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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Engineering

Engineering

Overview

The Engineering program offers courses necessary to transfer to a four-year university where students can complete a bachelor’s degree in various branches of engineering.

Most lower division engineering programs require the following ARC courses: Mathematics 400, 401, 402, and 420; Physics 410, 421, and 431; Chemistry 400; and Engineering 401, 412, and 420. Students should consult the institution to which they wish to transfer for specific lower-division requirements.

ARC's program provides the foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering necessary to transfer to a four-year institution and complete a bachelor's degree in engineering.

Degrees Offered

  • A.S. in Civil Engineering
  • A.S. in Electrical Engineering
  • A.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Associate Degrees

A.S. in Civil Engineering

This degree provides the foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering needed to transfer to a four-year institution as a major in civil engineering. The courses in this degree meet most of the lower division requirements for several nearby universities. Since each university has its own unique requirements, additional coursework will be required prior to transfer. Students should meet with a counselor to determine which additional courses are required for successful transfer to a particular institution.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
ENGR 310 Engineering Survey Measurements (4) 4
   or PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
ENGR 312 Engineering Graphics 3
ENGR 412 Properties of Materials 4
ENGR 420 Statics 3
MATH 400 Calculus I 5
MATH 401 Calculus II 5
MATH 402 Calculus III 5
MATH 420 Differential Equations 4
PHYS 410 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids 5
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism 4
Total Units: 47

The Civil Engineering Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • solve problems by applying knowledge of mathematics, including differential and integral calculus and differential equations.
  • solve problems by applying knowledge of science, including chemistry and physics.
  • use technology to increase productivity.
  • apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve basic civil engineering problems.
  • describe the ethical and professional responsibilities of an engineer and situations where engineering solutions can impact society.

A.S. in Electrical Engineering

This degree provides the foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering needed to transfer to a four-year institution as a major in electrical engineering. The courses in this degree meet most of the lower division requirements for several nearby universities. Since each university has its own unique requirements, additional coursework will be required prior to transfer. Students should meet with a counselor to determine which additional courses are required for successful transfer to a particular institution.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
ENGR 401 Introduction to Electrical Circuits and Devices 4
MATH 400 Calculus I 5
MATH 401 Calculus II 5
MATH 402 Calculus III 5
MATH 420 Differential Equations 4
PHYS 410 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids 5
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism 4
Total Units: 37

The Electrical Engineering Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • solve problems by applying knowledge of mathematics, including differential and integral calculus and differential equations.
  • solve problems by applying knowledge of science, including chemistry and physics.
  • use technology to increase productivity.
  • apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve basic electrical engineering problems.
  • describe the ethical and professional responsibilities of an engineer and situations where solutions can impact society.

A.S. in Mechanical Engineering

This degree provides the foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering needed to transfer to a four-year institution as a major in mechanical engineering. The courses in this degree meet most of the lower division requirements for several nearby universities. Since each university has its own unique requirements, additional coursework will be required prior to transfer. Students should meet with a counselor to determine which additional courses are required for successful transfer to a particular institution.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
ENGR 312 Engineering Graphics 3
ENGR 401 Introduction to Electrical Circuits and Devices 4
ENGR 412 Properties of Materials 4
ENGR 420 Statics 3
MATH 400 Calculus I 5
MATH 401 Calculus II 5
MATH 402 Calculus III 5
MATH 420 Differential Equations 4
PHYS 410 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids 5
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism 4
Total Units: 47

The Mechanical Engineering Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • solve problems by applying knowledge of mathematics including differential and integral calculus and differential equations.
  • solve problems by applying knowledge of science, including chemistry and physics.
  • use technology to increase productivity.
  • apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve basic mechanical engineering problems.
  • describe the ethical and professional responsibilities of an engineer and situations where engineering solutions can impact society.

Engineering (ENGR) Courses

ENGR 41 Support for Circuits

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:27 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:Concurrent enrollment in ENGR 401.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides instruction and practice in the skills and strategies needed to succeed in ENGR 401 (Introduction to Electrical Circuits and Devices). Assignments are connected to the topics covered in ENGR 401, including AC and DC circuit analysis, equivalent circuits, and operational amplifiers. Students taking this course must be concurrently enrolled in ENGR 401. This course is graded Pass/No Pass.

ENGR 42 Support for Statics

  • Units:0.5
  • Hours:27 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:Concurrent enrollment in ENGR 420.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides instruction and practice in the skills and strategies needed to succeed in ENGR 420 (Statics). Assignments are connected to the topics covered in ENGR 420, including the analysis of systems in equilibrium, rigid structures, and internal forces in cables and beams. Students taking this course must be concurrently enrolled in ENGR 420. This course is graded Pass/No Pass.

ENGR 300 Introduction to Engineering

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the engineering and engineering technology professions, and their place in industry. It includes an explanation of the engineering and engineering technology options and curricula involved. Topics include an emphasis on problem-solving techniques used in engineering and engineering technology. This course is recommended for all entering engineering, engineering technology, and design technology students.

ENGR 310 Engineering Survey Measurements

  • Units:4
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:MATH 373 or 375 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • C-ID:C-ID ENGR 180
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the basic fundamentals of surveying for engineers. Electronic surveying instruments are used to develop the principles of measurement for distance, elevations, and angles. Additional topics include systematic and random errors, line directions, profiles and cross sections, traverse computations, horizontal and vertical curves, earthwork quantity calculations, and manual and CAD (computer-aided drafting) production of engineering plans. This course is intended for civil engineers, but may also be required for other programs.

ENGR 312 Engineering Graphics

  • Units:3
  • Hours:27 hours LEC; 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:MATH 373 or 375 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • C-ID:C-ID ENGR 150
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the principles of engineering drawings in visually-communicated engineering designs and an introduction to computer-aided design (CAD). Topics include the development of visualization skills, orthographic projections, mechanical dimensioning and tolerancing practices, the engineering design process, and design analysis. Assignments develop sketching and 2D and 3D CAD skills. The use of solid modeling CAD software is an integral part of the course.

ENGR 401 Introduction to Electrical Circuits and Devices

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:PHYS 421 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:MATH 420
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • C-ID:C-ID ENGR 260
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the fundamentals of electrical circuit theory and analysis for engineers. Analysis of DC and AC circuits containing resistors, capacitors, inductors, dependent sources, operational amplifiers, and switches; natural and forced responses of first and second order RLC circuits; the use of phasors; AC power calculations; power transfer; and energy concepts.

ENGR 412 Properties of Materials

  • Units:4
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:CHEM 400 and PHYS 410 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • C-ID:C-ID ENGR 140B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course presents the internal structures and resulting behaviors of materials used in engineering applications, including metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and semiconductors. It emphasizes developing the ability both to select appropriate materials to meet engineering design criteria and to understand the effects of heat, stress, imperfections, and chemical environments upon material properties and performance. Laboratories provide opportunities to directly observe the structures and behaviors discussed in the course, to operate testing equipment, and to analyze experimental data. This course was formerly known as ENGR 413.

ENGR 420 Statics

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:MATH 401 and PHYS 410 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • C-ID:C-ID ENGR 130
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Fundamentals of engineering statics. Properties of forces, moments, couples and resultants; two- and three-dimensional force systems acting on engineering structures in equilibrium; analysis of trusses and beams; distributed forces, shear and bending moment diagrams, center of gravity, centroids, friction, and area and mass moments of inertia. Optional additional topics include fluid statics, cables, Mohr's circle and virtual work.

ENGR 495 Independent Studies in Engineering

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.

ENGR 499 Experimental Offering in Engineering

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog