Colorado Community College System

Programme overview

The AES is offered through the Colorado Community College System in partnership with several four‑year institutions. It functions as a direct track intended to streamline the transfer process for students who plan to continue into a participating university's engineering program. The degree is structured to constitute the 60 credits typically required to request transfer to a partner institution, and credits are designed to transfer upon acceptance.

What you'll study

The AES focuses on the first two years of engineering preparation. As documented by CCCS, the degree meets the necessary 60‑credit threshold for transfer and consists predominantly of Guaranteed Transfer courses. Note that the AES does not satisfy the Guaranteed Transfer (GT) core designation required for Degrees with Designation (DwD) because partner universities set specific standards.

Entry requirements

Any student who is college algebra ready is eligible to start the AES at a Colorado community college. New applicants should indicate their intent to start the AES on the application to a participating CCCS college; current CCCS students can change to the AES by contacting their community college advisor.

Career prospects

The AES is intended primarily as a transfer pathway to four‑year engineering programs and therefore supports progression toward bachelor’s degrees and engineering careers after transfer. CCCS also notes the degree is designed to assist students who choose to enter the workforce directly instead of transferring, although specific job outcomes are not detailed on the source page.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Completing the AES at a CCCS college can produce cost savings by taking the first two years at a community college rate. The system also highlights scholarship opportunities available to AES students to further reduce costs. Admission into a participating university remains subject to that university's acceptance process; the AES strengthens but does not guarantee admission.