Mechanical Engineering Technology

Students who wish to pursue an education in the area of Mechanical Engineering Technology have several options from which to choose. The curricula offerings enable students to begin with a career studies certificate and to continue their studies culminating in a certificate or associate degree. The College also offers the first year course requirements toward a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

The options include:
 

Full-time students may complete the associate of applied science degree in two years; part-time students determine their own pace. Students may be eligible to receive credit for some courses in these curricula through the College’s advanced standing process. Examples include credit by examination or by articulation agreement.
Associate Degree Option

Mechanical Design Technology

Award: Associate in Applied Science Degree
Major: Mechanical Design Technology

Possible occupations for graduates: engineering assistant, mechanical engineer technician, industrial engineer technician, quality control technician, material testing technician, and technical salesperson.

The A.A.S. degree program in Mechanical Design Technology is designed for people who seek employment or professional development in the area of mechanical engineering technology. Technical electives can be selected to suit the student’s specific career objectives.

Many graduates continue on to Old Dominion University (ODU) or other four-year colleges for their junior and senior level courses in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology. The ODU courses can be taken on campus at BRCC via satellite (TELETECHNET).

Admission Requirements: Applicants should have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Other prerequisites include completion of algebra I and geometry. Computer-aided drafting design technology, mechanical drawing, or basic machine shop classes are also helpful.

Curriculum

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

^a MTH 173 may be substituted. Students who wish to transfer should take MTH 163-164 or MTH 173.

^b Please refer to the list of Humanities/Fine Arts electives and Social/Behavioral Science electives  that are approved to fulfill these requirements.

^c Please refer to the list of Technical Electives for the Mechanical Design Technology degree that may fulfill this requirement.

^d EGR 199 and EGR 245 should be taken concurrently.

Certificate Options

Computer-Aided Drafting Design Technology

Award: Certificate

Possible occupations for graduates: drafter, CADD (computer-aided drafting and design) operator, or engineering technician.

The Certificate in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology is designed for students who seek employment or professional development in the area of computer-aided drafting and design.

Many of the credits for the Certificate in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology may be applied toward completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Mechanical Design Technology.

Full-time students may complete the certificate in two semesters; part-time students determine their own pace.

Curriculum

First Semester

Second Semester

^a The following courses can be substituted:

ENG 111 may be substituted for ENG 137

MTH 163 may be substituted for MTH 103

^b Computer-Aided Drafting is used in this class.

^c Please refer to the list of Technical Electives for Certificates that may fulfill this requirement.

Career Studies Certificate Options

Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)

Award: Career Studies Certificate

Purpose: to train students in the fundamentals of design and drafting and the use of computer software applications in various drafting disciplines. This career studies certificate provides the minimum preparation for employment as a draftsperson or CAD operator.

Curriculum

Quality Control

Award: Career Studies Certificate

Purpose: to give students training in quality control techniques. This career studies certificate prepares students for assembly line quality assurance jobs.

Curriculum

Engineering

Award: no award
First year course requirements toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
Major: Engineering
Program: Two-semester (one-year) curriculum*

Blue Ridge Community College provides the first-year requirements for an engineering major*. BRCC engineering students have transferred to the University of Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Old Dominion University.

Most first-year engineering courses at BRCC can be applied toward the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Mechanical Design Technology at BRCC.

Admission requirements: applicants should have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Prerequisites include the following high school units:

• 4 units of English
• 4 units of mathematics (2 units of algebra, 1 unit of plane geometry, and 1 unit advanced mathematics such as trigonometry or solid geometry)
• 1 unit of laboratory science
• 1 unit of social science

* Second year engineering courses are not offered at Blue Ridge Community College. Students may complete the second year at other Virginia Community College System institutions.

Curriculum

First Semester

Second Semester

Technical Electives: Mechanical Design Technology Degree

• ARC 121 Architectural Drafting I
• ARC 122 Architectural Drafting II
• DRF 232 Computer-Aided Drafting II (3D Modeling)
• ENG 115 Technical Writing
• IND 145 Introduction to Metrology
• IND 146 Statistical Quality Control
• MEC 256 Thermodynamics
• MTH 173 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I

Technical Electives: Mechanical Design Technology Certificate

• DRF 225 Machine Drawing & Design
• DRF 231 Computer-Aided Drafting I
• DRF 232 Computer-Aided Drafting II (3D Modeling)
• MTH 104 Applied Technical Mathematics II
• MEC 225 Metallurgy

Students in the certificate program may also select from technical electives approved for the Mechanical Design Technology degree program.

Related information:  Mechanical Engineering Website