AAS in Electronics Technology
Northampton Community College
Key Information
Campus location
Bethlehem, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 semesters
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 2,535 / per semester *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* Northampton County PA: $2,535 Monroe County PA: $3,990 Other PA County: $5,325 Out of State/Country: $7,410. Additional fees may apply
Scholarships
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Introduction
Northampton Community College's Electronics Technology program is perfect for students interested in a career as an electronics technician and can be completed in as little as two years (or four years on a part-time basis). Students can also transfer their credits to a four-year institution after completing the associate degree program.
Upon graduation, students can enter the workforce or continue toward a B.S. in electronics technology (BSET or BSEET). Pennsylvania schools include Bloomsburg University, Pennsylvania State University (Harrisburg Campus), and Pennsylvania College of Technology (Williamsport). Students may also complete a B.S. degree in Technical Leadership from Bloomsburg University through a combination of courses offered either online or at NCC.
Transfer Information:
Students in sending school districts who attend vocational institutes (BAVTS, MCTI, or CIT) should ask about articulation agreements.
The program is designed to transfer to BSEET programs where the first two years of the transfer program align closely with the AAS.
- Pennsylvania State University (Wilkes-Barre, Harrisburg, & Penn College of Technology campuses)
- Drexel University
- Temple
- California University of PA
Graduates of this program can transfer their coursework toward one of these online Bachelor’s degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Management through Franklin University.
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Leadership through Bloomsburg University. (All Bloomsburg courses are taught at Northampton Community College.)
Students planning to transfer should consult with the program advisor and the 4-year institution for guidance in course selection.
Admissions
Curriculum
The program reflects continuous industry input and monitoring of electronics education trends nationwide. The curriculum is applied and emphasizes a strong foundation in electronics fundamentals with hands-on skills critical to success in the field. Studies include:
- Core Coursework: DC/AC circuits analysis, solid-state devices, integrated circuits, programmable digital electronics, and microcontrollers. Students develop troubleshooting skills using modern industry-standard instruments. All courses include a lab component.
- Mechanical Skills: Courses include Electronics Manufacturing with IPC-610 and J-Standard soldering certifications, Mechanical Skills, and Team Projects.
- Computer Skills: Technical reports use Multisim, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students program devices using hardware description language (HDL) and C++ for microcontrollers.
- Communication Skills: Skills to record and report technical information are developed over the course of the program.
- Project Work: Prototyping is integrated into all semesters.
First Semester
- COLS101College Success
- ELEC101DC Circuit Analysis
- ELEC121Technical Computer Applications
- ELEC177Electronics Manufacturing I
- ENGL101English I
- MATH140College Algebra
- General Education Elective
Second Semester
- CMTH102Introduction to Communication
- ELEC126Digital Electronics I
- ELEC151AC/DC Circuit Analysis
- ELEC155Introduction to Solid State Devices
- EMEC115Mechanical Skills for Technicians
- ENGL151TEnglish II
Third Semester
- ELEC207Solid-State Circuits
- ELEC208Digital Electronics II
- ENGG100Engineering Graphics
- PHYS101 Physics I
or
CHEM120General Chemistry I
Fourth Semester
- ELEC226Microprocessors I
- ELEC230Team Project
- ELEC232Linear Integrated Circuits
- General Education Elective
- Elective
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 course should be designated as Diversity and Global Awareness (D).
One General Education Elective must be taken in a Writing Intensive (WI) section.
Computer competencies are included in various courses in this program. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement.
Note: Students planning to transfer to BS in Electrical Engineering Technology programs should consult with the 4-year institution and the program advisor before selecting courses.
Program Outcome
Graduates of the program will:
- Prototype, evaluate, and assist in the design of electronic circuits using fundamental analog and digital concepts.
- Fabricate electronic circuit layouts and electromechanical prototypes.
- Use computer technology to conduct research, analyze data, simulate circuit performance, design circuits, program microprocessors, and document findings.
- Select and operate electronic test equipment such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and function generators to test and troubleshoot analog and digital circuits.
- Apply mathematics and reasoning to predict electronic circuit performance and to analyze data.
- Effectively speak, write, and graphically illustrate the discourse of electronics technology.
- Work both independently and as a contributing member of an effective team.
- Use applied research, critical thinking, and problem solving skills to support lifelong professional development.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Technology companies want to hire well-rounded electronics technicians who can help their business grow profitably. Northampton’s Electronics Technology program integrates comprehensive electronic circuit theory and practical hands-on lab work with general education.
Northampton graduates are employed in areas such as installation, repair, operation, and product design in manufacturing, commercial, medical, and military applications.
Future Career Paths
- Engineering Support Technician
- Biomedical Technician
- Electronics Technician
- Test Technician
- Field Service Technician
- Electronic Repair Technician
- Electronic Assembler
- Systems Technician