Engineering
Engineers bring together scientific discovery and practical application to help meet commercial and public needs. Engineers may:
- Improve the design of manufacturing systems to increase efficiency and production.
- Build highways, bridges, buildings or skyscrapers where we work and live.
- Develop improved ways to extract, process and use raw materials.
- Formulate new materials that both improve the performance of products and help implement advances in technology.
Some engineers work in research, design, testing, production or manufacturing, while others are involved in management and sales.
There are 25 major specialties recognized in engineering, and numerous sub-disciplines that include: aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical and electronics, environmental, industrial, manufacturing, mechanical, mining, nuclear and petroleum,
Jackson College Offers the following program options:
What do I need to enter this career?
At minimum, a bachelor’s degree is necessary to practice as an engineer. Most engineering colleges and universities offer advanced degrees in engineering as well.
What does Jackson College offer?
Jackson College’s Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate includes courses that provide students the math, problem solving, and science education necessary for transfer to a college or university which grants bachelor’s degrees in engineering and beyond. Starting at Jackson College will help you build a solid foundation for further study, with courses in:
- Chemistry
- Calculus
- Calculus-based physics
- Differential equations
- Computer programming
Will my classes transfer?
The Jackson College’s program is designed to transfer to many of the top engineering schools in Michigan including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University and Michigan Technological University.
How long will it take?
A typical full-time student can complete the Jackson College courses in about four semesters. A bachelor’s degree typically takes about two more years at the transfer university to complete.
What is it going to cost?
You can save tens of thousands of dollars in tuition, fees, and room and board over four years by starting at Jackson College and transferring to a Michigan public university. Financial aid is available from numerous sources, including federal, state, institutional and private monies. Many scholarships are available to engineering transfer students at JC. For more information, call the Financial Aid Office at 517.796.8410.
“I am very glad I attended Jackson College before transferring to the University of Michigan. Jackson College had me very well prepared academically to succeed and saved my family and myself thousands in the process. The faculty are fantastic individuals, and very knowledgeable in their fields.” Anthony Bacon, Jackson College transfer student who earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from U-M, now working at the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, D.C.
Earnings for new graduates.
Salaries for newly graduated engineers start between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. Starting salaries can be expected to be higher for some specialty disciplines or for engineers graduating with advanced degrees. An engineer with several years of experience can earn in excess of $100,000 per year.