Temple College is expanding its offerings to include a new certificate and associate degree in engineering technology.

The new programs are designed for people who would like to work as engineering technologists or transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

“An associate degree in engineering technology can open up a variety of career paths,” said Sandra Melendez, chair of the Engineering Technology Department.  

Melendez said the new programs were developed at the request of the department’s advisory council, which consists of representatives from local businesses.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, engineers and technicians were among the hardest jobs for employers to fill in 2016.

Construction firms as well as companies that do work in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and architectural engineers all need engineering technologists.

Students currently enrolled at Temple College say they are excited about the new options.

“It’s encouraging to see the school broadening the focus of study in engineering,” said Thomas Mills, who is currently enrolled in the college’s Computer-Aided Design program. “I’m really looking forward to being among the first group of students to get the new AAS in Engineering Technology that will transfer directly to Texas A&M University - Central Texas for my future BS in Civil Engineering Technology. I will have all the classes I need to transfer straight into a four-year degree plan without any wasted time and expense on classes that aren’t really beneficial to my ultimate goals.”

Heather Voulgaris said the new program will make more employment opportunities available to students such as herself.

“As a woman who is going into this mostly male field, I am hoping that more women find and enjoy this program as much as I do,” she said. Voulgaris hopes to pursue a career in architectural drafting.

For more information on the new programs, visit www.templejc.edu/engineeringtech or contact Melendez at sandra.melendez@templejc.edu.