How hard is it to get junior status?

xraymancs
Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:51:04 +0000

The key to graduating in 2 years after CC is in being able to move right into the long course sequences that are often part of engineering programs. I have seen some cases, where there is a 6 semester sequence that must be taken in order. If you can’t fit into the third semester, you will necessarily be stuck with a 3-year program.

The courses mentioned by others above, such as multivariate Calculus and differential equations, are part of long sequences that you need for engineering. Make sure that you have all of those finished. The same goes for Physics I and II. For Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry II is not always a key course for a sequence but that will depend on the university. For example at my university, Illinois Tech, ME majors need only take Chemistry I and then they take Materials Science. However, at my university, as at many others, ME students are taking engineering courses as Sophomores and some of them are prerequisites for later courses. You need to look in detail at the curricula of our target institutions to see which ones will articulate well with the courses you have available at your CC.

With regards to your other post, where you ask about the quality of the programs of different schools, I would say that the most important criterion for you is to be able to finish in 2 years. The articulation question is therefore one of the most important along with yearly cost of attendance. Public universities in PA will likely give you the best articulation options but you can look into other moderately priced public OOS schools too. Otherwise, your best bet is private institutions which allow significant transfer credit for engineering courses you have taken at CC. Finally, if timing is important for you, you might not wish to attend a school which has mandatory Co-op since that will lengthen your time to degree.