Associate in Engineering (AE)

Engineering is the application of science and math to solve problems to improve the world around us. The Associate in Engineering (AE) degree program is intended for students who plan to transfer to a four-year engineering degree program.

In this program, students take general education and pre-major electives at GTCC then complete their engineering program of choice, such as chemical, electrical, bio, civil, or mechanical engineering, after transferring to a four-year school. This program is ideal for students interested in any area of engineering and is designed to easily transfer to all five University of North Carolina System schools that offer engineering programs – N.C. State University, University of North Carolina – Charlotte (UNCC), East Carolina University, N.C. A&T University, and Western Carolina. Admission to engineering programs is highly competitive, and admission is not guaranteed.

Credentialing Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the general enrollment process for GTCC. During the advising process, your advisor will help you sign up for the specific courses you need.

Anne Simpson, Department Chair of Engineering, Astronomy, and Physics

Yes. Financial aid is available if you qualify. Visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822, option 3.

Yes. The Associate in Engineering (AE) degree is designed for students who want to pursue a four-year degree in the area of engineering. The degree plan includes required general education and prerequisite courses that are acceptable to the North Carolina public Bachelor of Science Engineering programs at N.C. State University, University of North Carolina – Charlotte (UNCC), East Carolina University, N.C. A&T University, and Western Carolina. Admission to engineering programs is highly competitive, and admission is not guaranteed.

To be eligible for the transfer of credits under the Associate in Engineering to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Articulation Agreement, you must make a grade of “C” or better in each course. You must also have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

No. The program includes required general education and prerequisite courses that are acceptable to all state-funded bachelor of engineering programs.

No. It is not required that you finish your Associate in Engineering first. However, it is highly recommended. If you complete your associate degree before transferring, you are generally more successful after you transfer to a four-year institution than students who do not complete their associate degrees first.