Engineering

Engineering offers accredited* programs of study leading to the bachelor's degree in civil, computer, electrical/electronic, mechanical, and mechatronic engineering. All Engineering curricula are based on a thorough foundation in communication skills, humanities, mathematics, natural and social sciences, and engineering disciplines. Program faculty are committed to prepare engineering graduates who can work cooperatively with other engineers, scientists, and business professionals to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. A master's degree in electrical and computer engineering is also available to those seeking advanced degree in engineering.

High School Preparation For An Engineering Degree

High school graduates planning to study Engineering should complete three years of high school mathematics, including geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. In addition, courses in biology, English, computers, physics, chemistry, and mechanical or computer aided drawing should be taken to assist the student in transitioning into an Engineering program. If these high school courses are not completed, additional time may be required to complete the requirements for an Engineering degree.

FE (EIT) Examination

Senior engineering students are encouraged to take the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering (Engineer-In-Training) exam, which is the first of two exams required to become a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) by the California State Board of Registration.

Student Organizations

Several engineering professional societies have student chapters on campus. Student organizations sponsor guest speakers, social events, field trips, community service events, and organize teams to compete at regional and national engineering student competitions. Student organizations also offer peer advising and tutoring. The American Society of Civil Engineers, the Structural Engineers Association of California, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, Engineers Without Borders, the Society of Plastics Engineers, the Association for Computing Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the Society of Women Engineers all have active chapters. The national honor societies Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu are also available to qualified students. As no national society exists for mechatronic engineers, Chico has formed a local club, the American Institute of Mechatronic Engineers.

MESA Engineering Programs (MEP)

The Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Engineering Programs, known collectively as MEP, are a comprehensive recruitment, retention, and graduation effort which assists underrepresented and disadvantaged students pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science. The program offers tutoring, advising, and counseling, and includes a study center and an MEP Theme House on campus. Please visit or call us.

Career Outlook

According to the 2010-2011 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, "overall engineering employment is expected to grow by 11 percent over the 2008-18 decade." Additionally, engineering "starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates."

Opportunities for civil engineers will expand due to the need to maintain and enhance the nation's infrastructure of transportation, water resources, structural, and environmental systems.

Computer engineers are some of the most recruited graduates on campus. Recent surveys indicate that the demand for engineers with computer hardware and software design experience will continue to increase in both private and government sectors.

Electrical/electronic engineers are in demand by both industry and government. This demand is predicted to continue as electronic equipment and embedded systems become more vital to business, industry, and consumer products.

Mechanical Engineers are employed in a wide range of industries that include aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, power generation, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), electronics/computer, biomedical, food processing, pollution control, and many others.

Mechatronic engineers are in high demand as the number of "intelligent" products on the market increases. The need for graduates who can design products with embedded control is growing rapidly as microprocessors are integral to many devices and products.

* Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 415 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-4405, telephone: (410) 347-7700