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Associate of Science Degree
Engineering

The Associate of Science Degree in Engineering will prepare those students interested in laying a foundation for further study and for a Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering field from a four-year college or university.

The engineering program fulfills many of the requirements and foundation courses for transfer to Baccalaureate engineering-related majors, but does not satisfy all transfer requirements for specific institutions. Students should consult a counselor for major preparation for specific universities and colleges.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2026-2027 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: MATH 190 / MATH 190H (RHC GE 2)M4.0
MATH 190 - Calculus I (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:MATH 180 or MATH 185 or appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures)
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 170, MATH 190 or MATH 190H)

This course is designed for students planning to pursue programs in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and physical sciences. It is the first course in differential and integral calculus of a single variable, and covers functions, limits and continuity, the techniques and applications of differentiation and integration, and the fundamental theorem of calculus.

MATH 190H - Calculus I Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:ENGL C1000 and MATH 185 or MATH 180 or appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures)
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 170, MATH 190 or MATH 190H)

This course is designed for students planning to pursue programs in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and physical sciences. It is the first course in differential and integral calculus of a single variable, and covers functions, limits and continuity, the techniques and applications of differentiation and integration, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (RHC GE 1)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units)

(Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101)

Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. 

RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE3.0

Select one:
ARCH 103
ART 101, 104, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117, 120, 130, 135, 140;
ARTH C1100, C1100H, C1200, C1200H;
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H;
GDSN 110:
MUS 101, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136;
MUST 151, 152;
PHTO 110, 130;
THTR 101, 105, 105H, 110, 150

RHC GE 9 - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Select one:
CHST 101;
EGSS 110

Total Semester Units:13.5 
2nd Semester
MATH 191 - Calculus IIM4.0
MATH 191 - Calculus II (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: MATH 190 or MATH 190H
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This semester-long course continues the study of calculus begun in MATH 190. The course includes techniques of integration, improper integrals, anti-derivatives, applications of the definite integral, differential equations, Taylor polynomials, series, polar equations, and parametric equations. This course is the second course of the calculus sequence required of all engineering, physics, and mathematics majors.

PHY 211 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers - IM4.0
PHY 211 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers - I (4.0 units)

(Formerly PHY 201)

Prerequisite:MATH 190 or MATH 190H
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for one physics series: PHY 150 and PHY 160 or PHY 211, PHY 212, and PHY 213)

This course is the first of a three-semester sequence designed for students transferring to four-year institutions with majors in the sciences and engineering. Topics covered include kinematics, dynamics, energy, work, momentum, and conservation principles.

Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
Summer 1
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

Total Semester Units:1.0 
3rd Semester
PHY 213 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers - IIIM4.0
PHY 213 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers - III (4.0 units)

(Formerly PHY 202)

Prerequisite: PHY 211 and MATH 191
Advisory: MATH 250
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU (*Students will receive credit for one physics series: PHY 150 and PHY 160 or PHY 211, PHY 212, and PHY 213)

This course is the first of a three-semester sequence designed for students transferring to four-year institutions with majors in the sciences and engineering. Topics covered include electric fields, electric potential, current, circuits, magnetic fields, Gauss' law, Ampere's law, Maxwell's equations, induction, and electromagnetic waves.

Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

Select one: COMM C1000 / COMM C1000H (RHC GE 8)GE3.0
COMM C1000 - Introduction to Public Speaking (formerly SPCH 101) (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 001A, SPCH 101)

Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM C1000, COMM C1000H)

In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. This course is designed for Communication Studies majors and recommended for students interested in the Forensics: Speech and Debate team, and/or Pathway to Law.

COMM C1000H - Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors (formerly SPCH 101H) (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 101H)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM C1000, COMM C1000H)

In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. This is an honors course. This course is designed for Communication Studies majors and recommended for students interested in the Honors Transfer Program, Forensics: Speech and Debate team, and/or Pathway to Law.

RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE3.0

Select one:
POLS C1000, C1000H;
HIST C1001, C1001H, C1002, C1002H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170

Total Semester Units:13.0 
4th Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE3.0†

† some classes may have higher units. 

Select one:
ANTH 104;
ASL 101, 124, 201, 202;
CHIN 101, 102;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
EGSS 130;
ENGL C1002, C1002H, 126, 131;
FR 101, 102, 201, 202;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, C1001, C1001H, C1002, C1002H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145;
JAPN 101, 102;
KIN 199
LIT 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H,140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A, 146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H;
MSCM 128;
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140;
POLS 128, 128H, 150;
SPAN 101, 101S, 102, 102S, 201, 201H, 202;
SPCH 130, 132

Total Semester Units:12.0† 
5th Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

RHC GE 5 - Natural Sciences with LabGE4.0

Select one Natural Science with Lab:
ANTH 101, 101H & 101L;
ASTR 110, 110H & 112, 137;
BIOL 101, 105 & 105L, 111 & 111L, 112, 120 & 120L;
BIOT 100;
CHEM 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 101 & 101L;
GEOL 150 & 151, 152 & 152L;
PHY 120, 150, 160, 211, 212, 213

RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE3.0

Select one:
AJ 101;
ANTH 102, 102H, 103, 104, 110, 115, 125;
CD 208;
CDEV C1000;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
COMM C1004, C1004H;
ECON C2001, C2001H, C2002, C2002H, 106, 135;
EGSS 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 102, 103;
GLST 101, 102;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, C1001, C1001H, C1002, C1002H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130;
KIN 170, 190, 195
MSCM 103, 128;
PHIL 128, 128H, 135;
POLS C1000, C1000H, 115, 125, 128, 128H, 130, 135,140,150;
PSY 112, 114, 180, 200;
PSYC C1000, C1000H;
SOC 102, 105, 110, 114, 116, 120, 127, 130;
SOCI C1000, C1000H;
SPCH 150

RHC GE 8 - Oral Communication and Critical ThinkingGE3.0†

† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
CIT 101, 125, 135;
COMM C1000, C1000H, C1004, C1004H;
ENGL 125, C1001, C1001H;
DSCI 101;
FIN 101;
GIS 120;
MATH 140, 150, 160, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 190H, 191, 250, 251, 260, 270;
PHIL 110, 110H, 112, 112H, 115;
PSY 190;
SPCH 120, 140;
STAT C1000, C1000H;
READ 101;
VOCB 101

Total Semester Units:16.0† 
Total Units for Engineering AS program67.5† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
  • Continuing students who started prior to Fall 2025 may follow CSU GE or IGETC.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: MATH 190 / MATH 190H (Cal-GETC 2)M4.0
MATH 190 - Calculus I (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:MATH 180 or MATH 185 or appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures)
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 170, MATH 190 or MATH 190H)

This course is designed for students planning to pursue programs in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and physical sciences. It is the first course in differential and integral calculus of a single variable, and covers functions, limits and continuity, the techniques and applications of differentiation and integration, and the fundamental theorem of calculus.

MATH 190H - Calculus I Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:ENGL C1000 and MATH 185 or MATH 180 or appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures)
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 170, MATH 190 or MATH 190H)

This course is designed for students planning to pursue programs in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and physical sciences. It is the first course in differential and integral calculus of a single variable, and covers functions, limits and continuity, the techniques and applications of differentiation and integration, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (Cal-GETC 1A)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units)

(Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101)

Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. 

Select one: POLS C1000 / POLS C1000H (Cal-GETC 4)GE3.0
POLS C1000 - American Government and Politics (formerly POLS 110) (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLS 110, 002)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology.

POLS C1000H - American Government and Politics - Honors (formerly POLS 110H) (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLYS 110H, POLS 110H)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. This is an honors course.

Cal-GETC 3B - HumanitiesGE3.0†

† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ANTH 104
ASL 124, 201
CHIN 102
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H
ENGL C1002, C1002H, 126
FR 102, 201, 202
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, C1001, C1001H, C1002, C1002H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145
JAPN 102
LIT 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H, 140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A,146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140
POLS 128, 128H;
SPAN 102, 201, 201H, 202

Total Semester Units:13.5† 
2nd Semester
MATH 191 - Calculus IIM4.0
MATH 191 - Calculus II (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: MATH 190 or MATH 190H
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This semester-long course continues the study of calculus begun in MATH 190. The course includes techniques of integration, improper integrals, anti-derivatives, applications of the definite integral, differential equations, Taylor polynomials, series, polar equations, and parametric equations. This course is the second course of the calculus sequence required of all engineering, physics, and mathematics majors.

PHY 211 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers - I (Cal-GETC 5B and 5C)M4.0
PHY 211 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers - I (4.0 units)

(Formerly PHY 201)

Prerequisite:MATH 190 or MATH 190H
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for one physics series: PHY 150 and PHY 160 or PHY 211, PHY 212, and PHY 213)

This course is the first of a three-semester sequence designed for students transferring to four-year institutions with majors in the sciences and engineering. Topics covered include kinematics, dynamics, energy, work, momentum, and conservation principles.

Cal-GETC 3A - ArtsGE3.0†

† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ART 104, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117
ARTH C1100, C1100H, C1200, C1200H
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H
GDSN 110
MUS 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136
MUST 151, 152
THTR 101, 105, 105H

Total Semester Units:11.0† 
3rd Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
You will choose a minimum of 20 units form one of the following areas of specialization, including at least 3 units of Engineering courses listed in that area - Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer, Software Engineering - Chemical Engineering . Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
You will choose a minimum of 20 units form one of the following areas of specialization, including at least 3 units of Engineering courses listed in that area - Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer, Software Engineering - Chemical Engineering . Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

US HISTORY (Cal-GETC 4)GE3.0


All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following U.S. History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST C1001, C1001H, C1002, C1002H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170.

Cal-GETC 1B - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE3.0†

† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ENGL C1001, 1001H
PHIL 110, 110H

Cal-GETC 1C - Oral CommunicationGE3.0

Select one:
COMM C1000, C1000H

Total Semester Units:15.0† 
4th Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
You will choose a minimum of 20 units form one of the following areas of specialization, including at least 3 units of Engineering courses listed in that area - Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer, Software Engineering - Chemical Engineering . Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
You will choose a minimum of 20 units form one of the following areas of specialization, including at least 3 units of Engineering courses listed in that area - Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer, Software Engineering - Chemical Engineering . Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

PHY 213 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers - IIIM4.0
PHY 213 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers - III (4.0 units)

(Formerly PHY 202)

Prerequisite: PHY 211 and MATH 191
Advisory: MATH 250
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU (*Students will receive credit for one physics series: PHY 150 and PHY 160 or PHY 211, PHY 212, and PHY 213)

This course is the first of a three-semester sequence designed for students transferring to four-year institutions with majors in the sciences and engineering. Topics covered include electric fields, electric potential, current, circuits, magnetic fields, Gauss' law, Ampere's law, Maxwell's equations, induction, and electromagnetic waves.

Cal-GETC 5B - Biological ScienceGE3.0†

† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':

Select one:
ANTH 101, 101H, 101L*; BIOL 101*, 105, 105L*, 111, 111L*, 120, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 206, 222*, 226*;
PSY 210, 210H.

Total Semester Units:13.0† 
5th Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
You will choose a minimum of 20 units form one of the following areas of specialization, including at least 3 units of Engineering courses listed in that area - Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer, Software Engineering - Chemical Engineering . Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
You will choose a minimum of 20 units form one of the following areas of specialization, including at least 3 units of Engineering courses listed in that area - Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer, Software Engineering - Chemical Engineering . Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see the major advising sheet linked below and/or meet with a counselor to discuss course options.

Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Select one:
CHST 101
EGSS 110

Total Semester Units:12.0 
Total Units for Engineering AS program64.5† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
  • Continuing students who started prior to Fall 2025 may follow CSU GE or IGETC.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

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