Electrical Engineering Technology
Mission Statement
The objective of the Electrical Engineering Technology program at Vermont Technical College is to prepare graduates with the technical skills for rewarding careers in their chosen discipline: the design, application, installation, manufacturing, operation and/or maintenance of electrical/electronic systems. The programs instruct students in the latest electrical and electronic technology, computer application software, laboratory equipment, and the operation of electronic systems. Critical thinking skills, analyzing and solving technical problems and the use of information acquisition tools are integral parts of these programs. Associate degree graduates will typically have strengths in the building, testing, operation, and maintenance of existing electrical systems. Each course in the program has a specific outline and set of objectives that must be achieved. The course objectives, when combined, form the basis of the given program. The programs offer a reasonable balance of study and practice in both hardware and software. Graduates are well prepared for careers in their chosen fields as well as related areas. The program also provides an excellent foundation for pursuing additional degrees.
Over the past 5 years, 27% to 50% of the AEEET graduates immediately continue their education in higher education and attend such schools as: University of Vermont, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Vermont Technical College, University of New Hampshire and the University of Massachusetts.
AEEET Program Educational Objectives
- To provide students with the capabilities to be immediately employable and productive in the workplace.
- To provide the education so that graduates are knowledgeable in both theory & application.
- To instill the necessary skills so that graduates are qualified for positions of responsibility.
- To provide the base of knowledge so that graduates are prepared for lifelong learning and can adapt to new and emerging technologies.
- To provide the base of knowledge so that the graduate can continue their formal education.
Program Summary
Students enrolled in the Electrical Engineering Technology program gain theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of fundamental electrical, electronic, and computer principles. The Associate's degree prepares students for career opportunities in fields such as manufacturing, construction, and power systems.
The Associate's curriculum prepares students to work as engineering technicians. This role typically involves collecting and analyzing data and performing diagnostic work in support of engineering design teams.
The Associate's program is accredited by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Areas of Study
The first year of the Associate's curriculum focuses on fundamental electrical engineering principles, supplemented by practical laboratory work to build hands-on skills. Vermont Tech's facilities include five instrumented electronics labs for use by students in the Electrical Engineering Technology program.
In the second year, students may choose an area of specialization by pursuing one of two program sequences:
- The Electromechanical Systems sequence involves analyzing and testing automatic control systems using mathematical models of the components and the total systems; or
- The Instruments and Measurements/Industrial Electronics sequence provides hands-on experience with laboratory instruments and explores applications of state-of-the-art and traditional electrical and electronic devices.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Electrical Engineering Technology program are able to work in any number of challenging positions. As engineering technicians, they may participate in such varied activities as research, development, design, production, or manufacturing of complex electrical, electronic, or electromechanical products.
Typical job responsibilities for engineering technicians include:
- Testing;
- Quality control;
- Marketing;
- Installation;
- Customer service.
Enrollment Information
Students may enroll as freshman candidates in the Associate in Engineering program.
Recent graduates of other accredited Associate's degree programs in electrical engineering technology may also be eligible for the Bachelor of Science program with little or no additional coursework. Transfer students and Associate's degree holders who have prior work experience will be evaluated for placement in certain courses prior to enrolling in the Bachelor's program. Candidates may be required to make up certain introductory level courses, or may test out of certain required courses based on skill. Applicants are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
With a minimum of an extra year's work, Associate's degree students may pursue a joint major with Computer Engineering Technology, or a dual associate's degree with Mechanical Engineering Technology. Contact the Director of Admissions for details on these opportunities.
Certifications
After meeting state requirements for appropriate work experience (eight years in Vermont; varies in other states) graduates may also pursue Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, which requires graduation from an accredited program and passing a national examination.
Prerequisites and Other Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is required for application to the Associate's in Electrical Engineering Technology program. The minimum number of credits required for the Associate's degree is 69.
Successful completion of the Associate's in Electrical Engineering or similar is required for enrollment in the Bachelor of Science program.
Campus Locations
The Electrical Engineering Technology program is offered at the main campus in Randolph Center and the Chittenden campus in Williston.