The field of engineering technology develops, processes, and tests the efficiency, production quality, and safety of nearly every product available on the market. In particular, composites technicians work with innovative, lightweight composite materials that are in demand by the aerospace and high-tech industries. These associate degree programs provide excellent job and career training for students who are mechanically inclined, good at math, or interested in how the products we use every day are designed and developed.
At Bellingham Technical College, the Engineering Technology: Composites associate degree program teaches top skills that are in-demand for such positions as assembler, fabricator, machine operator, production worker, or supervisor in leading American industries.
Data are provided on a program (not credential) level
94% BTC graduate placement rate1
$61,006 starting annual wage2
$78,062 average annual wage2
$98,488 potential annual wage2
Students may begin working toward this degree quarterly.
Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.
MATH& 151 | Calculus I | 5 CR |
PHYS& 221 | Engineering Physics I w/Lab | 5 CR |
CHEM& 161 | General Chemistry w/ Lab I | 5 CR |
CHEM& 162 | General Chemistry w/Lab II | 5 CR |
ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 CR |
ENGL& 235 | Technical Writing | 5 CR |
TOTAL Academic Core Course Credits | 30 CR |
ENGR 100 | Engineering Orientation | 2 CR |
ENGR& 104 | Introduction To Engineering & Design | 5 CR |
ENGR 115 | Graphics | 5 CR |
ENGT 233 | Intro To CATIA | 5 CR |
ENGR& 214 | Engineering Statics | 5 CR |
ENGR 270 | Introduction To Materials Science | 5 CR |
ENGR 180 | Parametric Modeling | 5 CR |
TOTAL Engineering Core Course Credits | 32 CR |
COMP 101 | Survey of Composites | 2 CR |
COMP 121 | Composite Design & Fabrication I | 5 CR |
COMP 222 | Composite Design & Fabrication II | 5 CR |
COMP 235 | Inspect, Test & Repair | 5 CR |
COMP 290 | Tool Design | 5 CR |
MACH 191 | Manual Machining for non-Majors | 5 CR |
MACH 193 | CNC Machining for non-Majors | 5 CR |
TOTAL Composites Core Course Credits | 32 CR |
Any CENG, ENET, ENGR, ENGT, or COMP course 100-level or higher |
CS& 131 | Computer Science I C++ | 5 CR |
MATH& 146 | Intro to Statistics | 5 CR |
MATH& 152 | Calculus II | 5 CR |
MATH& 163 | Calculus 3 | 5 CR |
PHYS& 222 | Engineering Physics II w/Lab | 5 CR |
PHYS& 223 | Engineering Physics III w/Lab | 5 CR |
TOTAL Engineering Electives Course Credits | 5 CR |
After successfully completing the AAS-T degree, students will be able to:
Employment in the engineering technology field in Bellingham and the state of Washington is expected to increase. Job openings for assemblers and fabricators, machine operators, and production workers and supervisors vary according to occupational specialty. The average annual wage for this field is $76,835, with an earning potential of $89,128 per year.
Across the state of Washington, the number of engineering graduates is well below industry needs. Employers such as manufacturers and fabricators urgently seek qualified mechanical, industrial, and plastics engineers. BTC students who pursue transfer degree opportunities can go on to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree and pursue a career in this high-demand field. Engineering graduates are typically working professionals, so salary ranges will vary, depending on the field.
Potential positions for Composites graduates include:
Composites graduates have the potential to enter the following fabrication industries: