Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) has announced a new initiative aimed at providing aspiring engineers in Northern Nevada with a clear academic path. The program, supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, allows students to earn an associate degree in engineering and transfer seamlessly to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR).
The initiative is part of the Engineering Pathways for Access, Community, and Transfer (EPACT) Program. It involves collaboration between TMCC, Western Nevada College (WNC), Great Basin College (GBC), and UNR. The goal is to expand access to engineering education and simplify the transfer process for students pursuing four-year degrees.
Three key 200-level engineering courses will be offered online as part of the EPACT Program. These include Statics (ENGR 241) starting in Fall 2025, followed by Dynamics (ME 242) and Circuits (EE 220) in 2026. TMCC professor Daniel Loranz stated that these courses would provide "a better transfer experience to UNR," helping students stay on track for degree completion while building a strong peer network.
All community colleges in northern Nevada will offer these online courses. At TMCC, students can complete an associate degree in engineering and smoothly transition into UNR’s College of Engineering through coordinated curriculum planning and dedicated advising support.
Marissa Tsugawa, who will teach Statics this Fall, shared her positive experience with community college education: “I felt like I learned more in my community college classes compared to my university classes because I was able to form study groups and received helpful feedback from my professors.”
The program aims to attract students who may not yet be ready for university or are undecided about pursuing an engineering degree. Tsugawa highlighted that “the EPACT Program paves an equitable pathway into the engineering program at UNR because of TMCC’s accessibility, affordability, and sense of community.”
This initiative offers a supportive option close to home for those interested in starting an engineering career.
For further details, visit the EPACT Program webpage or contact the Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences Division.