Electrical Construction Technology
Business & Technology
Degree awarded: Associate in Applied Science
Program Narrative
Electrical construction involves the installation, wiring and testing of electrical equipment in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The work itself is both physically demanding and highly rewarding. It requires a strong working knowledge of wiring practices and the National Electrical Code, a basic knowledge of the equipment used in commercial applications, industrial processes and environmental controls, as well as a journeyman's license. If you are interested in pursuing a career in Electrical Construction, our program can help you achieve your goal. The Solar Photovoltaic Systems Courses are accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ).
In addition to our Electrical Construction Technology associate's degree program, Northampton also offers a specialized diploma in Electrical Technology for students who wish to enter and grow in the profession. If you plan to earn a bachelor's degree in the field, our program is also a good way to get started.
In addition to this associate's degree, IBEW members enrolled in the five-year IBEW Apprenticeship Program can also opt for a version of the degree. See "Electrical Construction Technology IBEW" for more information.
Program Features
The program provides an in-depth study of electrical fundamentals, wiring techniques, and the National Electrical Code that is applicable to residential, commercial and industrial installations. We prepare our students to sit for municipal (PA) and state (NJ) electrician's license exams. The program also provides fundamental knowledge of a broad range of related technologies including electricity, HVAC, fiber optics, motor controls, and PLCs. This breadth of technical knowledge enables graduates to work on a variety of projects in construction, utility and manufacturing industries. Required general education courses round out the degree requirements to provide graduates with the ability to effectively communicate and interface with other employees, customers, suppliers and other organizations.
Courses are carefully scheduled so that you can earn the AAS degree in two years of full-time study. Alternatively, course work can be completed over a longer period during the evening on a part-time basis. Students can begin the program in the fall or spring.
Completion of the degree will prepare you to grow into positions of higher responsibility in the field. It will also enable you to transfer all course work to the following online baccalaureate degree programs:
- B.S. Applied Management through Franklin University
- B.S. Industrial Management through California University of Pennsylvania
Admission to the program is open to any student meeting the standard college entrance requirements. To complete the on-campus program in a timely basis, students are required to meet with the Assistant Director of Technical Programs (610-332-6260) for advising prior to entering the program.
Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for further information.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
- Describe the operation and application of commonly used electrical components and circuits.
- Demonstrate a basic framework of technical vocabulary and symbols.
- Demonstrate the application of commonly used methods of circuit analysis and theory.
- Test and troubleshoot electrical and electronic circuits.
- Properly use test equipment including oscilloscopes, DC power supplies, function generators, multi-meters, high voltage testers, and megohmmeters.
- Record, interpret and analyze data.
- Interpret technical information in the form of architectural drawings, schematics, specifications, graphs and procedure.
- Use a lab notebook in recording relevant and necessary project information.
- Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrate written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrate skills in reporting, analyzing, and researching technical information.
- Appreciate the breadth and dynamics of the electrical construction industry and be prepared to adapt to changes.
- Properly interpret and use the National Electric Code to perform electrical tasks.
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the safety requirements involved in all phases of electrical work.
Electrical Construction Technology,
Associate in Applied Science Degree
| Course Code | Course Title |
Credits
|
| First Semester | ||
| CISC 101 | Introduction to Computers |
3
|
| CMTH 102 | Speech Communication |
3
|
| EMEC 101 | Electrical Fundamentals |
3
|
| EMEC 118 | Hand and Power Tools |
1 |
| ENGG 117 | Technical Drawings & Specifications |
3
|
| ENGL 101C | English I |
3
|
|
16
|
||
| Second Semester | ||
| ELTC 107 | Electrical Wiring I |
3
|
| EMEC135 | Electrical Motors and Controls |
4
|
| ENGL 151 | English II + |
3
|
| MATH 140 | College Algebra |
3
|
| ----------- | General Education Elective ++ |
3 |
|
16
|
||
| Summer Session | ||
| ELTC 265 | Electrical Cabling ** |
3 |
|
3 |
||
| Third Semester | ||
| ELTC 109 |
Electrical Wiring II |
3
|
| EMEC 117 | Industrial Rigging |
1 |
| EMEC 240 | Industrial Control Systems I |
4
|
| HVAC 101 | Fundamentals of HVAC/R I |
4
|
| PHYS 101 | Physics I |
4
|
|
16
|
||
| Fourth Semester | ||
| ELTC 222 | Solar Photovoltaic Systems I |
3
|
| ELTC 211 | National Electrical Code |
4
|
| ELTC 260G | Electrical Construction Practicum |
2
|
| OSAH 100 | Industry Outreach Safety Education |
1
|
| ------------ | General Education Elective ++ |
3
|
| ------------ | Elective |
3 |
|
16
|
||
| Total Credits |
67
|
** ELTC 265 is a Summer I class.
+ Students are advised to complete the Technical Writing option of ENGL 151.
++ 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 Institutions over Time (SIT); Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).
One of the electives should be designated as Diversity (D).
Career Potential: Inside Wireman, VDV Installer/Technician, Residential Wireman