The Electrical Technology Associate's Degree program trains students for entry-level careers in the electrical industry. Construction electrician, maintenance electrician, power system technician, electrical relay technician, electrical research technician, electrical distribution sales, electro-mechanical technician, electrical technical support, and entry level controls engineer are some of the diverse careers open to graduates.
The curriculum integrates electrical theory and practical application to give students not only the manual skills to wire and install electrical systems and apparatus but also the mathematical and practical knowledge to support, explain and troubleshoot each application. As part of the Electrical Technology Associate's Degree program, computer programs are integrated into the coursework to allow for practice of circuit calculations, to create working models that simulate real circuit conditions and to support classroom lectures and demonstrations. Of equal importance is the thorough study of the safety rules, protocols, and procedures laid out in the National, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Electrical Codes as well as the OSHA standards for the construction and general industries.
Electrical Technology laboratory projects provide hands-on experience to develop wiring techniques and to simulate actual job conditions. The courses and projects range from elementary breadboard experiments to advanced control circuits utilizing PLC ladder logic. Students install lighting, power, network, and control devices used in residential, commercial and industrial environments.
Earn your Associate's Degree in Electrical Technology in as little as 18 months, days or evenings. After completing certain prerequisites, graduates of this program are eligible to continue on for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology.
Electrical Technology with Renewable Energy Systems
Starting in Fall 2009, the curriculum in New England Tech's Associate Degree program in Electrical Technology will be expanded to include renewable energy generation. Topics covered will include various renewable energy sources such as wind power, photovoltaic power, hydro power, fuel cells, tidal power, solar hot water and geo-thermal power. Students will examine the components, installation, environmental impact, maintenance, practicality, site sustainability, and local regulations pertaining to renewable energy sources and will track the energy produced by New England Tech's wind turbine and photovoltaic panels including net metering analysis and economic impact. Upon completion, students will be prepared to take the national certification exam offered by the North American Board or Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
To support these new courses, New England Tech will be installing a 156-foot-tall wind turbine at its Access Road Campus next to Route 95. At the same time, it will also mount 135 SolarWorld solar electric (photovoltaic, or "PV") panels on its Electrical Technology Building at the same campus. Using solar electric and wind turbine technologies, New England Tech will demonstrate the possibilities of renewable energy generation for both academic purposes and for economic and environmental concerns. |
