Engineering

It depends on your goals.

• If you want to start working sooner in a hands-on role, the Engineering Technology (AAS) path may be a good fit.
• If you plan to transfer to a four-year university and become an engineer, the Engineering (AS) path is the better choice.

Both paths build strong problem-solving skills and prepare you for careers in engineering-related fields.

Engineering focuses more on theory, design, and advanced problem-solving. Engineers often need a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Engineering technology focuses on applying those ideas in real-world settings. As an engineering technology student, you’ll learn how to build, test, operate, and maintain systems. Engineering technicians are often hired with a two-year associate degree. 

You may work closely with engineers to bring designs to life, run tests, collect data, and help improve processes.

In the Engineering Technology (AAS) program, you’ll build practical, hands-on skills used in the field. Topics may include:

• Safety and tools
• Electricity and electronics
• Computer-aided design (CAD)
• Materials and manufacturing processes
• Quality assurance and system reliability

You’ll learn how to work on a project from start to finish, from initial plans to final production.

The Engineering (AS) program is designed for transfer to a university. You’ll build a strong foundation in:

• Math and physics
• Chemistry
• Engineering fundamentals

These courses prepare you to continue into a bachelor’s degree in fields like mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical, or biomedical engineering.

Yes. The Engineering (AS) degree is designed to transfer to Texas public universities.

San Jac also participates in the Voluntary Mechanical Engineering Transfer Compact, which helps ensure your credits transfer to participating schools if you’re accepted into a mechanical engineering program.

Keep in mind that you’ll still need to meet the admission requirements of the university, such as GPA or testing requirements.

The Voluntary Mechanical Engineering Transfer Compact includes 77 percent of Texas public universities that offer mechanical engineering and 75 percent of public community or technical colleges that offer lower-division engineering courses. This agreement helps ensure your credits transfer if you’re accepted into a participating university’s mechanical engineering program.

Engineering skills are used in many industries. Depending on your path, you could pursue careers in:

• Mechanical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Industrial engineering

With an Engineering Technology degree, you may work in roles that support engineering teams, helping build, test, and maintain systems.

Yes. You can begin with shorter certificates that build into the Engineering Technology (AAS) degree. The Manufacturing Foundations Occupational Certificate introduces basic skills used in manufacturing, safety, and production.

From there, you can continue into the Automated Manufacturing Certificate of Technology. This will help you develop more advanced skills in automation, systems, and equipment used in modern manufacturing environments.

These certificates are part of a stackable pathway. As you complete the Manufacturing Foundations and Automated Manufacturing certificates, you’ll build skills that apply directly to the Engineering Technology AAS degree.

This allows you to gain experience, earn credentials along the way, and continue working toward a degree at your own pace.