Tips for Community College Engineers Trying to Transfer to University

Engineering professional with group of students in training. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

If you are interested in a future in engineering but you are not sure how to transfer from a community college into a university, then you are not alone. Most of the time, candidates who have earned an associate’s degree in engineering are easily able to transfer into a four-year university program that culminates in a bachelor’s degree, and they can even go on to earn graduate degrees in various types of engineering science.

Who Should Consider a University Transfer?

Engineers are often incredibly successful regardless of their specialties or the industries in which they work. There are some entry-level positions that can be obtained with nothing more than an associate’s degree, but if you hope to climb the career ladder all the way to the top, then you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or, even better, a master’s degree from a four-year university.

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

One of the best engineering programs out there is a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering program. It is offered to those who have completed bachelor’s degrees in a field of science or engineering, and it can even be completed online so that you can further your education while working full-time in your chosen career. A master’s degree in electrical engineering has been proven to prepare you for advancement, and it also prepares you for a place on some of the most exciting project teams in the country.

Tips for Transferring to University

Before you plan your transfer to university from community college, make sure that you understand exactly what will transfer—and what will not. Some of your credits will come with you, making that initial degree easier to earn. You’ll need to be sure that you choose courses to complete for your associate’s degree that will be accepted by colleges and universities that appeal to you. Math and science courses are most important, so be sure to get your prerequisites finished early.

Consider Pathway Programs

These days, universities understand the popularity of community colleges and they are aware that many students choose them because of academics, work, and other responsibilities. As such, there are dozens of community colleges and universities that collaborate in their engineering programs, helping students to line out their transfers from the very start. These “pathway programs” as they are often called help students choose the right courses for the purpose of transferring credits and for getting the right education based upon their career choices.

Because the field of engineering is so broad, students can start out by learning the basics as they earn their associate’s degrees in community college. Then, they can decide whether they want to work as civil, electrical, chemical, or other types of engineers as they enter into their university programs.

A professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.