Portland Community College
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Environmental Studies is the interdisciplinary field that incorporates social sciences, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and geology in order to examine the interactions between human beings and the natural world. Environmental studies allows scientists and laypersons to understand the complex interaction between various organisms while also equipping policy-makers with important data to make critical decisions. Environmental Studies is important to a broad array of disciplines, from architecture to law to public health. Recent estimates show a growing demand in governmental, commercial, and industrial employment for professionals whose qualifications include environmental analytical skills.

Civil engineering technicians are problem-solvers, working as part of a team involved in the planning, design, construction, operation, and management of many types of projects. These may include buildings, bridges, dams, highways, rapid transit facilities, airport and coastal improvements, land development projects, residential and commercial complexes, utilities, and environmental protection facilities such as water and wastewater treatment plants, air pollution control systems, solid and hazardous waste disposal systems, and storm water control facilities. These skilled professionals work on a variety of assignments including: design calculations, computer-aided drafting, environmental sampling, engineering and boundary surveying, laboratory testing, specification writing, technical sales, scheduling, estimating, and construction management, among others. Employers of CET’s include consulting engineering firms, government agencies, utilities, construction companies, manufacturers, and materials testing laboratories. The PCC Civil Engineering Technology program is designed to develop marketable skills in a broad range of technical areas, as well as in problem analysis and solution, spoken and written communication, computer software use, and computer-aided drawing. While providing a curriculum strong in mathematics and engineering topics, our teaching format also emphasizes student involvement, teamwork, and extensive student-instructor interaction.

Electronic Engineering Technology (EET) is concerned with the theory and practice of applied electronics engineering. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of engineering knowledge. To apply electronics engineering knowledge requires a thorough background in mathematics and science. EET graduates possess a combination of theoretical and practical understanding and require minimal on-the-job training to become productive. Graduates of an Associate of Applied Science Degree program in EET are called electronic engineering technicians and find employment in circuits and systems testing, product development, prototype construction and testing, circuit and systems medication, systems operation and manufacturing. EET graduates are expected to have good communication skills and be capable of creative problem solving, working independently and in teams. They should have extensive knowledge of both the hardware and software of electronic systems.

The Sustainability Focus award recognizes students who have completed a broad range of sustainability related courses. The award is designed to encourage students to learn to see environmental issues from multiple perspectives and to increase their experience in this multi-disciplinary topic. The earning of this focus award can demonstrate to potential employers and transfer colleges that the student has a deep and broad understanding of sustainability issues.