The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in the order in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in a semester, you should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below. Some courses have been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” . Should you need (or want) to take classes in the summer and/or winter intersessions, the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed schedule of the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate Degree”. If you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only required to take the courses marked “Program Requirement” .
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer) require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” , be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
The Engineering program provides students with a fundamental knowledge of engineering and familiarizes them with modern engineering design tools and skills. In addition, students will be prepared for engineering internship opportunities or entry-level industrial jobs, through developing skills in areas such as as computer drafting, solid modeling, circuit build and design, and problem solving. Upon completion of this program, students will also have a strong academic foundation in the field and be prepared for upper division baccalaureate study.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate basic knowledge of engineering principles of design and analysis, and exhibit effective communication skills and ethical behavior as shown through their written work, teamwork, and lab work.
Icon Key
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Gateway Course
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Program Requirement
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General Education
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Appropriate for Intersession
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Available Online
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Global Citizenship
NOTE: This transfer and/or degree program may also be completed using CSU General Education or SMC General Education (instead of IGETC). You should meet with a counselor to discuss which general education pattern is most appropriate based on your goal(s).
Semester 1
16 Units
An intensive preparation for calculus. This course is intended for computer science, engineering, mathematics and natural science majors. Topics include algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and their inverses and identities, conic sections, sequences, series, the binomial theorem and mathematical induction.
- Prerequisite: MATH 20 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 32
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This course is an introduction to the methods and tools of engineering problem solving and design, including the interface of the engineer with society and engineering ethics. While addressing the branches of engineering, the functions of an engineer, and the industries in which engineers work, this course examines the engineering education pathways and explores effective academic strategies. Communication skills pertinent to the engineering profession are also addressed.
This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 21B or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 22
- Prerequisite: ESL 19B or
- Prerequisite: Group A on the Placement Test
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
required for CSU; elective for UC
See the full list: IGETC Area 1C Course
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
or COUNS 1 (1 unit)
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 2
16 Units
This first course in calculus is intended primarily for science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors. Topics include limits, continuity, and derivatives and integrals of algebraic and trigonometric functions, with mathematical and physical applications.
- Prerequisite: MATH 2 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 3 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 4
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
Chemistry 10 is a survey of introductory chemistry topics with a laboratory component. It is intended as preparation for Chemistry major or those planning to go into a STEM major or as a way to fulfill the science general education requirement. It introduces the main concepts and principles of chemistry and serves as a prerequisite for the General Chemistry sequence (CHEM 11 and CHEM 12). Emphasis is placed on understanding basic chemical principles and their quantitative application in various settings. Experimental techniques, including the safe and competent handling of chemicals and laboratory equipment will also be part of the course.
- Prerequisite: MATH 31 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 49
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This is a beginning course intended for students who plan to take additional computer science courses. The course covers an introduction to programming concepts such as designing, coding and testing. Other concepts such as computer hardware, operating systems, compilers and databases are also discussed. The Internet and an introduction to cybersecurity and cloud computing are also included.
advisory course for CS 50
This course helps students to develop their critical thinking and writing skills beyond the level achieved in English 1. The course emphasizes the application of logical reasoning, analysis, and strategies of argumentation in critical thinking and writing, using literature (both fiction and non-fiction) and literary criticism as subject matter.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
Semester 3
15 Units
This second course in calculus is intended primarily for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors. Topics include derivatives and integrals of transcendental functions with mathematical and physical applications, indeterminate forms and improper integrals, infinite sequences and series, and curves, including conic sections, described by parametric equations and polar coordinates.
- Prerequisite: MATH 7
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This course will include a review of the concepts of structured programming, error checking, sorting, searching, data types, advanced array handling methods, pointers, and data structures. Applications in business, mathematics, and science will be discussed.
- Skills Advisory: CS 3
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 2
This course is the first semester of a two-semester, standard first year college chemistry course (Chemistry 11 and Chemistry 12). It introduces the fields of physical, analytical, inorganic, and organic chemistry. Topics to be discussed include atomic structure, chemical bonding, common types of reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and the properties of gases, liquids, and solids.
only required for transfer
- Prerequisite: CHEM 10 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 20 and
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This course serves as a preparation for calculus-based physics. It serves as an introduction to classical mechanics, including concepts and principles pertinent to the mechanics of solids. It also prepares students for handling data and analysis at the level required in Physics 8 and 21.
- Skills Advisory: MATH 2 or
- Skills Advisory: MATH 3 and
- Skills Advisory: MATH 4
Semester 4
16 Units
This course is a calculus-based study of the mechanics of rigid bodies, emphasizing Newton’s laws and its applications. This course includes an introduction to fluids. It is designed for engineering, physical science, and computer science majors.
- Prerequisite: MATH 7
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
Topics include vectors and analytic geometry in two and three dimensions, vector functions with applications, partial derivatives, extrema, Lagrange Multipliers, multiple integrals with applications, vector fields. Green's Theorem, the Divergence Theorem, and Stokes' Theorem.
only required for transfer
- Prerequisite: MATH 8
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This course covers the principles of engineering drawings to visually communicate engineering designs. The course also serves as an introduction to computer-aided design (CAD). Topics include the development of visualization skills, orthographic projections, dimensioning and tolerancing practices, and an introduction to the engineering design process. Sketching, engineering drawings, and 3D CAD solid modeling skills are developed. The use of CAD software is an integral part of the course.
- Prerequisite: MATH 2 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 3 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 4
This course covers basic principles of static equilibrium in two and three dimensions utilizing vector analysis and Newton's laws. Various structures are considered which include trusses, frames, machines, and beams.
- Prerequisite: PHYSCS 21 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 7
Semester 5
14 Units
This course is a calculus-based study of fluids, waves, thermodynamics, and light intended for engineering and physical science students.
- Prerequisite: PHYSCS 21 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 8
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This course is an introduction to ordinary differential equations. Topics include first order equations, linear equations, reduction of order, variation of parameters, spring motion and other applications, Cauchy-Euler equations, power series solutions, Laplace transform, and systems of linear differential equations.
only required for transfer
- Prerequisite: MATH 8
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This course is a continuation of C language programming using the C++ superset of C. C++ offers the following enhancements to C: operator and function overloading, information hiding, inheritance, and virtual functions. C++ will be used in the context of both traditional and object-oriented programming.
- Skills Advisory: CS 50
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 2
Semester 6
12 Units
This course is a calculus-based study of electromagnetism covering aspects of electric and magnetic fields, DC and AC circuits, electromagnetic interactions, light, and relativity. The course is intended for engineering and physical science students.
this 3rd Physics course recommended for transfer
- Prerequisite: PHYSCS 21 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 8
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This course serves as an introduction to the analysis of electrical circuits through the use of analytical techniques based on the application of circuit laws and network theorems. The course covers DC and AC circuits containing resistors, capacitors, inductors, dependent sources, operational amplifiers, and/or switches. The analysis of these circuits include natural and forced responses of first and second order RLC circuits, the use of phasors, AC power calculations, power transfer, and energy concepts.
- Prerequisite: PHYSCS 22 and
- Pre/Corequisite: MATH 15
This course serves as an introduction to the construction, measurement, and design of elementary electrical circuits and basic operational amplifier circuits. Students gain familiarity with the basic use of electrical test and measurement instruments, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and function generators. Using principles of circuit analysis for DC, transient, and sinusoidal steady-state (AC) conditions, students develop data interpretation skills by using circuit simulation software and by direct measurements of circuits. Practical considerations such as component value tolerance and non-ideal aspects of laboratory instruments are also introduced.
- Pre/Corequisite: ENGR 21
Topics include matrices and linear transformations, abstract vector spaces and subspaces, linear independence and bases, determinants, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
- Prerequisite: MATH 8
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1