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 CWIEngineering
Prepare for a Future in Engineering with a Strong Foundation to Transfer On
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
Primary Locations
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
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)*
*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
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Engineering as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Idaho Launch
Are you a 2024 Idaho high school graduate? Learn how to get up to $8,000 of your tuition and fees covered at CWI through Idaho LAUNCH.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
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