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Electrical Technology, Associate in Applied Science

Overview

Narrative

There has never been a more rewarding time to consider entering the electrical trades. With a large number of electricians approaching retirement age and the increasing technical complexity of new equipment, skilled electrical technicians are consistently in demand now and into the future. If you enjoy hands-on physical activities combined with complex problem solving opportunities, the electrical trade offers you a rewarding career path.

Northampton’s electrical technology program offers a range of stackable degrees; starting with a specialized diploma that can be completed in one-year, a certificate requiring a minimum of 41 credits, and an AAS degree requiring a minimum of 63 credits. 

All of our electrical programs are designed to be completed on either a full time or a part time basis, with most courses available in the evenings as well as during the day.


Features

The electrical technology AAS degree offers students an advanced technical credential for those interested in starting an electrical career in the construction trades or pursuing electrical technician positions in the advanced manufacturing sector. All students completing this program will gain a broad understanding of fundamental electrical principles, residential and commercial wiring practices, and basic PLC / VFD programming/operation. In addition, students may tailor their second year technical courses to focus on their specific career goals, selecting from more advanced electrical courses including solar PV systems design, advanced industrial control systems, or specialized wiring courses.  The program is rounded out by including general education courses that will prepare you to better communicate and build teamwork at your organization, vital skills that are required to advance into supervisory positions.


Graduates from this program will have employment opportunities as electricians, electrical service technicians, and electrical maintenance personal in both the construction and advanced manufacturing sectors.


Transfer Information:

  • While the program is not specifically intended for transfer, it will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Pennsylvania College of Technology.
  • In addition, this program is eligible for the Bloomsburg partnership program for their “Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Leadership” 4 year degree.




Outcomes

Students who complete the Electrical Technology AAS will be able to:

 

  • Demonstrate an ability to work and independently and collaboratively.
  • Demonstrate competent speaking skills when working with diverse groups.
  • Demonstrate skills in collecting, analyzing and applying technical information.
  • Explain basic electrical theories, including Ohm’s, Kirchhoff’s, and Watt’s laws.
  • Properly use test equipment to troubleshoot electrical circuits.
  • Interpret technical information in the form of schematics and electrical specifications.
  • Describe the function and application of electrical equipment as used in residential, commercial and industrial environments.
  • Construct, analyze, and troubleshoot common industrial circuits used in control and distribution.
  • Properly interpret and apply the National Electric Code in common residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
  • Demonstrate electrical safety practices when working with electrical control and distribution equipment.
  • Apply mathematics to prepare electrical system documentation.



Courses

First Semester

COLS101College Success

1 credits
CISC101Introduction to Information Technology

3 credits
ELTC101Electrical Fundamentals

3 credits
EMEC114Mechanical Skills for the Trades

2 credits
ENGL101English I

3 credits
MATH103Technical Mathematics

3 credits
 
OSAH101
Construction Industry Outreach Safety Education**

1 credit
OR
OSAH102
General Industry Outreach Safety Education

1 credit
Total Credit Hours:16

Second Semester

CMGT104Construction Print Reading

3 credits
CMTH102Introduction to Communication

3 credits
ELTC107Electrical Wiring I

3 credits
ELTC135Electrical Motors and Controls

4 credits
EMEC140Sensors, Wiring and Troubleshooting

1 credits
General Education Elective +

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:17

Third Semester

ELTC109Electrical Wiring II

3 credits
EMEC240Industrial Control Systems I

4 credits
ENGL151TEnglish II

3 credits
General Education Elective +

3 credits
Technical Elective ++

2/3 credits
Total Credit Hours:15-16

Fourth Semester

ELTC211National Electrical Code

4 credits
PHYS152Physical Science II

3 credits
Elective

3 credits
Technical Elective ++

3/4 credits
Total Credit Hours:13-14

Total Credit Hours: 61-63

** OSAH 101 is the recommended selection.

+ For the General Education Electives, students must select one course from the list of approved courses in two of the following categories: Arts & Humanities (AH); Social Science: Societies and Institution over Time (SIT); Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).

  • One course should be designated as Diversity and Global Awareness (D) for degree completion.
  • One elective must be taken in a Writing Intensive (WI) section for degree completion.


++Eligible technical electives: any ELTC, HVAC, CADM, EMEC, ELEC, ENGG, CHEM, CISC, or WELD except CADM100, EMEC115, ENGG100, or ENGG117.