North Carolina Community Colleges
Engineering Programs
Engineering and pre-engineering programs at community colleges in this state. Calculus, physics, and intro engineering for transfer to four-year programs.
38 colleges · 154 sections · 15 unique courses · Spring 2026
Two distinct engineering pathways run through North Carolina community colleges: the transfer-track pre-engineering associate that articulates to a bachelor's in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering at a four-year school, and the engineering-technology associate (AAS) that prepares students directly for industrial-tech, manufacturing-engineering-tech, and CAD-drafter careers. The 154 sections across 38 NCCCS institutions cover both — calculus and physics for the transfer track, applied automation and materials for the AAS.
Engineering proper (the licensed P.E. profession) requires a bachelor's from an ABET-accredited program. CC's role is to provide the first two years at lower cost, especially the heavy calculus and physics sequence that many four-year programs treat as a weed-out. The engineering-technology track is a complete career credential on its own — graduates work as technicians, lab specialists, and field engineers without continuing to a bachelor's.
Earnings & outcomes for Engineering graduates
Federal College Scorecard data on what graduates of this program actually earn after completion. Where a school’s cohort is too small to publish, we show the national benchmark for the same field of study.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, per-program (4-digit CIP) data. CIP 1401 — Engineering, General. School cohorts are suppressed by the federal source when fewer than ~30 completers in the reporting cohort.
Colleges offering Engineering
Engineering Availability Snapshot
How engineering sections are being offered across 38 colleges in North Carolina this term (154 sections total).
Delivery format
- in person124 (81%)
- online19 (12%)
- hybrid8 (5%)
- zoom3 (2%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)59
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)48
- Evening (5 PM and after)14
- Asynchronous / TBA33
Start dates
Sections begin on 20 distinct dates. 15 late-start more than two weeks after the term's earliest start.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 93 distinct instructors across 38 colleges.
Common Engineering courses
- EGR 150Intro to Engineering(72 sections)
- EGR 220Engineering Statics(21 sections)
- EGR 285Design Project(16 sections)
- EGR 250Statics/Strength of Mater(11 sections)
- EGR 125Appl Software for Tech(10 sections)
- EGR 110Intro to Engineering Tech(4 sections)
- EGR 212Logic System Design I(4 sections)
- EGR 225Engineering Dynamics(3 sections)
- EGR 228Intro to Solid Mechanics(3 sections)
- EGR 252Strength of Materials(3 sections)
- EGR 115Intro to Technology(2 sections)
- EGR 214Num Methods for Engineers(2 sections)
Career outlook for Engineering graduates
Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for the primary career outcome of this program (2024 OEWS release). Compare North Carolina’s typical pay to the national picture before choosing where to study.
North Carolina's typical pay is about 4% above the typical state — a strong sign of healthy local demand.
Wage data reflects all workers in the occupation, not just recent CC graduates — entry-level pay is typically lower. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I become an engineer with just an associate degree?
- Not in the licensed-engineer sense — the P.E. (Professional Engineer) license requires a bachelor's from an ABET-accredited program. But you can absolutely work as an engineering technologist, engineering technician, or specialized field role (CAD drafter, surveying technician, manufacturing technician) with the AAS in engineering technology.
- Does the pre-engineering associate transfer cleanly to a four-year program?
- Largely yes if you follow the structured pre-engineering pathway — Calculus I/II/III, Differential Equations, Physics with Calculus, Chemistry I, and intro engineering. Programs vary in which discipline they're best aligned to (mechanical vs electrical vs civil); confirm with the target four-year school before enrolling. Engineering majors are tightly sequenced and a missing prerequisite can cost a semester.
- What's the difference between engineering and engineering technology?
- Engineering programs focus on theory and design — you'll work as a P.E. designing new systems. Engineering technology programs focus on applying existing designs — you'll work as a technician building, testing, or maintaining systems engineers have specified. Both are good careers; ET grads earn solid wages and don't need a bachelor's.
- Is the math required for engineering at a community college?
- Yes, and that's one of the strongest reasons to start at CC. The Calculus I → II → III → Differential Equations sequence is the same content at CC and four-year, but CC class sizes are smaller and tuition is much lower. Many engineering students who struggled with high-school math intentionally take the calculus sequence at CC before transferring.
Compare Engineering programs in other states
Same comparison view, different state systems. Useful if you’re considering an out-of-state community college or just want to see how North Carolina’s engineering programs stack up.
Other programs in North Carolina
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.