Associate Degree in Engineering

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Engineering is the application of mathematical and scientific principles to solve real-world issues. In this field, experts design and construct machines, roads, tunnels, and other structures using scientific principles. Engineering plays a significant role in human civilization, leading to lucrative careers in a variety of settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in engineering occupations is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030. An associate degree in engineering also provides a foundation for engineering studies for students wishing to enroll in a university engineering program. This guide will address several topics, such as the types of engineering associate’s degrees and engineering associate degree jobs available upon graduation. It will also provide answers to typical and common questions like, “Is there an associate’s degree in engineering suitable for me? What can I do with an associate’s degree in engineering?” etc including for associates degree engineering online programs.

Best Associate Degree in
Engineering Programs

Prospective students usually look for the Best Online Associates degree programs when furthering their studies. Finding the best associates in engineering degree may not prove to be so easy because one must consider several factors for ranking, such as the college’s infrastructure and reputation, experience and qualification of the teaching staff, availability of student support services, and more. To make things easy, FBD teams have conducted extensive research and drawn up the best associate degree in engineering programs in the U.S.: *

Bucks County Community College

California University of Pennsylvania

Central Texas College

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

ECPI University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach

Grantham University

Minnesota West Community and Technical College

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.

What to Expect from the Associate
Degree in Engineering Programs

So, what is an associate degree in engineering? An associate degree in engineering is a relatively low-level degree program that includes lower-division coursework as well as the fundamental science and mathematics that engineering majors need. Normally, credits obtained through an associate’s degree transfer to an undergraduate program at a university. More information on this is available in the Guide to Associate Programs.

By pursuing an associate’s degree in engineering, students will have the knowledge and abilities to look inside a machine or structure to understand how it functions and learn to collaborate with others to produce, test, and support the daily operations of an engineering company. Additionally, they will be expected to solve problems in the projects given to them.

An associate’s degree in engineering’s flexibility will allow students to select from in-person, online, or hybrid classes (hybrid programs are a combination of face-to-face and online courses). Whether one enrolls in an online, on-campus, or hybrid program, one will learn the same skills that undergraduate engineering students do, although they may learn less in terms of overall technical and theoretical knowledge. Apart from projects to undertake, students will be required to take up core courses and electives, along with a few general education courses. Here are some examples of engineering associate degree courses:

Engineering Dynamics

The foundations of particle and rigid body kinematics and kinetics are covered in this course. Newton’s second law, kinematics of particle motion, D’Alembert’s principle, work-energy & momentum methods, work-energy and momentum principles for rigid body motion, kinematics of rigid body motion in two and three dimensions, and an introduction to mechanical vibrations are some of the topics covered in this course.

Computational Methods for Engineers and Scientists

This course discusses the foundations of procedural programming and computational techniques in science and engineering. The course covers topics like approximations, introduction to data structures, floating-point computations, iteration, induction, and recursion, as well as object-oriented programming. Students will use a programming language in laboratory projects to solve problems of algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and elementary physics.

Materials Science

In this course, materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and semiconductors that are used in engineering applications are discussed, along with their internal structures and resulting behaviors. The focus is on acquiring the skills necessary to choose the best materials to meet engineering design requirements and to comprehend how heat, stress, flaws, and chemical environments affect material properties and performance.

Circuits and Devices

This course introduces circuit analysis theory and methods. Resistive circuits with DC sources, circuit laws and nomenclature, ideal operational amplifiers, controlled sources, first- and steady-state sinusoidal analysis, second-order circuit responses that are natural and complete, amplifiers, power calculations, and three-phase circuits are some of the topics covered.

A few other examples of courses are:

Engineering Graphics
Introduction to Engineering
Surveying
Linear Algebra
Ordinary Differential Equations
Physics with Calculus
Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
General Chemistry
Statistics
Analytical Geometry
Engineering CAD
Electric Circuits
General Physics

Some of the general education course requirements would be:

Writing and Inquiry
World Civilizations
College Transfer Success
College Composition
Technical Writing
Social Science
Humanities & Fine Arts

Degree Types for Associate Degree in
Engineering Programs

What Associate Degree in Engineering
Should I Get into?

Engineering is the use of science and math to solve issues and make the world a better place to live in. Students who want to transfer to a four-year engineering degree program should enroll in engineering associate degrees. Alternatively, one could take on various engineering jobs with an associate’s degree. Whatever the choice, engineering is a broad subject, and students would do well to pick a specific degree that aligns with their personal interests and professional goals. Some of the options prospective engineering students can consider are:

Associate’s Degree Audio Engineering
Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
Associate’s Degree in Quality Engineering
Associate Degree in Biomedical Engineering
Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Jobs
Associate Degree in Petroleum Engineering
Associate Degree in Software Engineering
Associate Degree in Chemical Engineering
Associate Degree in Civil And Structural Engineering Design Drafting
Associate Degree in Process Engineering
Associate Degree Mechanical Engineering
Associate Degree Software Engineering
Associates Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology
Associates Degree in Architectural Engineering
Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering Careers Jobs
Associates Degree in Manufacturing Engineering
Associates Degree in Nuclear Engineering
Associates Degree Electronic Engineering
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology
Civil Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Online
Industrial Engineering Associate’s Degree Online
Mechanical Engineering Technician Associate’s Degree
Audio Engineering Associate’s Degree
Environmental Engineering Associate’s Degree
Industrial Engineering Associate’s Degree
Aerospace Engineering Associates Degree
Computer Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree
Electrical Engineering Technology Associate Degree
Civil Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree
Biomedical Engineer Associate’s Degree
Electronic Engineering Associate Degree
Engineering Design Associate’s Degree
Engineering Science Associate’s Degree
Engineering Technology Associate Degree
Manufacturing Engineer Associate Degree
Manufacturing Engineering Technology Associate Degree
Environmental Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree
Electronics Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree
Civil Engineering Associate Degree Online
Civil Engineering Associate’s Degree Online
Online Associate’s Degree in Quality Engineering
Online Biomedical Engineering Associate’s Degree
Online Software Engineering Associate’s Degree
Quality Engineer Associates Degree
Engineering Associates Degree Online
Software Engineering Associate Degree

Areas of Specialization in Associate Degree in
Engineering Programs

Most students would know that they have the option to specialize in a particular field within their chosen subject. While specialization options in most disciplines may be few, in an online associate degree in engineering, students can choose from over 30 to 40 options, depending on their professional goals. Here are a few of them explained:

Area of Specialization	Description	Career Options
Aerospace Engineering	The study of space and air travel is a component of this specialty. This could involve the creation of military aircraft, as well as commercial airline and satellite technology.	Entry-level jobs in aerospace and aeronautical companies.
Structural Engineering	Structural engineering, a subset of civil engineering, focuses on building design and strength. Students learn how buildings are constructed and react to natural factors like erosion, corrosion, wind, and water to ensure their long-term safety.	Entry-level jobs in architectural firms and construction companies.
Computer Engineering	This specialization combines the study of computers and information technology with electrical engineering. Students learn about the nuts and bolts of computer hardware, networking, cloud computing, and more.	Entry-level jobs in computer, networking, cloud computing, cybersecurity, telecommunication, and software companies.
Electronics Engineering	In this specialization, students learn about the design and construction of electronic equipment using circuits, switchboards, and other electronic configurations.	Entry-level jobs in computer, electronic goods manufacturing, telecommunication, and technology companies.
Environmental Engineering	This specialization combines science and engineering to better the environment. Students research the effects of human activity on the environment, such as pollution from production and development processes.	Entry-level jobs in non-profit organizations and environmental, sustainable energy, and recycling companies.
Robotics Engineering	A specialization in robotics engineering is primarily concerned with automation and the use of machinery to help with repetitive jobs like those in manufacturing.	Entry-level jobs in various manufacturing companies.
Civil Engineering	In this specialization, students cover the basics of civil engineering, which involves the development of various infrastructures, including residential and commercial buildings, bridges, roads, railways, etc.	Entry-level jobs in construction, structural development, architectural, and infrastructure companies.
Nuclear Engineering	The nuclear engineering specialization focuses on how to create and harvest nuclear power to use it for various applications, including in the medical and energy sectors. Among other things, students learn how to function in a nuclear power plant and maintain or supervise it.	Entry-level jobs in power plants, government agencies, and consulting firms.
Petroleum Engineering	The petroleum engineering specialization is about getting gas and oil out of the ground. Students learn about new technologies and extraction techniques that are more effective in extraction but less harmful to the environment.	Entry-level jobs in the petroleum and natural gas industries.
Marine Engineering	In this specialization, students learn various ocean technologies, including fixed and floating structures, propulsion and power generators, ships, etc. They also learn about marine transportation and the use of new forms of energy reliant on oceans.	Entry-level jobs at dockyards, seaports, shipyards, shipbuilding firms, or onboard vessels.

Some of the other specializations students can consider include but are not limited to:

Geological Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Electric Engineering
Automotive Engineering
Biomechanical Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Microelectronic Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Materials Science Engineering
Paper Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Photonics Engineering
Mining Engineering
Nanotechnology Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Ceramics Engineering
Geomatics Engineering

Why should I get Associate Degree in
Engineering?

There are many advantages of doing an online associate’s degree in engineering; relative information is available in the Guide to Associate Programs. For starters, with an associates in engineering degree, students will be more hands-on than engineers with four-year bachelor’s degrees. They will discover that an engineering associate degree is very career-focused and because their education is relevant to their future career, students can earn a higher salary with this type of degree program. Moreover, the cost of an associate degree is significantly lower than that of a bachelor’s or master’s degree, which is the most important factor. Whether one attends online or on-campus, one will graduate with about half the debt that an undergraduate engineering graduate has.

So, what can I do with an associates degree in engineering? There is a variety of jobs you can get with an associates degree in engineering, ranging from materials experts and surveyors to mining & geology engineers and health and safety engineers. Graduates may also be hired relatively quickly because many more jobs are available at the entry level than there are for full-fledged engineers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that about 146,000 new engineering jobs will be added between 2020 and 2030.

Some of the skills students with an associate’s degree in engineering online would have acquired include but are not limited to the ability to:

apply communication skills—written, oral, and graphic—in both technical and non-technical settings; locate and use pertinent technical literature;
apply industry safety standards and government regulations to all tasks and work assignments, demonstrating knowledge of both;
use communication and electrical/mechanical troubleshooting techniques to identify, fix, test, and put back in service faulty parts;
create a device, program, or process that satisfies certain criteria using basic engineering principles, methods, and tools;
use industry-approved diagnostic tools proficiently to analyze and diagnose a variety of systems;
identify, formulate, and resolve engineering problems, and use concepts from math, science, and engineering;
formulate and design analyses and deliver their findings verbally, in text, and through graphics;
find, examine, and fix specifically defined technical issues;
conduct experimentation, analyze the data, and make decisions based on engineering judgment; and
show dedication to excellence, promptness, and continuous improvement.

Free Courses for Computer Science Associate
Degree Online Students

Course	Description	Provided by
Topics in Engineering	Udemy, the popular online learning platform, has over 470 free courses on various engineering areas and topics, including mechanical engineering, structural engineering, analog electronics, solar energy, electrical engineering, etc.	Udemy
Topics in Engineering	Engineer4Free is a tutorial site where anyone can learn engineering at the university level at no cost. The site has hundreds of YouTube tutorials on topics such as linear algebra, dynamics, circuits, differential equations, etc.	Engineer4Free
Topics in Engineering	EdX hosts introductory courses (suitable for associate’s students) created by some of the top universities around the world, such as Princeton University, Dartmouth College, Brown University, University of Texas Arlington, etc., and reputed companies such as IBM and The Linux Foundation.	EdX

How to get into the Associate Degree
in Engineering Programs?

How Long does it take to complete the Associate Degree in
Engineering Programs

Accelerated Associate Degree in
Engineering Programs

Most colleges allow students to enroll part-time for an online associate’s degree engineering, but very few will let them finish earlier than the typical 2-years. At best, students may be able to complete their studies two to three months sooner than expected, depending on their specialty, coursework, and the institution. However, some colleges offer accelerated degrees with a slightly different twist – they let students finish their associate’s program and then transfer most or all their credits into a bachelor’s program, thereby reducing the overall duration of their bachelor’s degree.

Accreditations for Associate Degree in
Engineering Programs

How to Pay for an Associate Degree in
Engineering Program?

FAQs Related to the Associate Degree in
Engineering Programs

What is an associate degree in engineering?

Can you be a software engineer with an associate’s degree?

What can you do with an associate in engineering?

Where can you get an associates degree in engineering?

Is an associates degree in engineering worth anything?

Is a diploma in engineering equivalent to an associate degree?

Is engineering hard to study?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Associate
Degree in Engineering Programs

Although the jobs you can get with an associate’s degree in engineering are at the entry-level, graduates can find work in a wide range of settings and varied roles. Any advanced career or position will require additional education, certifications, and/or licensure. Some of the roles engineering associate’s degree holders take up include but are not limited to:

Surveyor
Materials Engineer
Health & Safety Engineer
Mining & Geological Engineer
Petroleum Engineer
Operations Research Analyst
Landscape Architect
Natural Science Manager
Marine Engineer & Naval Architect
Materials Scientist
Supervisor
Draftsman

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), engineering occupations are projected to grow 6% percent from 2020 to 2030, and the median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations was $79,840 in May 2021. Here are some examples of associate’s degree in engineering jobs, their median annual salaries, and job growth, as reported by the BLS:

Occupation	Job Description	Skills Required	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2030)
Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians	Technologists and technicians specializing in electro-mechanical and mechatronics combine their understanding of mechanical engineering with electrical and electronic circuitry. They control, test, and maintain electromechanical, robotic, or automated machinery.	Logical-thinking skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, math skills, mechanical skills, writing skills, dexterity, detail-oriented	$60,360	2% (decline)
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Highways, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure projects are planned, designed, and built with the assistance of civil engineering technologists and technicians. They also aid in developing land development projects as well as commercial, industrial, residential, and building projects.	Observation skills, math skills, decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, critical-thinking skills, writing skills	$58,320	2% (slower than average)
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians	The plans that environmental engineers create are implemented by environmental engineering technologists and technicians. Their work enables environmental engineers to develop controls, preventative measures, and mitigation strategies for the harm that pollution and other environmental issues cause.	Observation skills, critical-thinking skills, communication skills, reading skills, problem-solving skills	$48,390	8% (as fast as average)
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Technologists and technicians in industrial engineering assist engineers in resolving issues with manufacturing layout or production. They create workflow designs, machinery and equipment plans, statistical production studies, and cost of production analyses.	Math skills, observational skills, analytical skills, critical-thinking skills, communication skills, detail-oriented	$60,220	4% (slower than average)
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians assist electrical and electronics engineers in designing and developing equipment that uses electricity or electric currents. They frequently work in product evaluation and testing, testing, adjusting, and repairing equipment with the aid of measuring and diagnostic tools.	Problem-solving skills, math skills, writing skills, mechanical skills, communication skills, detail-oriented	$63,640	2% (slower than average)
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	The design, development, testing, and production of tools, engines, machines, and other devices are assisted by mechanical engineering technologists and technicians. They create rough layouts and sketches, record and examine data, and present their findings.	Mechanical skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, math skills, detail-oriented	$60,460	6% (as fast as average)

Certifications and Licensing for Associate Degree in
Engineering Students

Additional Resources for Associate Degree in
Engineering Students

It is rather evident that engineering is a very vast area of study. There are advances in each specialty area of engineering, such as mechanical, electrical, or civil, every so often, making it imperative for students and working professionals to stay up to date. Moreover, networking with peers and tapping into valuable resources will help to a large extent, be it in one’s studies or one’s career. To that end, here are a few professional organizations and resources to explore:

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the sole national organization dedicated to resolving the professional concerns facing licensed PEs in all engineering specialties, provides a wealth of resources such as a job board, tips, leadership advice, free on-demand courses, and more.

Engineering.com

Engineering.com is an organization that aims “to inform, inspire and engage engineering minds to be and do better.” This website has eBooks & papers, project resources, tools & software, games, access to webinars, and several other resources.

American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), founded in 1893, is a nonprofit group of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing engineering and engineering technology education. ASEE has an active community of engineers, an academy of fellows, engineering courses, publications & media, and more.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the largest technical professional association in the world that works to advance technology for the good of all. IEEE provides its members various benefits, including conferences, publications, technology standards, and professional & educational initiatives.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is the largest supporter and driver of change for women in engineering and technology. Membership to SEW provides awards & challenges, youth & professional programs, scholarships, a magazine, access to events and conferences, and a whole lot more.

Depending on the chosen sub-field of engineering, students and professionals can join or make use of the following professional organizations:

American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES)
American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
American Society for Precision Engineering (ASPE)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE)
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
National Association of Power Engineers (NAPE)
National Association of Rocketry (NAR)
Society of American Value Engineers (SAVE)
Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE)
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE)
Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.

Univ	Address
Bucks County Community College	275 Swamp Rd, Newtown, Pennsylvania 18940

Univ	Address
California University of Pennsylvania	250 University Ave, California, Pennsylvania 15419

Univ	Address
Central Texas College	6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Killeen, Texas 76549

Univ	Address
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College	3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223

Univ	Address
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus	ENMU Station 2, 1500 S Ave K, Portales, New Mexico 88130

Univ	Address
ECPI University	5555 Greenwich Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

Univ	Address
Grantham University	16025 West 113th Street, Lenexa, Kansas 66219

Associate Degree in Engineering

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Best Associate Degree inEngineering Programs

What to Expect from the AssociateDegree in Engineering Programs

Engineering Dynamics

Computational Methods for Engineers and Scientists

Materials Science

Circuits and Devices

Degree Types for Associate Degree inEngineering Programs

Associate of Arts in Engineering (AAE)

Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)

What Associate Degree in EngineeringShould I Get into?

Areas of Specialization in Associate Degree inEngineering Programs

Why should I get Associate Degree inEngineering?

Free Courses for Computer Science AssociateDegree Online Students

How to get into the Associate Degreein Engineering Programs?

How Long does it take to complete the Associate Degree inEngineering Programs

Accelerated Associate Degree inEngineering Programs

Accreditations for Associate Degree inEngineering Programs

How to Pay for an Associate Degree inEngineering Program?

FAQs Related to the Associate Degree inEngineering Programs