Engineering

Prepare for a Future in Engineering with a Strong Foundation to Transfer On

Students in a classroom looking at equipment

Program Overview

Are you intrigued by the prospect of shaping the future through engineering? The College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Engineering program is designed to set you on a path toward achieving your ambitions. This pre-engineering program focuses on laying a solid foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, physics, engineering sciences, and English, preparing you for transfer to a four-year college or university for a baccalaureate engineering degree.

Whether your interest lies in chemical, civil, computer, electrical, or mechanical engineering, our program equips you with the essential knowledge and skills needed in these diverse fields. By completing an Associate of Science degree in Engineering, you will be well-prepared to meet the challenges of advanced studies and to excel in a variety of engineering disciplines.

Applications for the Center for Advanced Engineering Scholarship (CAES) are now being accepted for Fall 2024 through April 30

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Science

Time to Complete

2 years

Looking down on a student studying equipment

Learning Opportunities

  • University-Ready Coursework: Undertake courses essential for acceptance into university engineering programs, demonstrating your preparedness for advanced studies.
  • Internship Opportunities: Gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
  • Small Class Sizes: Benefit from greater interaction with instructors, allowing for more personalized and effective learning.
  • Diverse Engineering Pathways: Explore various engineering disciplines to find your passion and tailor your academic journey accordingly.
  • Transfer Guidance: Receive assistance in aligning your coursework with the requirements of your intended transfer institution.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Engineering – Associate of Science Degree

Two people looking at equipment

Career Opportunities

  • Civil Engineers

    Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems. Includes architectural, structural, traffic, and geotechnical engineers. Excludes “Hydrologists” (19-2043).

    132

    Annual Openings*

    $38.25

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $79,560

    Annual Median Salary

    20.45%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Industrial Engineers

    Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination. Excludes “Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors” (17-2111).

    80

    Annual Openings*

    $38.15

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $79,352

    Annual Median Salary

    26.58%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Mechanical Engineers

    Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

    68

    Annual Openings*

    $37.34

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $77,667

    Annual Median Salary

    20.93%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Architectural and Engineering Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields. Excludes “Natural Sciences Managers” (11-9121).

    47

    Annual Openings*

    $61.74

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $128,419

    Annual Median Salary

    13.8%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Electrical Engineers

    Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. Excludes “Computer Hardware Engineers” (17-2061).

    43

    Annual Openings*

    $49.00

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $101,920

    Annual Median Salary

    23.4%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Engineers, All Other

    All engineers not listed separately. Excludes “Sales Engineers” (41-9031), “Locomotive Engineers” (53-4011), and “Ship Engineers” (53-5031).

    28

    Annual Openings*

    $48.86

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $101,629

    Annual Median Salary

    25.83%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Nuclear Engineers

    Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.

    26

    Annual Openings*

    $63.03

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $131,102

    Annual Median Salary

    -1.52%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

    Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls. Excludes “Computer Hardware Engineers” (17-2061).

    26

    Annual Openings*

    $48.08

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $100,006

    Annual Median Salary

    11.88%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Computer Hardware Engineers

    Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components. Excludes “Software Developers” (15-1252) and “Web Developers” (15-1254).

    14

    Annual Openings*

    $46.04

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $95,763

    Annual Median Salary

    38.06%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Environmental Engineers

    Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

    12

    Annual Openings*

    $48.13

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $100,110

    Annual Median Salary

    13.47%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Chemical Engineers

    Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

    9

    Annual Openings*

    $62.82

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $130,666

    Annual Median Salary

    16.61%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Materials Engineers

    Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.

    8

    Annual Openings*

    $47.47

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $98,738

    Annual Median Salary

    4.54%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Aerospace Engineers

    Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

    8

    Annual Openings*

    $29.54

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,443

    Annual Median Salary

    20.87%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors

    Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers.

    6

    Annual Openings*

    $48.97

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $101,858

    Annual Median Salary

    5.97%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

    Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

    5

    Annual Openings*

    $34.46

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $71,677

    Annual Median Salary

    12.44%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers

    Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs. Excludes “Petroleum Engineers” (17-2171).

    3

    Annual Openings*

    $61.45

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $127,816

    Annual Median Salary

    28.44%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Petroleum Engineers

    Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $54.87

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $114,130

    Annual Median Salary

    54.69%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

    Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $37.64

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $78,291

    Annual Median Salary

    -7.36%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Agricultural Engineers

    Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.

    1

    Annual Openings*

    $32.63

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $67,870

    Annual Median Salary

    4.88%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

Load more

*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Academic CalendarNew Student Checklist

News

Through College of Western Idaho, Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology student, Michael Hertel, has discovered new studies and industries — some of which he hopes will lead to a life-...

Read more about Learning New Career Paths Through CWI

Micron Technology, Inc. announced a new $15 billion manufacturing facility in Boise. It is the first new memory fab in the U.S. in 20 years and will create an estimated 17,000 new American jobs....

Read more about Micron Names College of Western Idaho as 'Core Education Partner' in New Boise Expansion

Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology student, Jacob Schott, is on his way to a full-time career with a local information systems consulting firm.

Read more about Putting His Skills to Work

CWI welcomed over 150 educators to the Micron Center for Professional Technical Education this week for the Treasure Valley I-STEM event.

Read more about STEM Conference Brings Educators to CWI

Tyrell Styhl, a sophomore natural resources major at the College of Western Idaho (CWI), claimed Best Paper Presentation for an Undergraduate Student at the 57th Annual Meeting & Symposium of the...

Read more about CWI Student Takes Top Honor at Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering Symposium

Students from CWI’s Biology 2 class traveled to the Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History in Caldwell this week to explore the biodiversity and evolution of organisms....

Read more about Biology 2 class invades the Smith Museum!

A few months ago a new movie came out about a woman, who on exposure to some blue drugs, was able to start using more than the 10% of her brain that the rest of us are stuck with. Wait, what?

Read more about The 10 Percent Brain

The College of Western Idaho’s Center for Invertebrate Science is pleased to welcome two new faculty affiliates. Assistant Professors Hollie Leavitt and Dusty Perkins both joined the Center in 2014...

Read more about The Center for Invertebrate Science Welcomes Two New Faculty

  How Do I Keep From Getting Ebola? It seems like all I hear about is the Ebola outbreak in the West Africa. Thousands are infected and dying. In Dallas, Texas, of all places, a man from Liberia...

Read more about Everything You Wanted to Know about Ebola but You Suspect That the Media Is Lying To You: Part 1 of 3

When I'm not teaching math at CWI, I am working on violins. I repair and make violins. Given my educational background (physics & math), I have an interest in the conceptual design of the violin...

Read more about How Did They Calculate the Square-Root of 3 & Things Like That Before They Had Calculators, or Even Slide Rules?

The Idaho Freshwater Mollusk Project is an effort to research and understand the biology, distribution, and diversity of Idaho’s freshwater mollusks. There are approximately 120 species of freshwater...

Read more about Idaho Freshwater Mollusk Project

There are many idealized versions of what scientific research looks like. It usually involves clean cut methods that work on the first try, and provide unquestionable data.  This romanticized version...

Read more about It's called REsearch because you Re-Do it!
View all news

Request More Information

Please complete the following

Connect With Us

Ready to get started? Our team looks forward to assisting you!

One Stop Student Services

208.562.3000onestop@cwi.eduLocations