Engineering Design

Instructor pointing at student computer screen

Welcome to the Engineering Design Program at WCJC, where creativity meets practicality. Here, we turn your innovative ideas into reality, setting you up for a successful career in the dynamic field of design.

Program Details

Learn more about our Engineering Design program and find course descriptions in the WCJC Catalog.

Academic Map

A.A.S. in Engineering Design
Our Engineering Design Program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends strong technical drafting skills with the mastery of industry-leading CAD software. Get hands-on experience with programs like Autodesk AutoCAD, Inventor, Civil 3D, Revit, MicroStation, and Solidworks. Earn your Associate of Applied Science degree in just two years at WCJC. 

Not ready to commit to the full degree? You can earn a Level I Certificate in one year.  All courses in the Certificate program can be applied to the AAS degree.

Career Opportunities

Our two-year program doesn't just end with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Engineering Design. It's the starting point of a rewarding career in design. Our graduates confidently step into the professional world, bringing valuable skills to large corporations, small businesses, and everything in between. From specialized design disciplines to supervisory and management positions, your WCJC education opens up a world of possibilities.

Find more information, including salaries and education requirements, on Career Coach!

The Engineering Design program allows you to understand and view everyday commodities in a new light. The projects and assignments help us understand the drafting process, and by incorporating hands-on projects, I can further understand concepts.
Christian Ortiz
Engineering Design, Class 2023
Whether your interests are in architectural design, civil/structural design, electrical design, mechanical design or piping design, you have the opportunity to learn about various fields within our degree plan.
Blueprints

Hands-On Learning for Enhanced Understanding

 

Student building a model bridget
Hear from our students and instructors about the benefits of the WCJC Engineering Design Program.

 

Meet the Faculty

Our faculty is the heart of our program. Comprising experienced industry professionals, they're not just teachers, but mentors who guide you, share their real-world experience, and help you reach your full potential. Meet the people who'll be by your side, turning your passion into a career.

Haydee Ruiz

Engineering Design Program Director

Ms. Ruiz's industry experience includes civil design, architectural design, and structural design. Ms. Ruiz is proficient in AutoCAD, Microstation, Revit, Inventor, Civil3D, and Solidworks.  Ms. Ruiz's teaching career began at Wharton County Junior College in the Fall of 2007.

Education:

  • A.A.S. in Drafting Technology from Wharton County Junior College
  • B.S. in Surveying Engineering Technology from the University of Houston
  • M.S. in Technology Project Management from the University of Houston

Office: Wharton Campus, Peace Building 211B
Phone: (979) 532-6339
Email: ruizh@wcjc.edu

Jerry Williams

Part-Time Instructor of Engineering Design

Mr. Williams has over 40 years of teaching technical courses. Mr. Williams ‘s industry experience includes structural design. 

Education:

  • B.S. in Industrial Education from Prairie View A&M University
  • M.S. in Industrial Education from Prairie View A&M University

Location: Wharton Campus, Peace Building 210
Email: williamsj@wcjc.edu

Additional Program Information

Engineering Design, Associate of Applied Science

  • In-District Tuition / Fees: $9,396
  • Out-of-District Tuition / Fees: $13,056
  • Out-of-State Tuition / Fees: $16,167
  • Estimated book and drafting kit: $1,176

Architectureal Design, Level 1 Certificate

  • In-District Tuition / Fees: $3.905
  • Out-of-District Tuition / Fees: $5,308
  • Out-of-State Tuition / Fees: $6,504
  • Books: $726
  •  
  • Amanda Anderle Fling, P.E., Design Engineer - TXDOT – Yoakum District, Yoakum, TX
  • Chelsee Basgal, Project Manager & Estimater - Whaley Steel Corp., Houston, TX 
  • Troy Burditt, Surveying, Kaluza, Inc., Rosenberg, TX
  • Rocio Dilone, Drafter/Designer, SWCA, Houston, TX
  • Fred Escobedo, CAD Director, DHI Engineering, Houston, TX
  • Michael Gurka, P.E., Engineering Manager, QUIDDITY, Houston, TX
  • Sean Harkins, Co-Founder/COO, AmPd Labs, Houston, TX
  • Scott P. Mason, P.E., Lead Project Engineer - G&W Engineers, Port Lavaca, TX
  • Carl Merta, Piping Design - Zachry Engineering Corporation, Houston, TX 
  • Alan Mund, SIT, McKim & Creed, Stafford, TX
  • David Salley, Design Infrastructure Design & Production Manager - BGE Inc., Houston, TX 
  • Rory A. Starling, Structural Design - VSMsq Structural Engineers, LLC, Houston, TX 
  •  

Archived Administrative Master Syllabi

Engineering Design SCANS Matrix

man at desk with blueprints and computer

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All career and technical education opportunities at Wharton County Junior College follow policies of nondiscrimination offered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability including those with limited English proficiency. For information, see the Public Notice Regarding Career and Technical Education Programs. 
*In addition to Wharton County Junior College Admission criteria, students must comply with additional program specific admission criteria, where applicable. 

Todas las oportunidades de formación profesional y técnica en Wharton County Junior College se rigen por políticas de no discriminación y se ofrecen sin distinción de raza, color, religión, origen nacional, sexo, edad o discapacidad, incluyendo a personas con dominio limitado del inglés. Para más información, consulte el Aviso Público sobre Programas de Formación Profesional y Técnica.
*Además de los criterios de admisión de Wharton County Junior College, los estudiantes deben cumplir con criterios de admisión adicionales específicos del programa, cuando corresponda.

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