Program Overview
The Associate of Pre-Engineering (APE) combines the completion of all General Education courses with the courses necessary to achieve major status at Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) transfer institutions in Chemical, Civil/Environmental, Computer, Electrical, Materials Science, and Mechanical Engineering. This program is designed to align with the first two years of a four-year engineering degree, offering a strong technical and general education foundation.
Career Opportunities
Students completing the Engineering APE degree are prepared to transfer into a bachelor's degree program, leading to career opportunities in a wide range of engineering fields, including:
Chemical Engineering
- Process Engineer: Design and optimize chemical processes for industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, and energy
- Petroleum Engineer: Develop techniques to extract oil and gas efficiently and sustainably
- Biochemical Engineer: Work on creating sustainable biofuels or engineering medical devices like drug-delivery systems
Civil/Environmental Engineering
- Structural Engineer: Design and analyze buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure for safety and durability
- Environmental Consultant: Develop solutions for environmental challenges such as pollution, waste management, and climate change adaptation
- Water Resources Engineer: Plan and manage water systems, including dams, canals, and urban water supply networks
Computer Engineering
- Embedded Systems Engineer: Design microcontrollers and processors used in devices like smartphones, appliances, and robotics
- Cybersecurity Engineer: Develop secure systems to protect data and networks from cyber threats
- AI/ML Specialist: Work on artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, including self-driving cars and predictive analytics
Electrical Engineering
- Power Systems Engineer: Design and maintain electrical grids and renewable energy systems
- Telecommunications Engineer: Develop communication networks, including 5G technologies and satellite systems
- Robotics Engineer: Create and improve robotic systems for manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration
Materials Science Engineering
- Nanotechnology Engineer: Develop materials at the nanoscale for applications in electronics, medicine, and energy
- Metallurgical Engineer: Work with metals to create stronger, lighter, or more durable products
- Polymer Scientist: Develop new plastics and polymers for use in industries like aerospace, automotive, and biomedicine
Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineer: Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion systems
- Automotive Engineer: Innovate in vehicle design, including electric and autonomous vehicles
- Renewable Energy Engineer: Develop wind turbines, solar panels, and other clean energy technologies
Each of these career options offers the potential to impact industries, solve global challenges, and drive technological innovation.
Engineering careers are diverse and in high demand, offering competitive salaries and opportunities for innovation and problem-solving.
What You Will Learn
- Understand engineering principles as they relate to specific fields of study.
- Develop engineering computing skills and use them to solve problems.
- Demonstrate competence of technical writing and communication of technical concepts.
- Communicate engineering information in appropriate graphical format.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate mathematical tools necessary to perform engineering calculations.
- Solve complex problems in engineering and science using critical thinking skills and an effective problem-solving strategy.
- Interpret experimental data.
Estimated Cost
Course fees: $95
Career Outlook
Some careers shown require further education beyond this program.
Additional Information
Specialized Accreditation
The program adheres to standards set by ABET-accredited transfer institutions, ensuring students receive rigorous preparation consistent with the expectations of upper-division engineering programs.