The electrical technology program provides students with the training essential for entry-level positions in residential or commercial construction or industrial maintenance. Students will also become familiar with the electrical operations of alternative energy systems. This program may be used as a springboard into apprenticeship training.
The program will provide extensive training in advanced motor control, conduit installation and bending techniques, and wiring practices. The program will also emphasize special features of commercial electrical systems and demonstrate diagnostic procedures to determine causes of electrical failures. Students will learn to interpret architectural drawings and electrical code specifications. They will be trained to install, replace, and repair lighting fixtures and other electrical equipment such as switches, relays and circuit breaker panels. Proper safety practices in the use of test equipment and hand and power tools will also be stressed.
Southwestern Community College's electrical technology program is approved through the Iowa Electrical Examining Board Post-Secondary Electrical Program (PSEP). As a result of this partnership, students who earn their Associate of Applied Science degree in electrical technology may apply 2,000 hours toward their journeyman's license.
While a student at Southwestern, students may join SWCC's electrical technology club to gain additional experience in the field, participate in service learning projects, attend industry-related events/visits, organize fund raising activities, and gain valuable leadership experience.
The electrical technology program is approved by the Iowa Electrical Examining Board Post-Secondary Electrical Program (PSEP). If you plan to seek licensure in a state other than Iowa, you are responsible for inquiring about licensure requirements with that state’s licensing body.
NOTE: This program is located on the Creston campus.
Awards Available
Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a specialized degree that can be used for immediate entry into the workplace. Emphasis is placed on competence of applying basic principles, theories, and occupational skills. These are two-year programs.
A certificate or diploma is a credential showing completion of a select group of courses that focus on job skills preparation in a 9– or 10–month format. These programs may be used toward completion of an AAS degree.
Potential Careers
- Dispatcher, estimator, or electrician for electrical contractor
- Electrical inspector
- Electrical department associate for retail
- Industrial maintenance electrician
- Specialty trade contractor
Sample Courses
- ELE 155 National Electrical Code® I
- ELE 178 Introduction to Wiring
- ELE 207 Residential Electrical Services
- ELE 177 DC Theory
- ELE 195 Motor Control
- ELE 179 Advanced Wiring Systems
- ELE 116 Blueprint Reading
- ELE 174 Blueprint Reading II
- CAD 113 AutoCAD I
- ELE 156 National Electrical Code® II
- ELE 180 Electric Lighting Systems
- ELE 932 Internship
- ELE 230 Calculations of Electrical Systems
- CSC 110 Introduction to Computers
- ELE 213 Commercial Electrical Equipment and Services
- ELE 214 Commercial Electrical Systems
- ELE 208 Advanced Controls
- ELE 201 AC Fundamentals
- ENV 154 Introduction to Renewable Energy
- ELE 212 Industrial Electrical Systems
- ELE 223 Alternative Energy Systems
Click on the course number in the list above to view the course description. This may not be a complete list of courses that may be included for the Electrical Technology program. To see all courses in a semester-by-semester plan, view the Electrical Technology program course outline.
Degree requirement advising sheet
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- describe how systems, components, and theories work, including the operating principles for common electrical, electronic, and electromechanical components and devices such as but not limited to AC and DC sources, resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, digital systems, control systems, power systems, and motors.
- apply hands-on skills, such as use of tools, soldering, circuit assembly, analytical instrumentation skills (including use of meters and the oscilloscope), and computer simulation.
- interpret specification sheets, circuit schematics, and mechanical drawings.
- demonstrate organized troubleshooting skills.
- define and demonstrate effective team building skills.
- demonstrate technical communication skills including proficient use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
- research and analyze the value of information on technical topics.
- develop solutions to open-ended problems utilizing a hands-on learning approach.
- demonstrate awareness of customer needs, quality, and continuous improvement.