This is an archived version of the University Catalog and is no longer being maintained. References to people, offices, policies, and web links may be outdated. View the current catalog or email catalog@csuchico.edu for updated information. Students who have catalog rights to this version of the catalog should check with an advisor for graduation requirements.

Skip to Side Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Accessibility Settings

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 to work collaboratively with other engineers, scientists, and business professionals in developing innovative solutions to complex problems.

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, computer programming, physics, and chemistry, should be taken to assist 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.

Students are highly encouraged to take other courses related to engineering and technology such as mechanical drafting, computer-aided design, or Project Lead the Way courses, and/or participate in FIRST Robotics or other engineering-related clubs and activities, which help expose students to some of the concepts and practices that they will develop during their academic careers at CSU, Chico.

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.).

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.

Active chapters on campus include:

  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • Structural Engineers Association of California
  • Engineers for Alternative Energy
  • Society of Plastics Engineers
  • American Institute of Mechatronic Engineers
  • Chico Rocketry and Aerospace Club
  • Materials Research Society
  • Association for Computing Engineers
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers
  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers
  • National Society of Black Engineers
  • Society of Women Engineers.

The national honor societies Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon, 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.

Chico STEM Connections Engineering

Chico STEM Connections Engineering program is a comprehensive recruitment, retention, and graduation effort which assists underrepresented and disadvantaged students pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science. The program offers tutoring, academic advising, and counseling, and includes a study center.

Career Outlook

According to the 2019 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor,

  • "Employment of architecture and engineering occupations is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019–2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations";
  • This report projects adding 74,800 jobs. "Most of the projected job growth in this group is in the engineering occupations, as their services will be in demand in various areas such as rebuilding of infrastructure, renewable energy, oil and gas extraction, and robotics";
  • "The median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations was $81,440 in May 2019. The median annual wages for all occupations in this group was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations in the economy, which was $39,810."

Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2019–2029. As infrastructure continues to age, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects to rebuild, repair, and upgrade bridges, roads, levees, dams, airports, buildings and structures of all types.

Computer hardware engineers, with opportunities expected to grow in 2019-29, 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, with opportunities expected to grow in 2019–29, 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, with opportunities to grow in 2019–29, 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 http://www.abet.org

Catalog Cycle:21