Associate of Electrical Technology: Degree Overview
Electrical technology associate degree programs train students to work with electrical and electronic systems, machines and devices. Programs generally are 1.5-2 years in length and divide instruction between classrooms and hands-on labs.
Associate Degree Programs in Electrical Technology
Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science programs in electrical technology train students to install, test, maintain and repair electrical equipment and electronic circuits and devices. Coursework covers general electrical theory and relies heavily on math and science concepts. Classroom instruction also emphasizes standards required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an agency that governs worker safety practices, as well as technical wiring methods. Some programs also include training on programmable logic controllers (PLC), which are used in manufacturing and other applications.
Labs provide opportunities for students to develop skills in wiring, installation, troubleshooting and repair according to the National Electrical Code (NEC). Specific lab exercises may include wiring a new building, installing a lighting system or connecting industrial equipment. OSHA safety practices are also covered in labs.
Education Prerequisites
Programs generally require a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some require passing math placement exams. Programs may require students to acquire a set of specific tools.
Course Topics
Students are exposed to broad academic courses in addition to core electrical technology subjects. Coursework may include the following:
- Algebra
- Physics
- Alternating and direct current (AC and DC)
- Electronics
- Wiring techniques
- Motor controls
- PLCs
- Electrical drawings and blueprints
- NEC and OSHA standards
Popular Career Options
Programs teach the knowledge and skills needed by such employers as construction companies, utility companies and telecommunications companies. Typical careers include the following:
- Electrician
- Electronics troubleshooter
- Electrical relay technician
- Electrical research technician
- Electrical distribution salesperson
Continuing Education and Licensure Information
Graduates who choose to pursue careers as electricians need to be licensed in most states, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). To obtain a license, aspiring electricians might need to take tests that cover NEC and state and local codes, the BLS reports. Employers could also require applicants to acquire hands-on training through apprenticeships after completing classroom training.
Bachelor's degree programs are available for students who desire to expand career opportunities in this field. These programs may include building automation technology and electronics engineering technology. Some programs allow students to apply related associate degree coursework towards bachelor's degree requirements.
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4 Popular Schools
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (3 campuses)
- California (16)
- Colorado (3)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (4)
- Illinois (8)
- Indiana (2)
- Kentucky (1)
- Maryland (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (2)
- North Carolina (2)
- New Jersey (3)
- Nevada (1)
- New York (2)
- Ohio (4)
- Oklahoma (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (5)
- Tennessee (2)
- Texas (7)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (3)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (2)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Colorado (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
-
School locations:
- Alabama (3 campuses)
- Arkansas (1 campus)
- Arizona (3)
- California (14)
- Colorado (2)
- Florida (12)
- Georgia (3)
- Iowa (2)
- Idaho (1)
- Illinois (3)
- Indiana (5)
- Kansas (2)
- Kentucky (2)
- Louisiana (2)
- Massachusetts (2)
- Maryland (2)
- Michigan (6)
- Minnesota (2)
- Missouri (4)
- Mississippi (1)
- North Carolina (4)
- Nebraska (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- Nevada (2)
- New York (3)
- Ohio (9)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (2)
- Pennsylvania (7)
- South Carolina (4)
- Tennessee (5)
- Texas (8)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (5)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (4)
- West Virginia (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Associate
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- Associate in Computer and Electronics Engineering Technology
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- Associate in Electrical Technology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
Other Schools:
-
School locations:
- Rhode Island (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
-
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
-
School locations:
- Ohio (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
-
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Electronic Communications Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
-
School locations:
- Massachusetts (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northeastern University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Electronic Communications Engineering
- Telecommunications Technologies
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Surveying
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School locations:
- Illinois (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Southern Illinois University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Electronic Communications Engineering
- Engineering - Architectural
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
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School locations:
- New York (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Rochester Institute of Technology include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Electromechanical Technologies
- Electronic Communications Engineering
- Robotics Technologies
- Telecommunications Technologies
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
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School locations:
- Mississippi (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Pearl River Community College include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Electronic Communications Engineering
- Instrumentation Technologies
