Engineering
Program Description
Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to practical technical problems. The engineering major provides a solid foundation in what is normally referred to as the "engineering core" at most colleges and universities. Mathematics, physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering courses such as circuit analysis and statics make up the bulk of this core. The major is intended to provide, in most cases, all of the basic subjects necessary for a smooth transfer to the candidate's chosen college or university.
Learn more about the program on the Engineering website.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to formulate logical problem-solving approaches, generate solutions, and assess the reasonableness of the solutions for engineering-type analysis problems.
- Students will be able to design, construct, and produce creative solutions to engineering problems by applying the engineering design process and identifying pertinent design parameters based on the fundamental physics governing a system.
- Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the fundamental knowledge necessary for the practice of, or for advanced study in, engineering, including scientific principles, rigorous analysis, and problem solving.
- Students will be able to demonstrate clear communication skills, responsible teamwork, professional attitudes, and ethics.
- Students will be able to demonstrate a preparation for the complex work environment and continuous learning.
Career Opportunities
Engineering continues to be an excellent choice for a career. Engineering consistently has low rates of unemployment. Salaries at the entry level begin at about $50,000 with an Associate in Science degree and may go as high as $170,000 for a Bachelor of Science degree in particular specializations.
Award Type(s)
- AS = Associate in Science Degree
Units Required
- Major: 73
Additional Information
Suggested Preparation Courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 48C | PRECALCULUS III (or equivalent) | 5 |
| CHEM 25 | FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY (or equivalent) | 5 |
| PHYS 2A | GENERAL PHYSICS | 5 |
| or PHYS 6 | INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS | |
or equivalent | ||
Note: Students should check with the transfer institution for any additional required courses.
Associate Degree Requirements
A minimum of 90 units is required1 to complete the associate degree, including:
- Core and support courses for the major (73 units total)
- Completion of one of the following general education patterns:
- Foothill College General Education
- Summer Session 2025 only–CSU General Education Breadth (CSU GE Breadth)2
- Summer Session 2025 only–Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)2
- Beginning Fall Quarter 2025–California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)3
- 1
Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.
- 2
Summer Session 2025 is the final term during which CSU GE Breadth and IGETC may be used. Please see a counselor for more information.
- 3
Cal-GETC begins in Fall Quarter 2025. Please see a counselor for more information.
Note: A grade of "C" (or "P") or better is required for all core and support courses used for the degree. In addition, the student must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Refer to the Associate in Arts & Associate in Science Degree Requirements page for complete information about graduation requirements and catalog rights.
Core and Support Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CHEM 1A | GENERAL CHEMISTRY | 5 |
| CHEM 1B | GENERAL CHEMISTRY | 5 |
| ENGR 10 | INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING | 5 |
| MATH 1A | CALCULUS | 5 |
| or MATH 1AH | HONORS CALCULUS I | |
| MATH 1B | CALCULUS | 5 |
| or MATH 1BH | HONORS CALCULUS II | |
| MATH 1C | CALCULUS | 5 |
| MATH 1D | CALCULUS | 5 |
| MATH 2A | DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | 5 |
| PHYS 4A | GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | 6 |
| PHYS 4B | GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | 6 |
| PHYS 4C | GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | 6 |
| Support Courses | ||
| Select 15 units from the following: | 15 | |
| OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING METHODOLOGIES IN JAVA | ||
| OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING METHODOLOGIES IN C++ | ||
| OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING METHODOLOGIES IN PYTHON | ||
| COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE & ORGANIZATION | ||
| ENGINEERING GRAPHICS | ||
| PROGRAMMING & PROBLEM-SOLVING IN MATLAB | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO BIOENGINEERING | ||
or BIOL 28 | INTRODUCTION TO BIOENGINEERING | |
| STATICS | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO CIRCUIT ANALYSIS | ||
| PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS | ||
| DYNAMICS | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY | ||
| VACUUM SYSTEMS | ||
| LINEAR ALGEBRA | ||
| GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | ||
| Total Units | 73 | |