Enroll in BTC’s new Engineering Technology – Composites program to learn in-demand skills you can put to use as an assembler, fabricator, machine operator, production worker, or supervisor in leading industries, such as aerospace and industrial manufacturing. Building on a core academic curriculum, you’ll learn to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to engineering support functions in research, production and operations.
By specializing in composites and process engineering, you’ll be prepared to fill a growing need for skilled composites technicians. Plus, with transferable core classes in math, science, communications, and technical writing, you’ll be well positioned to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in engineering or advanced manufacturing.
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.
AMATH 111 | Applied Technical Math | 5 CR |
OR |
MATH& 141 | Precalculus I | 5 CR |
AND |
MATH& 142 | Precalculus II | 5 CR |
OR higher Calculus |
CHEM& 121 | Introduction to Chemistry | 5 CR |
or higher Chemistry |
ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 CR |
CMST& 210 | Interpersonal Communications | 5 CR |
OR |
CMST& 220 | Public Speaking | 5 CR |
OR |
PSYC& 100 | General Psychology | 5 CR |
OR |
SOC& 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 5 CR |
TOTAL Academic Core Course Credits | 20 CR |
ENGR 100 | Engineering Orientation | 2 CR |
ENGR& 104 | Introduction To Engineering & Design | 5 CR |
ENGR 115 | Graphics | 5 CR |
ENGR 180 | Parametric Modeling | 5 CR |
TOTAL Engineering Core Course Credits | 17 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 |
ENGT 233 | Intro To CATIA | 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 | 37 CR |
Any CENG, ENET, ENGR, ENGT, or COMP course 100-level or higher |
MATH& 151 | Calculus I | 5 CR |
MATH& 152 | Calculus II | 5 CR |
MATH& 163 | Calculus 3 | 5 CR |
MATH& 146 | Introduction to Statistics | 5 CR |
CHEM& 161 | General Chemistry w/ Lab I | 5 CR |
CHEM& 162 | General Chemistry w/Lab II | 5 CR |
PHYS& 114 | General Physics I w/lab | 5 CR |
PHYS& 221 | Engineering Physics I w/Lab | 5 CR |
PHYS& 222 | Engineering Physics II w/Lab | 5 CR |
PHYS& 223 | Engineering Physics III w/Lab | 5 CR |
CS& 131 | Computer Science I C++ | 5 CR |
ENGL& 235 | Technical Writing | 5 CR |
TOTAL Engineering Electives Course Credits | 16 CR |
Create and navigate Composite Engineering Drawings: 1) Create and interpret Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T) callouts.
Use 3D parametric modeling to design and fabricate composite parts: 1) Employ wet layup, vacuum infusion, and pre-preg techniques; 2) Apply strategic fiber placement and orientation; 3) Utilize drape forming, elevated temperature, and pressure forming techniques; 4) Monitor and control process factors that affect the final product; 4a) Bagging schedules, temperature, pressure; 5) Utilize honeycomb, wood, and foam cores.
Design and fabricate parts using manual and CNC machines: 1) Utilize CAD/CAM software to generate 2D and 3D tool paths for CNC Routers, Mills and Lathes.
Utilize Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) in Composites: 1) Utilize ultrasonic inspection for Quality Assurance; 2) Evaluate damage in composites, and perform scarf repairs.
Perform Finite Element Analysis: 1) Design experiments utilizing destructive testing with different resin systems, fiber types and orientation; 2) Evaluate stress, strain, and deflection levels under axial loads, tensile, compression, and shear loads.
Employment in this field 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 $79,144, with an earning potential of $92,331 per year. *
Potential positions for Composites graduates include:
Composites graduates have the potential to enter the following fabrication industries: