Pre-Engineering
Complete your lower-division math, science, and engineering coursework at Trinidad State, then transfer seamlessly into a bachelor's program in engineering — with a direct, course-mapped pathway to the Colorado School of Mines.
Program Overview
Built for a smooth transfer into a four-year engineering degree
Trinidad State's Pre-Engineering program gives you the foundational math, physics, and introductory engineering coursework that four-year engineering schools expect from a transfer student. Because the program is built from Guaranteed Transfer (GT Pathways) courses, the credits you earn here are designed to carry forward toward your bachelor's degree.
You'll work through calculus, calculus-based physics, and general chemistry alongside electives in biology, geology, computer science, and computer-aided drafting — giving you room to shape your coursework around the engineering discipline you plan to pursue.
Small class sizes and direct access to instructors mean you get individualized support while you build the technical proficiency and problem-solving skills that upper-division engineering coursework demands.
Transfer Pathway
Where your credits can take you
Pre-Engineering at TSC is part of the Colorado Community College System's Associate of Engineering Science (AES) partnership — a statewide agreement designed to move students directly from a community college into upper-division engineering coursework at a four-year university.
Colorado School of Mines
TSC maintains a course-by-course transfer guide specific to the Colorado School of Mines, so you know exactly how each Pre-Engineering course you take here applies to your Mines degree.
Colorado State University & CU
Through the statewide AES partnership, this pathway also connects to Colorado State University and the University of Colorado. Course equivalencies vary by school, so meet with your advisor to map your courses to your target university.
Please note: the Colorado School of Mines transfer guide linked above is the most recent version available from the Colorado Department of Higher Education (dated 1/11/2018). Course equivalencies can change, so always confirm current requirements with your advisor before you register.
Program Cost
Where You Can Study
This program is offered at the following TSC campus locations.
Curriculum
Required & elective courses
This list reflects Trinidad State's official Pre-Engineering plan of study, mapped to the Colorado School of Mines transfer agreement. Other four-year schools may accept a different combination of courses — work with your advisor to confirm requirements for your target university.
Required Courses
30–31 credits
Elective Courses
0–30 credits
Total Program
30–61 credits
Ranges reflect the official Colorado School of Mines transfer agreement. Your exact total depends on which "either/or" math options and which electives your intended engineering major requires — confirm with your advisor.
Math
- MAT 201 Calculus I 5 credits GT-MA1
- MAT 202 Calculus II 5 credits GT-MA1
- MAT 203 Calculus III (4 credits), or MAT 204 (preferred) Calculus III with Engineering Applications 5 credits GT-MA1
- MAT 261 Differential Equations with Engineering Applications, or MAT 265 Differential Equations 4 credits GT-MA1
Science
- PHY 211 Physics: Calculus-based I 5 credits GT-SC1
- CHE 111 General College Chemistry I with Lab 5 credits GT-SC1
Humanities & Social Science
- Up to 6 credit hours of 200-level GT-HI1, GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-SS1, GT-SS2, or GT-SS3 coursework. 6 credits
- 100-level World Language courses can fulfill the mid-level humanities and social science requirement.
Science Electives
- BIO 111 General College Biology I with Lab 5 credits GT-SC1
- BIO 112 General College Biology II with Lab 5 credits GT-SC1
- CHE 112 General College Chemistry II with Lab 5 credits GT-SC1
- GEY 111 Physical Geology with Lab 4 credits
- PHY 212 Physics: Calculus-based II 5 credits GT-SC1
Computer Science Electives
- CSC 160 Computer Science I 4 credits
- CSC 161 Computer Science II 4 credits
CAD & Drafting Electives
- CAD 101 Computer Aided Drafting I 3 credits
- CAD 102 Computer Aided Drafting II 3 credits
- CAD 201 CAD/Custom 3 credits
- CAD 202 Computer Aided Drafting/3D 3 credits
- COM 115 Public Speaking 3 credits Free elective only
Where You'll Go
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Contact Us
Have questions about this program? Reach out to a faculty or staff member.
- TitleDean of Instruction
- DepartmentDepartment Name
- LocationTrinidad, Colorado • 118 Davis
- EmailLoriRae.Hamilton@trinidadstate.edu