Engineering Technology - Mechanical

Engineering Technology - Mechanical - AAS

Prepare for your engineering and design career through this program. Then, work in an engineering office environment at structural engineering companies, manufacturing firms, architectural firms, refineries, construction companies.

Learn drawing and design skills to use as a mechanical engineering technician, mechanical drafter, computer aided drafter, engineering technician, or production planner.

 

Employment Information

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

82% BTC graduate placement rate1

$62,505 starting annual wage2
$77,951 average annual wage2
$103,607 potential annual wage2

  • Employment and Wage Data Sources

    1Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect WA/OR employment for students enrolled at BTC between 2017-18 and 2019-20. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.

    2Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates and reflect 2018-21 employment. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data from the Washington SBCTC that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.

  • Estimated Program Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates overview page

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

Students may begin working toward this degree quarterly.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

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.

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

 

Classes

Total Program Credits: 97

  • Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

  • Academic Core

  • AENGL 100Applied English5 CR
  • Or
  • ENGL& 101English Composition I5 CR
  • CMST& 210Interpersonal Communications5 CR
  • Or
  • CMST& 220Public Speaking5 CR
  • MATH& 141Precalculus I5 CR
  • MATH& 142Precalculus II5 CR

  • TOTAL Academic Core Course Credits
    		20 CR

  • Engineering Core

  • ENGR 100Engineering Orientation2 CR
  • ENGR& 104Introduction To Engineering & Design5 CR
  • ENGR 115Graphics5 CR
  • ENGR 180Parametric Modeling5 CR

  • TOTAL Engineering Core Course Credits
    		17 CR

  • Mechanical Core

  • ENGT 116Advanced Graphics5 CR
  • ENGT 134AutoCAD I5 CR
  • ENGT 135AutoCAD II5 CR
  • ENGT 208CAD Project 3D5 CR
  • ENGT 215Applied Statics5 CR
  • ENGT 216Applied Mechanics Of Materials5 CR
  • ENGT 222Advanced Parametric Modeling5 CR
  • ENGT 250Capstone Project5 CR
  • MACH 191Manual Machining for non-Majors5 CR
  • MACH 193CNC Machining for non-Majors5 CR

  • TOTAL Mechanical Design Core Course Credits
    		50 CR

  • Engineering Electives

  • CAP 101Microsoft Computer Applications5 CR
  • CS& 131Computer Science I C++5 CR
  • Any 100 level or higher course with prefix CENG, CET, COMP, ENGR*, ENGT*, or ENET
  • Any Chemistry course with prefix CHEM* at the level of CHEM& 121 or higher
  • Any Math course with prefix MATH* at the level of MATH& 146 or higher
  • Any Physics course with prefix PHYS* at the level of PHYS& 110 or higher
  • *Courses taken to meet the General Education, Program Core, or Program Specialty requirements may not be used to meet Elective Requirements

  • TOTAL Engineering Electives Course Credits
    		10 CR

Program Outcomes

After successfully completing the AAS degree, students will be able to:

  • Utilize parametric solid modeling software to generate 3D digital models.
  • Interpret rough sketches/drawings/actual parts and transform into 2D CAD drawings according to ANSI and industry standards for the purpose of manufacture, fabrication, and/or assembly.
  • Apply statics principles to evaluate forces in structural elements that comprise trusses, machines, and frames.
  • Apply the engineering design process to design systems and components.
  • Fabricate parts and assemblies from blueprints.

Employment Outlook

About 79% of BTC Mechanical Design graduates are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual wage in this field is $63,357, with an earning potential of about $78,811 per year.*

Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.

The mechanical engineering program prepares students for employment in the aerospace industry, petrochemical industry, industrial manufacturing, engineering consulting and design firms, engineering software development and support companies, and electrical contractors.

Potential positions include mechanical engineering technician, mechanical drafter, computer aided drafter, engineering technician, production planner, machine maintenance technician, mechanical testing & quality control technician and sales representative.

Faculty & Support

Photo of Jonathan Holt
Jonathan Holt
Mechanical Engineering
  • Degrees and Credentials

    BS, Mechanical Engineering, Gonzaga University

    Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State

Contacts

If you have questions about this program or want help with the admissions steps to Bellingham Technical College, please email outreach@btc.edu.

Current students wanting academic planning and support, can connect with the program Instructor(s) or email EngineeringNav@btc.edu