Frequently Asked Questions

Students may be eligible for credit if they have taken engineering classes at accredited ROP programs or high schools (click HERE to see if your high school class is eligible)

Students may take a credit-by-exam to see their experience competencies

Students can transfer credits for classes taken at other colleges (use a Petition to Substitute or Waive form)

Check with your instructor.  It depends on the particular software.  Autodesk offers free student versions of their programs for students.  SAC Engineering students can get a free student version of Solidworks (ask your instructor for codes).

Gen ed courses CANNOT be substituted (see a counselor about gen ed)

Core engineering courses MAY be substituted with a reasonable alternative. 

Contact the department Chair.  He will ask about your career goals and what other engineering/engineering-related courses you have taken.

Email your the instructor of the applicable class, or contact the department Chair.

Most of the programs in engineering have a degree or certificate option.  In these cases, the "core" engineering classes are the same, but the associate degree also requires GENERAL EDUCATION coursework.  This is at least 30 additional units and an additional year of full time work to complete.

For Gen ed, there are 3 plans (Plans A, B, and C).  Per counseling the added gen ed units depend on the plan per below:

• PLAN A, 29-37 units (for associate degree & no plan to transfer)
• PLAN B, 41-48 units (for transfer to CSU)
• PLAN C, 39-50 units (for transfer to UC)

Transfer students also benefit from taking job-skills engineering courses.  These courses may not transfer to the university, but they teach important skills that help you land your first engineering job!

Most universities don't have these jobs skills courses - it's not what they do.

It can be tough to get that first engineering job out of school.  There will be stiff competition for the position (many applicants, one job).  You need to set yourself apart.  The applicant with more job skills and experience is more likely to land the job!  A great applicant has on their resume:

• Prior or current internship at an engineering firm
• References from an engineering firm (e.g., an engineer or engineering dept manager)
• Engineering-related certificate or degree (e.g., drafting or engineering technology)
• Professional certifications (e.g., CSWA, CSWP, Autodesk Certiport)

List of valuable job skills/experience/coursework (examples below):

MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

Proficient at Solidworks, CATIA, solid modeling knowledge: good drafting practices, GD&T (ASME Y14.5M)

Coursework in: machining, circuits, programming micro-controllers, sensors, motor control, rapid prototyping (3d printing, SLA, lasers), welding

CIVIL ENGINEERS

Proficient at AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit,

Coursework in: civil drafting, surveying

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS

Proficient at OrCAD (sorry we don't teach it), 
programming languages (C++, Python, Java, etc.);

Coursework in: micro-controllers, circuits
experience in: oscilloscope, function generator, multi-meter, soldering

Note to transfer students - you do not need to complete every gen ed course to transfer, just a few of them (ask counselors which ones!  Ask about the "Golden 4")