Mechanical Engineering Degree

The mechanical engineering program at Clark College prepares students for careers in design, implementation, and operation and maintenance of equipment and machinery. The program focuses on applying mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of physical systems used in manufacturing and end-product systems. Program courses include: stationary power units and appliances, engines, self-propped vehicles, housing and containers, hydraulic and electric systems for controlling movement, and integration of computers and remote control operating systems. Get more details below including other Washington colleges that offer mechanical engineering degrees.

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Clark College

71 Gage Blvd., Richland, WA

About
Clark College, located in Vancouver, Washington, was founded in 1933, during the Great Depression. The school was quickly given accreditation, and expanded its role in the community, offering programs to educate and train individuals. The school saw particular growth after World War II, with the return of soldiers seeking career training and education in order to pursue employment and personal growth. Since that time the school has expanded in scope and size, increasing its enrollment greatly and requiring expansions to the campus in order to meet the needs of the community. The school is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community and individual students, and does so by reviewing programs and services and updating them as necessary to meet current and future student expectations.

Academics
Clark College offers a large variety of programs that allow for career development or academic transfer. Students will choose the program that best assists in the realization of their goals. Career programs provide training and education in a specific field and allow the student to develop the skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as a qualified professional. These programs typically mix classroom theory and education with practical education, providing a controlled environment in order for students to utilize and perfect methods and techniques used within their field. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or associate degree which demonstrates competency to employers when seeking entry level employment.

Academic transfer is accomplished by through programs that cover the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying to a college or university to continue the student's education, completing the final two years and earning their bachelor's degree. Students will have an easier time transferring to public schools in Washington through preexisting transfer agreements that ease the process and guarantee admission if certain requirements are met. Students may apply to out of state or private institutions, through admissions will be more stringent and requirements may vary. Students should meet with an academic advisor to discuss transfer requirements and develop a curriculum that best meets the needs of the desired school or schools.

Programs offered include:

• Nursing
• Business Administration
• Biology
• Philosophy
• Communication

Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution, any individual wishing to enroll at Clark College may do so by meeting the minimum admissions requirements and submitting a completed application. Students should also supply transcripts and standardized test scores, which may be used to determine course level for general education in lieu of a placement exam. Students should also participate in new student orientation to familiarize themselves with the campus and meet with a counselor to discuss goals, curriculum and program enrollment.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Aid is awarded based on need and aid program eligibility as determined by information provided through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be submitted prior to each academic year and is the primary source of information regarding a student's financial situation. Students may be chosen at random to supply additional information to be compared to their FAFSA in order to verify its accuracy. This is due to new federal regulations governing the disbursement of aid.

Athletics
Clark College is home to a number of clubs and organizations that focus on varying topics and interests. Students are encouraged to participate in one or more of these clubs in order to meet new people, discuss new ideas, participate in campus events, and to grow outside for a classroom setting. A full list of available clubs may be found online or on campus, with posted meeting times and dates.

Clubs and organizations include:

• Aerospace Club
• Archaeology and History Club
• Diesel Dogs Club
• Engineering Club
• International Club

Students Enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Clark College offers an associate's degree program in mechanical engineering.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, architectural and engineering managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.0% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Kennewick-Richland, WA
  • Total Employment: 530
  • Average Hourly Rate: $70.53
  • Average Annual Salary: $146710

Cost Estimators

Description

Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

Aerospace Engineers

Description

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.

Mechanical Engineers

Description

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.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, mechanical engineers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 5.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Kennewick-Richland, WA
  • Total Employment: 450
  • Average Hourly Rate: $45.84
  • Average Annual Salary: $95350

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).