SciEngTech Information FAQ 08112015
Hello
Thank you for your interest in the Science & Engineering Technologies at HCC-Northeast. Please see Current Year
Degree Plans at http://www.hccs.edu click Admissions, Advising, select Degree Planning Worksheets, select
Science Engineering Technology Math, and view desired Degree Plans.
All new AAS or Certificate Degree seeking students entering in Engineering Technology Programs are encouraged
to see an advisor at HCC-Northeast for advisement and preparation of a Degree Plan. To determine cost of each
course in the degree plan visit http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/tuitioncalculator/ .
Most Frequently asked questions
1. What are the procedures to get into Science & Engineering Technologies program at HCC-NE?
For future students, they need to fill out the HCC application for admission at www.hccs.edu. All students need to
visit with HCC student advisors or counselors regarding details on student services, financial aid, and generation of
a degree plan. Diagnostic testing(s) and evaluation of transcripts from all institution the student attended will be
done by student services. All international students are required to contact HCC International Advisors at
www.hccs.edu and select International Student from the main menu to start in any program at HCC.
2. How can I get Internship or CO-OP courses?
You must speak with the department chair or program coordinator about potential internship/co-op requirements.
Internships and Co-op courses are offered during the last semester of the one year certificate and the last semester
of the second year for the AAS degrees. Department approval is required prior to enrolling in these courses.
Students are encouraged to contact the HCC-NE Career Services Office to inquire about internship and coop
opportunities. Depending on the type of company and project availability, student may be assigned to do externalfield-training/work for specific amount of hours per semester (usually unpaid). Department chair or program
coordinator will provide list of objectives to be accomplished. Degree of accomplishment of objectives are evaluated
by internship-supervisor (may be external company supervisor/engineer) and by the program coordinator for final
grade for the class. Internship classes are usually the Capstone course in each program and will be taken as last
course before graduation from a program.
3. Whom do I need to contact about the programs?
For general questions about enrollment, class selection, and degree planning you should speak with an advisor in the
counseling department at HCC-Northeast. The phone number to the counseling department is 713 718 5949. For
questions about programs in the Science & Engineering Technologies Division, please call 713-718-5534, or email
morteza.sameei@hccs.edu .
4. What type of financial aid can I receive?
Federal grants and loans are available to students. Further, various scholarships offered by the HCC foundation, are
available to qualifying applicants. For more information regarding financial aid, students may contact 713.7188304.
5. What days are the classes offered (scheduling)?
Classes are offered weekdays (morning, afternoon and evening) and weekends depending on the specific program;
Some classes are also offered online.
6. What are the requirements to get into my field Pre-Requisites/Co-Requisites?
This varies depending on the program. Most of the science & engineering technology areas require students to have
reached a college level in mathematics, reading and writing. Your specific program and the sequence of how to take
classes will be reviewed with you by an advisor or program faculty representative.
7. How long will it take to complete a course or a degree?
Courses can be completed during a semester. It takes approximately one year for students to complete their
Certificate and about two years to complete the requirements for the AAS degree.
8. What type of jobs will I be able to get?
The mission of each program is to prepare students to enter the energy workforce. Each program specializes in the
education and training of students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies for a particular field of employment
and related ones. Generally, these degrees prepare students for entry level positions in these fields. For example the
Petroleum Engineering Technology program prepares students for entry level Petroleum Engineering Technologists
positions or Petro-Techs.
9. Can I use credit/semester hours earned at the HCC to transfer to the University?
Depending on the university or college and the intended major, your degree may transfer to a four year institution.
Please visit the department chair or undergraduate advisor of the department of the college you are interested to
transfer your credits to discuss your academic interests. You may also contact the HCC counselor concerning
transfer plans prior to starting a degree program. Semester credit hour courses in AAS programs may transfer to a
university.
10. If I attain a certificate, will I be able to use my certificate hours toward a degree in AA or AAS degree?
Yes, you can.
11. What are the differences between an Engineering Degree and Engineering Technology Degree?
Both degrees involved theory and practice. An engineering degree (example: Electrical Engineering or Petroleum
Engineering) is more theoretical about the science of engineering and the academic components that establish its
concepts by using Calculus I, II, III, Differential Equations, and other advanced Science/math (note: title does not
contain the word TECHNOLOGY).
Engineering Technology degree has less theory and more about practical application of engineering concepts. The
math levels usually established for an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Engineering Technology
programs (technician level) are Elements of Calculus with Applications, College Algebra and at times,
Trigonometry.
12. Do Degree plans change in Engineering Technology Programs?
Degree plans may change each year depending on new technology and market demand. Students entering into a
program should maintain taking courses according to the degree plan for each semester listed on their degree plans
(courses usually arranged based on Prerequisite/Co-Requisite order).