Engineering, A.S.
Prairie State College’s Engineering A.S. program offers a solid foundation in engineering principles, mathematics, and sciences. Ideal for students planning to transfer to a four-year university, this program also provides essential skills for entry-level engineering careers.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Engineering?
With this degree, you can transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue
a bachelor’s degree in various engineering disciplines. It also prepares you for entry-level
positions in manufacturing, construction, design, and technical support roles. The
program provides a pathway to a rewarding career in engineering, design, and problem-solving
in diverse industries.
Graduates with an Associate in Science in Engineering are prepared to transfer to
four-year engineering programs or related fields. Careers in mechanical, civil, electrical,
or industrial engineering are possible with further education. The demand for engineers
continues to grow as industries focus on innovation, infrastructure, and technology,
offering a promising outlook for those with a strong technical background.
Suggested Curriculum
Engineers apply scientific principles to solve practical problems. The first two years
focus on math, chemistry, and physics, with advanced courses in later years. Prairie
State College offers equivalent courses and an Associate in Science degree. Choose
your engineering specialty and transfer school early, and consult with an advisor
to meet specific course and grade requirements for successful transfer.
Area A: Communication (9 credits)
- ENG 101 Composition I (C1 900) - with a grade of C or better
- ENG 102 Composition II (C1 901R) - with a grade of C or better
- COMM 101 Principles of Communication (C2 900)
Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (6 credits)
Select two courses from the list for Area B with one course from humanities and one course from fine arts.
Area C: Mathematics (5 credits)
- MATH 171 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (M1 900-1; MTH 901) *
Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (7-8 credits)
PHYSI 210 University Physics I (P2 900L; PHY 911) *
Select one life science course (3-4)
Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
Select two courses in two different disciplines from list for Area E.
ECON 202 Microeconomic Principles (S3 902) recommended
Select one MATH course and one ASTRO, BIOL, CHEM, ENGR, GEOG (not GEOG 101), GEOLO, METEO, PHYSC, or PHYSI course from the list for Courses Approved for Transfer to qualify for an A.S. degree. Each course must be 3 credits or more. This IAI major panel recommends that the courses below are taken to meet this requirement as they are typically taken by freshmen and sophomores at universities for this specific major.
Essential Engineering prerequisite courses:
- CHEM 110 General Chemistry I (P1 902L; CHM 911)
- ITPRG 144 C++ Programming I (CS 911) **
- MATH 172 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (M1 900-2; MTH 902) *
- MATH 173 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (M1 900-3; MTH 903) *
- MATH 216 Differential Equations (MTH 912)
- PHYSI 220 University Physics II (PHY 912) *
Suggested IAI courses for Chemical Engineering:
- CHEM 130 General Chemistry II (CHM 912)
- CHEM 203 Organic Chemistry I (CHM 913)
- CHEM 204 Organic Chemistry II (CHM 914)
Suggested IAI courses for Aeronautical, Civil, Industrial, Manufacturing, and Mechanical Engineering, and Engineering Mechanics:
- ENGR 210 Engineering Statics (EGR 942)
- ENGR 211 Engineering Dynamics (EGR 943)
Suggested IAI courses for Computer or Electrical Engineering:
- ITPRG 244 C++ Programming II (CS 912) **
*Students should complete entire course sequences in calculus and physics at the same school before transfer, since topics are covered in different orders by different schools.
**Students should consult with their advisor to confirm this is the appropriate computer programming course.
Be aware that because of differences among schools in the number of credits for which various courses are offered, and the possible need for prerequisite courses, it may be difficult to complete an Associate in Science degree without taking more credits than will be accepted in transfer. You are unlikely to earn the bachelor’s degree within 2 more years after transfer if you enter with less than 68 semester credits from the courses listed above.
Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.
Prairie State College provides a comprehensive array of resources designed to foster student success and well-being. These include disability support services, health and safety protocols, career development counseling, and personal support. Academic assistance is readily available through tutoring, advising, and library services, while transfer advising and campus security ensure a safe and seamless college experience. Additionally, the college offers various financial aid options to help students achieve their educational objectives.
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transition to your next academic goal.
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Whether you're choosing the right classes, planning your transfer, or exploring career
options, our advisors are here to support you every step of the way. Don't wait—contact
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