - Take ENGL& 235 Intro to Technical Report Writing (Requires ENGL& 101).
Once you have begun the Calculus sequence (MATH& 151, MATH& 152, and MATH&153), you should start taking higher level Engineering and Physics courses listed for the individual engineering specialties listed below.
Return to Top of Page
Aeronautical Engineering
Aerospace engineers are involved with all aspects of design for projects ranging from commercial and military airplane/helicopters to satellites and rockets. They may be working on the aerodynamics of design through computer simulation or wind tunnel testing. They may also be working on understanding the stresses and strains on an aerospace structure. Aerospace engineers may also be involved in designing the controls interface. While the curriculum for an aerospace engineering degree is similar to a mechanical engineering degree, the emphasis is always on the aerospace industry.
Return to Top of Page
Biological Systems Engineering
Bioengineers work on projects that specialize in the biological sciences or medical fields. This can include developing medical instruments, prosthetic devices, and artificial organs. They may also work in fields research supporting farming innovations or in the prevention/cleanup of environmental pollution.
Return to Top of Page
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers use their knowledge of chemistry to design new products or processes. This may involve designing new materials or modifying methods of production. More recently, chemical engineers have been involved with developing environmentally friendly alternatives to traditionally used chemicals and processes. This could involve pharmaceuticals, beverages, cosmetics, plastics, or petroleum to name a few.
Return to Top of Page
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil engineers typically work on large scale structures such as buildings, bridges, dams, transportation systems, sanitation systems and water supply systems. Environmental engineers are working to solve a myriad of environmental issues. This is one of the largest and most diverse fields in engineering.
Return to Top of Page
Computer Engineering
Computer engineers work on all levels of computer systems from the basic electrical design, through manufacture, and operation. Computer engineers could work on any type of electrical device that has a “brain” like desktop/laptop computers, cell phones, televisions, automobiles, and all manner of personal electronic devices. Computer engineers can also be involved with writing the software which runs the hardware.
New! You can earn a bachelor’s degree in this or a related field here in your own community through a partnership between TCC and Brandman University. Click here for more information. http://cc.brandman.edu/tacoma-community-college.aspx
Return to Top of Page
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers deal with anything electrical. This could involve new energy research like fuel cells, wind production or solar cells. It could also include older technologies like hydroelectricity, geothermal power generation, nuclear, or coal fired plants. It does not, however, simply involve electrical generation. Electrical engineers could work on the electrical grid or in the individual devices used in the home. Electrical engineers are also responsible for communication networks like television, telephone, and data using either land based or space based systems.
Return to Top of Page
Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineers specifically work to make companies money. They are involved in the design, manufacture, and operation of production machinery and in making production more dependable and efficient. IE’s also work to simplify, enhance safety in the workplace, or improve the working conditions of factory employees. This can mean work on quality control, design, management, and interacting with factory employees to determine solutions to both mechanical and human issues.
Return to Top of Page
Materials Science Engineering
Materials engineers work with everyday materials like plastics, metals, or other raw materials to produce materials are used to produce what consumers want. This could mean designing new ways to use the materials in products or in producing new desirable materials. Metallurgical or Ceramic Engineering are sub-disciplines of materials science engineering.
Return to Top of Page
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers are involved with everything mechanical. This could involve planes, cars, bicycles, drawbridges, ships, robotics, and even refrigeration. If it moves or has moving parts, chances are a mechanical engineer had a hand in designing it. Mechanical engineers are involved in research related to energy and fluids, mechanics of materials, systems and dynamics and design and manufacture. Mechanical engineering is the broadest engineering discipline as well as one of the largest.
Return to Top of Page
Other Engineering Disciplines
If you are interested in other engineering disciplines, please make an appointment with an engineering advisor to discuss the options you have available to you.
Return to Top of Page
