Program Overview:
The Associate of Engineering degree is designed to result in an Associate’s degree in engineering and does not meet the general education requirements at all Idaho public universities. Course selection should be coordinated to meet the requirements for the intended transfer institution and can have the following emphases: Agriculture, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, or Mechanical.
Agricultural engineers design and develop equipment and systems to grow, harvest and process agricultural products. They also are heavily involved in developing biological systems for handling agricultural waste and producing fuels from agricultural products. Many agricultural engineers develop bioengineering expertise.
Chemical engineers design processes to change raw materials into economically viable products. Chemical engineers often work in the petroleum, plastics, food, pharmaceutical and environmental industries.
Civil engineers are involved in the design of transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, airports, seaports, dams, and rail lines) and water projects (irrigation, drinking water supply systems and waste management). They also are involved with the design and construction of structures. Civil engineers often work as consultants for public agencies at the local, state and federal levels.
Computer engineers design, construct and operate computer systems. They specialize in digital and operating systems, networks, hardware and software. They often team with engineers from other disciplines to incorporate computer systems and controls into a wide range of devices.
Electrical engineers work in energy generation and transmission, communications, control systems, circuit design and computers. Electrical engineers are involved in a wide range of projects including research, development, product design, testing, sales and marketing.
Mechanical engineers design and develop all types of machines. Many mechanical engineers work in the transportation industry and are involved in the design of aircraft, spacecraft, automobiles, trucks, bicycles and propulsion systems. Others are an integral part of the manufacturing industry, designing consumer products, the machinery and processes to produce the product. Robotics, power generation and air conditioning are principally mechanical engineering topics.