The Career
Engineers apply math and science principles to develop practical solutions to technical problems. They design products, machinery to build those products and the plants in which those products are made. Engineers also design the systems that ensure the quality of the products and the efficiency of the workforce and manufacturing process.
In addition, these professionals design, plan and supervise the construction of buildings, highways and transit systems. Engineers develop and implement improved ways to extract, process and use raw materials such as minerals, petroleum and biomass.
Moreover, they harness the power of the sun and resources from the Earth to meet the energy needs of society. To this end, engineers analyze the impact of the products they develop or the systems they design on the environment and the people using them.
Professional Traits
Those pursuing a career in engineering should:
- Have an aptitude for math and science
- Be able to analyze, compare and interpret facts and figures quickly
- Clearly communicate the results of their work to clients and managers both verbally and in writing
- Be good at working with people, business systems and computers
Employment Opportunities
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these categories of engineers are expected to have employment growth over the projected decade: mechanical engineers at nine percent, electrical engineers and chemical engineers at six percent and civil engineers at 19 percent.
Median wage and salary earnings are:
| Civil Engineer: |
$77,560 |
| Mechanical Engineer: |
$78,280 |
| Electrical Engineer: |
$87,180 |
| Chemical Engineer: |
$90,300 |
The Program
ECC offers its engineering students a complete two-year program which includes the basic physics and calculus classes, as well as upperlevel science and engineering electives. Students participate in classroom design and robotics projects.
Class sizes are small and students have the opportunity to receive individual help when necessary. With the ECC Associate of Science Degree in Transfer Engineering, students are able to focus on any of the 15 different fields of engineering.
Admission Requirements
Students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (please note: some coursework requires minimum placement results)
Transfer Options
East Central College engineering students transfer to four-year engineering programs with a very high completion rate. They benefit from an articulation agreement and 30-plus year history of successful transfer to the Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Transferring credit is decided by the bachelor degree-granting institution, not ECC. Students are advised to contact any four-year college or university they are interested in as soon as possible so the appropriate classes can be taken at ECC.
Accreditation
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
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