Associate of Science in Environmental Engineering Tacoma Community College

TCC’s Associate of Science in Civil and Mechanical Engineering Degree is a state-recognized Major Related Program (MRP) designed to provide a pathway for students who plan to transfer to a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering. Students planning to transfer to Environmental, Aeronautical or Industrial Engineering should also follow this pathway. Environmental Engineers design solutions to local and worldwide environmental issues (often a subset of Civil Engineers).

After completing the degree courses, the student must apply to graduate with the AS MRP degree. Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to transfer to most four-year colleges and universities as juniors. Entry into many engineering programs is competitive. Completion of this degree does not guarantee admission into a specific engineering program. Courses in this pathway are relevant for multiple majors, so a course may apply to one particular major, but not another. Students should work with advisors at TCC and their university advisors to make sure that all entry requirements are met. Students should check with their transfer institution for admission requirements, including an overall minimum GPA, a higher GPA in a selected subset of courses, or a specific minimum grade in one or more courses such as math or English.

Admission deadlines for transfer institutions vary and students are required to meet the transfer admission deadline of their intended transfer institution. Students are encouraged to enroll in math and science sequence courses at a single institution and, if possible, not break up sequenced courses between institutions.

• Apply knowledge of mathematics and science to engineering-related programs
• Design a system, component, program or process to meet desired needs
• Conduct scientific experiments, analyze and interpret the resulting data
• Communicate design ideas and solutions to engineering-related problems or results of scientific experiments effectively
• Use both English and mathematical languages to communicate ideas and solutions
• Function effectively on a team to produce a cohesive and professional work product

While in high school, students should pursue all of the available courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology, computer programming, and physics. Post-high school, students may need to take additional math and science courses to meet requirements.

• Students must complete at least 108 credits for this degree. Because many of these classes require pre-requisites, the total number of credits may exceed 108
• At least 30 credits must be earned at TCC.
• A GPA of 2.0 is required.
• Students must take at least one course from the list of approved multicultural courses.

Basic Requirements (15 credits)

• ENGL& 101
• MATH&151, 152

Humanities and Social Sciences (15 credits)

• Humanities course from approved class list - ENGR& 114* recommended
• Social science course from approved class list – ENGR& 104* recommended
• Humanities or Social Science credits from approved list.

Required Specialization Courses (58 credits)

• ENGR& 214, 215, 225
• PHYS& 221, 222, 223
• MATH& 153, MATH 220, 238
• CHEM& 161, 162

In addition to technical, scientific, and problem-solving skills, engineers rely heavily on teamwork and strong communication skills to manage projects effectively. These skills apply to a wide range of careers in areas such as research and development, project design, project management, teaching, sales, and consulting. Potential employers include firms in engineering, aerospace, and manufacturing, and navigation Firms as well as government agencies, colleges, and universities.