In collaboration with the United States Naval Community College (USNCC), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University now offers an Associate of Science in Engineering Fundamentals. This program is designed for active-duty enlisted members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reservists. Completion provides a naval-relevant credential that enhances operational readiness and sets students on a path of lifelong learning and success.
Offered entirely online and asynchronously, the A.S. in Engineering Fundamentals allows enlisted Naval professionals to gain the ability to:
- Identify, formulate and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.
- Conduct experiments or test theories, and then analyze and interpret gathered data.
- Demonstrate knowledge of professional and ethical responsibilities.
- Communicate effectively across teams and to broader audiences.
- Apply fundamental engineering skills and knowledge specifically tailored to the needs of the aviation and aerospace industry.
Faculty at Embry-Riddle are industry experts with extensive experience in their fields. Through learning real-world applications of course material, students gain knowledge that prepares them for continued learning or success in their field upon program completion.
Students who earn an A.S. in Engineering Fundamentals will have a competitive edge that may aid in military advancement and gain a foundational understanding of engineering principles, effective communication, team collaboration and professional skills.
Applicants who wish to apply for this program must do so through the USNCC website.
The Engineering Fundamentals program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and Engineering, General Engineering, Engineering Physics and Engineering Science Program Criteria.
We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to offer the ABET-accredited Associate of Science in Engineering Fundamentals to our USNCC partner. This robust program is specifically designed to provide a strong fundamental foundation for students passionate about the field of engineering, and we look forward to providing support in this exciting discipline.
Academic Overview, Certifications and Transfer Credit
While pursuing their degree, students will enroll in the necessary courses and receive an Engineering Fundamentals Certificate issued by Embry-Riddle, which will be awarded upon completion of the coursework.
The certificate program consists of seven required courses that will allow students to fine-tune their knowledge of:
- Calculus and analytical geometry
- Graphical communications
- Physics for engineers
- Statics
Every associate degree program offered by the United States Naval Community College automatically includes the Naval Studies Certificate, which is made up of five courses on naval history, ethics, force design, civilian-military relations and the geopolitical environment that are integrated into the program of study.
The Associate of Science in Engineering Fundamentals is easily transferable to four-year bachelor’s programs at Embry‑Riddle. Students may choose to continue along the engineering academic pathway and apply for one of the various undergraduate engineering programs at Embry-Riddle, including online programs in Engineering, Engineering Technology and Software Engineering, or choose a different program of study.
Degree Coursework
| Naval Studies Certificate | ||
| NAV 101 | Naval Ethics and Leadership | 3 Credits |
| NAV 102 | Modern Naval History | 3 Credits |
| NAV 103 | Naval Force Design | 3 Credits |
| NAV 104 | Civilian/Military Relations, Organization and American Government | 3 Credits |
| NAV 105 | Introduction to the Geopolitical Environment | 3 Credits |
| Engineering Fundamentals Certificate | ||
| MATH 242 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry II | 4 Credits |
| PHYS 250 | Physics III for Engineers | 3 Credits |
| PHYS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 2 Credits |
| ESCI 201 | Statics | 3 Credits |
| ENGR 101 | Introduction to Engineering | 3 Credits |
| ENGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | 3 Credits |
| ENGR 120 | Graphical Communications | 3 Credits |
| Other Requirements | ||
| ESCI 202 | Solid Mechanics | 3 Credits |
| ESCI 204 | Dynamics | 3 Credits |
| ESCI 206 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 Credits |
| MATH 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | 4 Credits |
| MATH 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 Credits |
| MATH 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 Credits |
| PHYS 150 | Physics I for Engineers | 3 Credits |
| PHYS 160 | Physics II for Engineers | 3 Credits |
| Total | 63 Credits | |
Career Trajectory
The Associate of Science in Engineering Fundamentals prepares students to enter roles within the engineering field or pursue an undergraduate engineering or professional degree in further engineering studies. Upon program completion, students are ready to engage in lifelong learning processes and practice their profession ethically while demonstrating excellent teamwork and communication skills.
Students who enroll in this program will have access to Embry-Riddle Career Services, which offers valuable assistance in career development, including coaching, resume writing, career expos and more.
Payment/Funding
USNCC pays for up to five courses per year by supporting the costs of tuition, mandatory course fees and required instructional materials (not including computers, calculators or other electronic devices) provided students remain eligible for participation in accordance with USNCC policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Associate of Science in Engineering Fundamentals is available to students exclusively online and asynchronously from anywhere with internet access. Attendance credit is received by submitting assignments on time within their deadlines.
Active-duty enlisted Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reservists who have a high school diploma (or equivalent).
Students will develop a combination of skills, including but not limited to practical design using basic models, core engineering concepts and simulations. Students will become familiar with the advanced technologies needed to meet the growing and dynamic needs of various engineering fields.
Graduates of the A.S. in Engineering Fundamentals at Embry-Riddle's Worldwide Campus have found careers in roles such as:
- Information Technology Systems Analyst
- Maintenance Technician
- Supply Technician
- Systems Engineer
- Quality Engineer
Nine-week terms, broken into nine, one-week modules with a weekly deadline. There is no live lecture component. All courses are instructor-led, and instructors maintain office hours to best support our students.
- Application: Applications must be completed through the USNCC website.
- Evaluation: The USNCC admissions team will review your application materials and select applicants who are best fit for admission.
- Notification: The USNCC admissions team will send out notifications to applicants who are selected in the enrollment process and/or those who might be put onto the waiting list if demand exceeds the spaces available.
- Command approval: The USNCC admissions team will request approval via electronic form from your command’s Education Service Officer (ESO) or designated command representative (provided on your application).
- Partner institution notification: If approval is granted and your CAC-signed USNCC Student Agreement and Education Records Release forms are submitted by the assigned deadlines, Embry-Riddle's admissions team will review your application materials and determine the status of admission to your desired program.
- Submit college transcripts: If you have previously completed college-level coursework, you will be required to submit official transcripts from all previous institutions where you have attempted or completed college coursework.
- Admission confirmed: If selected for admission into the Associate of Science in Engineering Fundamentals program, you will be notified of your admission status and the next steps to successfully begin your educational journey. (Applicants not selected for admission may be placed on a waiting list for consideration for future academic terms or recommended for consideration for admission to the Naval Studies Certificate.)
Apply for the Program
Prospective students must apply through the United States Naval Community College website.
When you are ready to apply, please use the application link below.
The only requirements to enroll in this program:
- Participants must be an active-duty enlisted sailor, marine, Coast Guardsman or woman, or Coast Guard Reservist.
- Participants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
What you will need to provide as you apply:
- The 10-digit number on the back of your CAC card.
- Basic military service information.
- Prior education information.
- Name and contact information for your command’s Education Service Officer, front-line supervisor or designated command representative.
Prospective students will apply through the USNCC website. Under the prompt “Select a Program Plan,” select “ERAU - Engineering Fundamentals.” Follow the prompts to complete the application.
If you have any questions pertaining to Embry-Riddle, please email us at wwusncc@erau.edu.