Washington 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.
20 colleges · 75 sections · 32 unique courses · Fall 2026 · Updated today
Two distinct engineering pathways run through Washington 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 75 sections across 20 SBCTC 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.
Colleges offering Engineering
Pick a college to see its full plan — every required course, which ones transfer to the school you want, and what’s open now.
Engineering is a transfer program — community colleges offer the coursework; you earn the degree, and its earnings, at a four-year university. See where it transfers →
Engineering Availability Snapshot
How engineering sections are being offered across 20 colleges in Washington this term (75 sections total).
Delivery format
- hybrid32 (43%)
- in person29 (39%)
- online14 (19%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)15
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)27
- Evening (5 PM and after)1
- Asynchronous / TBA32
Start dates
Sections begin on 5 distinct dates. 1 late-start more than two weeks after the term's earliest start.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 36 distinct instructors across 20 colleges.
Degree requirements by college
Expand a college to see the courses required for graduation. Data sourced from each college's official catalog.
Bates Technical College2 programs
Bellevue College8 programs
Bellingham Technical College7 programs
Cascadia College4 programs
Centralia College3 programs
Clark College9 programs
Edmonds College16 programs
Green River College7 programs
Highline College5 programs
Lake Washington Institute of Technology5 programs
Olympic College6 programs
Pierce College District3 programs
Renton Technical College9 programs
Shoreline Community College4 programs
Skagit Valley College7 programs
South Puget Sound Community College3 programs
Spokane Community College5 programs
Tacoma Community College6 programs
Yakima Valley College3 programs
Common Engineering courses
- ENGR 100Engineering Orientation(10 sections)
- ENGR 111Introduction to Engineering: Mechanical Modeling and Analysis(7 sections)
- ENGR 121Field Survey I(5 sections)
- ENGR 110Engineering Orientation(5 sections)
- ENGR 101Introduction to Engineering(5 sections)
- ENGR 105Wheeler Innovation Lab Qualifications(4 sections)
- ENGR 231Technical Writing(3 sections)
- ENGR 109Introduction to Engineering(2 sections)
- ENGR 113Engineering Sketching and Visualization(2 sections)
- ENGR 140Basic Autocad(2 sections)
- ENGR 150Basic Solidworks(2 sections)
- ENGR 201Fundamentals of Materials Science(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 Washington’s typical pay to the national picture before choosing where to study.
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 Washington’s engineering programs stack up.
Other programs in Washington
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.