What is engineering?
Engineering is the art of applying scientific and mathematical principles, experience, judgment, and common sense to make things that benefit people. Engineers are problem solvers. They improve and develop products to meet consumer and societal needs. They find ways for existing products to work better, last longer, operate more safely, and cost less. They also look for innovative solutions to global problems. Engineers have designed nearly every man-made article around you. As an engineer you might work on projects such as designing computer circuitry, enhancing biomedical devices, improving transportation systems, designing fuel efficient vehicles, or cleaning up toxic waste.
About the program
The Century College Engineering program includes all of the basic courses needed for transfer into most major engineering disciplines such as Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical among others. Engineering class sizes never exceed 30 students allowing for a dynamic learning environment and easily accessible faculty. Innovative teaching methods such as team building, design emphasis, project assignments, and creative problem solving are utilized extensively in Century’s engineering curriculum. The program includes lots of “hands on” engineering design projects made possible in part by the recent move into our new state of the art Engineering laboratory.
The engineering transfer program offers a schedule of sequenced classes in mathematics, physics, and engineering science that begin in the fall semester. Classes are also available for students who lack the necessary prerequisites or who need a review before beginning the standard sequence. The Engineering AS degree and Articulation agreements make transfer a snap.
Program description
Do you like math and science? Do you like designing and building stuff? Are you a highly motivated person who is self disciplined and is willing to work hard? If so, the Century College Engineering Program may be the right fit for you.
Engineering is a rewarding career and the future employment outlook is excellent. Currently the starting annual salary for engineers is around $50,000 and climbing.
The program consists of the first two years of a baccalaureate degree in engineering. While most of students transfer to the University of Minnesota, you can also transfer to other engineering schools in the state and throughout the nation.
What makes our program special is the blend of hands-on learning and theory. We integrate design experiences into all of our engineering classes because we feel that the best way to understand engineering is "to do engineering".
Our new state-of-the-art fabrication lab (or ‘fab lab' as we like to call it) is aligned with MIT's highly successful fab lab network. In our ‘fab lab', you'll get to build all sorts of structures, machines, mechanisms, and circuits.
Program points of pride
Our Introduction to Engineering Class has been highly successful to introducing students to exciting and rewarding engineering careers. In this class you learn engineering by doing engineering projects including a capstone design experience where you build a robot.
In our state of the art fabrication lab you can build just about anything. It includes a rapid prototyping machine, laser cutter, CNC mini mill, and other machine tools.
Our Century College/University of Minnesota 2+2 program takes the guesswork out of transfer. Our articulation agreement spells out exactly what courses you need to take before transferring to the University of Minnesota.
The Century College Advisory Committee provides the department with valuable advice that ensures that the education you receive is relevant and prepares you for transfer and for your engineering career.
Student points of pride
The Engineering club allows you to do more than coursework and provides you with a network of colleagues that you can socialize with or do projects. Past projects include building a remote controlled semiautonomous robot and fabricating an electricity producing wind turbine.
At the Century College Robot show you get to see all sorts of interesting contraptions. The public is invited to the show where Introduction to Engineering students display their inventions that are judged by practicing engineers.
Transfer information
After completing the engineering program at Century you will need to transfer to a 4-year college or university to complete your B.S. degree in your chosen engineering discipline. The transfer process is very easy because of articulation agreements that have been worked out with our academic partners.
The transfer process will go very smoothly if you have done the following 4 things:
- Select an engineering specialty, such as Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.
- Determine the four-year college or university you plan to transfer to.
- Develop a plan for coursework that includes the core courses, the MNTC requirements, all courses for one engineering specialty.
- Periodically check for any changes in the transfer guide sheets in the Career & Academic Planning Center and talk with a counselor.
Once you have completed the courses required for transfer, you simply call, write, or e-mail the college you wish to transfer to. You should do this in the January before the fall semester you plan to attend the 4-year school. Many colleges do not need you to act this early but it never hurts to be ahead. The 4- year school will ask you to fill out an application and sent an official transcript. If you have done the proper planning, all the courses you have taken in the engineering curriculum will transfer.
Articulation agreements
Century College has worked out articulation agreements with several Minnesota universities that ensure a hassle free transfer process. To view the agreements click on any of the links below. If you decide to transfer to a different college or university, don’t worry; transfer to any engineering institution is usually quite easy with a little planning. A century college academic counselor is ready to assist in putting together a plan that is right for you.
Career opportunities
Engineers work across the spectrum of industries. The largest percentage is in manufacturing industries including electrical and electronic equipment, industrial machinery, aircraft and related parts, motor vehicles, chemical products, search and navigation equipment etc. Engineers are also employed in construction services, research and development, testing, and consulting services. Engineers also work in communications, utilities and computer industries. Government agencies hire engineers in defense, transportation, agriculture, energy, and teaching.
Unemployment among engineers is extremely low relative to the population at large.
Links
Colleges and Universities
Engineering Organizations