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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Engineering

Engineering

Overview

Engineering involves the application of scientific and mathematical principles used in design and in the solution of practical technical problems. CRC’s program provides the foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering necessary to transfer to a university and complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. However, because the lower division requirements of universities vary, the student should check the transfer university’s catalog to be sure he/she meets its specific requirements. See a CRC counselor for assistance.

Degrees Offered

  • A.S. in Engineering - Civil/Mechanical Option
  • A.S. in Engineering - Electrical/Computer Option
  • A.S. in General Science

Associate Degrees

A.S. in Engineering - Civil/Mechanical Option

Pre-Professional Transfer Opportunities
CRC's program provides the foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering necessary to transfer to a university and complete a bachelor's degree in engineering. Engineering involves the application of scientific and mathematical principles needed to solve practical technical problems. Although the first two years of engineering courses for all engineering degrees are similar, students should consult the lower division requirements of the institution to which they wish to transfer.

Highlights include:
* Challenging and rewarding classes that transfer to four-year universities
* A Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program

Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.

When choosing whether to take the suggested electives, check university requirements; these courses may be required at some universities..

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CISP 360 Introduction to Structured Programming (4) 41
ENGR 400 Introduction to Electrical Circuits and Devices 3
ENGR 312 Engineering Graphics 3
ENGR 420 Statics 3
ENGR 412 Properties of Materials 4
MATH 400 Calculus I 5
MATH 401 Calculus II 5
MATH 402 Calculus III 5
MATH 420 Differential Equations 4
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids 4
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism 4
Total Units: 49

1Check specific university requirements before choosing a course

The Engineering - Civil/Mechanical Option Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See CRC graduation requirements.

Career Information

Aerospace Engineer; Architectural Engineer; Chemical Engineer; Civil Engineer; Computer Engineer; Electrical Engineer; Mechanical Engineer, and other types of engineers Most career options require a B.S. degree.

A.S. in Engineering - Electrical/Computer Option

Pre-Professional Transfer Opportunities
CRC's program provides the foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering necessary to transfer to a university and complete a bachelor's degree in engineering. Engineering involves the application of scientific and mathematical principles needed to solve practical technical problems. Although the first two years of engineering courses for all engineering degrees are similar, students should consult the lower division requirements of the institution to which they wish to transfer.

Highlights include:
* Challenging and rewarding classes that transfer to four-year universities
* A Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program

Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.

When choosing whether to take the suggested electives, check university requirements; these courses may be required at some universities..

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CISP 360 Introduction to Structured Programming (4) 4
ENGR 400 Introduction to Electrical Circuits and Devices 3
MATH 400 Calculus I 5
MATH 401 Calculus II 5
MATH 402 Calculus III 5
MATH 420 Differential Equations 4
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids 4
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism 4
Total Units: 39

The Engineering - Electrical/Computer Option Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See CRC graduation requirements.

Career Information

Aerospace Engineer; Architectural Engineer; Chemical Engineer; Civil Engineer; Computer Engineer; Electrical Engineer; Mechanical Engineer, and other types of engineers Most career options require a B.S. degree.

A.S. in General Science

Areas of Study include:

• Biological Anthropology
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Physical Geography
• Geology
• Physics

Eighteen (18) units of transfer-level course work in science are required. Two laboratory courses must be included: one in the physical sciences and one in the biological sciences. Courses may be selected from astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physical geography, biological anthropology, and physics. The student, in consultation with a counselor, should choose science courses to meet their program, transfer, or general education requirements.

Students interested in transferring to a four-year university with a science major are encouraged to complete a science AS or AS-T degree such as Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, Geology, or Physics. This General Science degree may not include the majors-level transfer courses needed for many science majors. Students are strongly recommended to see a counselor for guidance.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
Life Science with Lab :
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3)
and ANTH 301 Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 480 Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
and ANTH 482 Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
BIOL C1001 Introduction to Biology (3)
and BIOL C1001L Introduction to Biology Lab (1)
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4)
Physical Science with Lab:
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ASTR C1001 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
and ASTR C1001L Introduction to Astronomy Lab (1)
CHEM 300 Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309 Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
and GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
and GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305 Earth Science (3)
and GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310 Historical Geology (3)
and GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
ENGR 304 How Things Work (3)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 370 Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5)
PHYS 380 Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5)
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
Additional Science Courses :
A minimum of 11 units from the following: 111
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301 Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 480 Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 482 Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ASTR C1001 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR C1001L Introduction to Astronomy Lab (1)
BIOL C1001 Introduction to Biology (3)
BIOL C1001L Introduction to Biology Lab (1)
BIOL 342 The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3)
BIOL 350 Environmental Biology (3)
BIOL 352 Conservation Biology (3)
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4)
CHEM 300 Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309 Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
ENGR 304 How Things Work (3)
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 305 Global Climate Change (3)
GEOG 306 Weather and Climate (3)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305 Earth Science (3)
GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310 Historical Geology (3)
GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 330 Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 390 Field Studies in Geology (1 - 4)
PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 370 Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5)
PHYS 380 Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5)
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
Total Units: 18

1Courses used in A or B above will not count towards C, except units exceeding the 4 or 3 unit minimum in A and B. For example, a student completing the 5 unit CHEM 309 under B could apply 2 of those units towards C. A total of 18 science units is required.

The General Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local CRC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • explain the core perspectives of the scientific method and apply it to at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 1)
  • solve introductory problems of a conceptual and/or numerical nature of at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 2)
  • accurately apply the basic vocabulary and concepts of at least one scientific discipline verbally and in writing. (PSLO 3)
  • recognize the use and misuse of scientific concepts in society including politics and the media. (PSLO 4)

Engineering (ENGR) Courses

ENGR 300 Introduction to Engineering

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will provide students with information to evaluate the engineering profession as a personal career choice. Students will explore the branches of engineering and the different types of work that engineers do. Participants will investigate personal characteristics which contribute to being happy and successful engineers, and will examine their own traits. They will learn what preparation is needed and strategies for successful completion. Course participants will appreciate the role of engineers in society and understand the responsibilities of engineers in their service to society.

ENGR 304 How Things Work

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:MATH 100
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers how everyday things and technologies operate and is designed primarily for non-science students or anyone interested in learning about technology. The basic scientific principles behind the technology will be explored. Systems studied will include mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical and others. Students will gain hands-on experience with basic machines and technologies during lab.

ENGR 312 Engineering Graphics

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Completion of high school geometry with a grade of C or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

In this class, students will learn the graphical tools needed to develop and communicate engineering ideas. They will learn to use parametric solid modeling software as a design and analysis tool. Freehand sketches for spatial visualization skill development and design conceptualization will be used throughout the semester. Students will learn to make part and assembly models, orthographic projections, and engineering drawings. Students will complete both group and individual work. Students will demonstrate the skills they learn through a series of design projects. This course is primarily for Mechanical and Civil Engineering majors.

ENGR 400 Introduction to Electrical Circuits and Devices

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:PHYS 421 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will provide engineering students with circuit analysis concepts and applications that will be of value in any engineering field as well as a solid foundation for electrical engineering and related majors. The course includes the analysis of circuits with resistors, inductors, capacitors, and independent and dependent voltage and current sources. Many analysis techniques will be applied to DC and AC circuits. Differential equations will be used to find the transient response of circuits. Power calculations will be performed on both DC and AC circuits, including an introduction to three-phase AC power. This course is required for most engineering Bachelors of Science degrees.

ENGR 412 Properties of Materials

  • Units:4
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:CHEM 400 and PHYS 411 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is an introductory course on the relationship of the internal structure of materials to their properties. Topics include crystalline structure, imperfections, phases and phase diagrams, steels and non-ferrous alloys, polymers, ceramics, semiconductors, and corrosion. Students will apply the concepts in laboratory activities and will use typical materials testing equipment and analysis techniques. This course is required for CRC's A.S.-Engineering, Civil/Mechanical Engineering option degree, and many university engineering B.S. degrees.

ENGR 420 Statics

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:MATH 401 and PHYS 411 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • C-ID:C-ID ENGR 130
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers analysis of two and three dimensional force systems for bodies in static equilibrium. Vector and scalar analysis methods address forces acting on rigid bodies, trusses, frames, and machines. Students will calculate internal forces in members and will create shear and bending moment diagrams for beams. Friction problems will include slipping vs tipping. Students will learn methods to calculate centroids and moments of inertia for bodies that are combinations of simple geometric shapes. This course is required for most engineering majors.

ENGR 495 Independent Studies in Engineering

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.

ENGR 498 Work Experience in Engineering

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Before students can enroll or participate in the Work Experience program, Los Rios Community College District must have a signed Employer Agreement on file with the student’s worksite. If the employer already has an active agreement with the district (viewable at losrios.edu/wexpemployeragreement), no further action is required. In addition, students must have a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job that aligns with their career goals in the field of Engineering and a cooperating worksite supervisor who will sign all required course documents. High School students are not permitted to enroll in Work Experience courses.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment in their major field of study or advancement within their career. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce; completion of required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. Appropriate level learning objectives are established by the student and the employer. During the semester, the student is required to participate in a weekly orientation and complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when new or expanded learning objectives are introduced. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

ENGR 499 Experimental Offering in Engineering

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (Credit for variable topics courses is given only after a review of the scope and content of the course by the enrolling UC campus.)
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

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