Student using a measuring tape to measure something

Electrical Technology

Current electricians teach the skills needed to prepare for jobs such as electrical and electronic technicians, electrical installers and repairers, and electricians. This program offers evening courses and flexible lab times, in addition to job shadowing. Students are prepared to sit for the test to become licensed electricians.

 

Skills taught through hands-on experience include:

  • use and care of measuring tools
  • analysis of AC/DC circuits
  • blueprint reading
  • application of codes and specifications
  • safety and the safe operation of equipment
  • residential wiring
  • wiring of 3-phase and high voltage circuits
  • programming and repair of programmable logic controllers
Student working with an electrical box

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Work with a counselor to get your personalized plan!

Career Opportunities

  • Electrical Designer
  • Electrical Drafter
  • Engineering Agent
  • Engineering Associate
  • Line Staker
  • Staking Engineer
Suggested Degree Plan for Electrical Technology (AAS)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
CSC 100 Computer Literacy Details 1
An introductory course in the history, characteristics, and significance of computers, including basic hardware and software components and a survey of applications. For persons with little or no background in computers who desire a general knowledge of computers or a foundations course on which to build a strong background in computing. Some "hand-on" experience.
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 100 Survey of the Electrical Trade Details 2
The course is designed to provide career information for an electrician. The type of work performed by an electrician, including working conditions, physical requirements, necessary mechanical aptitude, safety considerations, and other aspects, will be explained. Students will develop skills in the use of basic instruments, equipment, techniques, and hand tools. Electrical codes, blueprints, and electrical systems will be covered. 1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 101 Blueprint Reading for Electricians Details 3
This course is designed to help students understand prints and diagrams used by electricians. Drawings of residences and commercial buildings will be studied. The National Electrician Code will be studied along with the exercises.
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 110 Introduction to Electricity Details 3
Course provides a comprehensive study of electronic theory, practices and fundamentals. Laboratory activities explore the underlying principles of DC and AC circuitry through measurement analysis and problem solving strategies. 2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 120 Introduction to National Electrical Code Details 3
An introduction to the national electrical code that will provide the student with a working knowledge of the requirements set forth nationally for practicing electricians.
Prerequisites: (none)
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various MAT Gen. Ed. Requirements (AAS) Details 3
AAS degree-seeking students must select at least one course from the listed classes.
MAT 100 Technical Mathematics Details 3
A course designed to cover mathematical processes and problems that relate to career, technical and workforce applications. Specific topics include fractions; decimals, ratio, proportion and percentage; measurements; and area and volume.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 113 College Algebra Details 3
This course is intended for students who plan to continue their college mathematics education or to meet college transfer requirements. Topics include advanced factoring of higher order polynomials; solving quadratic inequalities; advanced topics in relations, functions and their graphs; zeroes and graphs of polynomial and rational functions; and exponential and logarithmic functions.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 114 Trigonometry Details 3
This course is intended for students who plan to continue their college mathematics education or to meet college transfer requirements. It is the study and analysis of the sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent function; show these functions are used to solve many types of problems involving the sides and angles of triangles; and how these functions are used to solve many types of problems involving cyclic patterns, some that vary with time. Topics include definitions, properties and manipulation of trigonometric functions; applications of trigonometric functions; analytic trigonometry; trigonometric form of complex numbers; and polar coordinates, equations and graphs.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Details 4
A course designed to introduce the concepts of derivative and integral to the student interested in pursuing degrees related to engineering, science or mathematics. Specific topics include functions and graphs; slopes and rates of change; limit theory and continuous functions; formal differentiation; application of differentiation; integration; and applications of integration. IAI: M1 900-1, MTH 901.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 and MAT 114 with grades of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 234 Calculus for Social Scientists Details 4
A course designed to introduce the business and social science student to the concepts of derivative and integral. Applications of these concepts stress the use of calculus to solve business and social science problems. Specific topics include relations and functions; algebraic functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; derivatives; applications of derivatives; advanced derivative techniques; integrals; advanced integration techniques. IAI: M1 900B.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 with a grade of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
Second Semester Details
ELE 125 Electrical Applications I Details 3
This course provides the basic skills and knowledge that the electrician uses in the day-to-day routine. Students develop skills in applying electrical blueprint reading, wiring diagrams, and schematic drawings to problem situations. In addition, students develop material lists, cite appropriate codes, and identify potential safety hazards associated with specific jobs. Practical laboratory activities are provided. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: ELE 120, or consent of department
ELE 130 Residential Electricity Details 3
An introduction to residential wiring, plans, specifications, and codes. Students are provided theory and lab assignments in the use of wiring diagrams, hooking up single-phase systems, wiring basic lighting and receptacle circuits, and installing low-voltage switching and control circuits. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: ELE 100 and ELE 110, or consent of department
IMT 120 Industrial Motors & Controls Details 3
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of motors and controls and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about motor control systems, devices, circuits and troubleshooting. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 113 Introduction to Manufacturing & Industrial Safety Details 3
This course provides students with an introduction to the manufacturing world and provides specific instruction to facilitate safe work practices in industrial environments. It introduces manufacturing specializations such as mechatronics, precision machining and welding and covers fire safety, pressurized gases, electrical hazards, safe machine usage, and lock out tag out. Students learn concepts of industrial noise, machine guarding, electrical safety, chemical exposure, hazardous waste, Worker's Compensation laws, liability, and general safety precautions for the workplace. Course content is based on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician curriculum and OSHA standards. Students will qualify to sit for MSSC-M1-Safety Certification through the MSSC.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various Hum / Soc / Behav Science Requirement Details 3
Courses from the Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences will satisfy this requirement.
Various Humanities Details 3
AA degree-seeking students choose 9 credits (three courses) with at least one course from each list. AFA degree-seeking students must select at least one course from the humanities area. AS degree-seeking students choose 6 credits (two courses) with at least one course from each list. AAS degree-seeking students desiring a humanities or fine arts course may choose any course from either list.
CHN 101 Elementary Chinese I Details 4
This course provides an introduction to beginning Mandarin Chinese. The goal of this course is to develop communicative competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis on speaking skills. This course will introduce selected topics on traditional Chinese culture, current trends in China an Taiwan, as well as U.S. Interaction with China. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
CHN 102 Elementary Chinese II Details 4
This course is a continuation course designed for students who already have basic knowledge and language skills of Mandarin Chinese. The goal of this course is to continue helping students build competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis on daily oral Chinese. This course will also introduce selected topics on traditional Chinese culture, religion, and philosophy, and current trends. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: CHN 101
ENG 114 Fiction Details 3
A study of fiction, including short stories and novels. IAI: H3 901.
Prerequisites: ENG 101
ENG 130 Introduction to Film Details 3
This course introduces the basics of film production and analysis in order to help students understand and enjoy film as an art form. Students will be introduced to the formal elements of film production as well as fundamental principles of genre and narrative in order to understand how directors' decisions regarding these elements and principles create meaning.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 231 American Literature I Details 3
Major American writers,1620-1865. IAI: H3 914.
Prerequisites: ENG 101 or consent of department
ENG 232 American Literature II Details 3
Major American writers, 1865 to present. IAI: H3 915.
Prerequisites: ENG 101 or consent of department
ENG 241 English Literature I Details 3
British masters up to the nineteenth century. IAI: H3 912.
Prerequisites: ENG 101 or consent of department
ENG 242 English Literature II Details 3
British masters, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. IAI: H3 913.
Prerequisites: ENG 101 or consent of department
ENG 251 World Literature Details 3
A survey of the literature of Africa, Continental Europe, the Far East, Great Britain, Latin America, Mediterranean, and North America. A variety of literary genres, including poetry, short fiction and drama, will be discussed. IAI: H3 906.
Prerequisites: ENG 101 or consent of department
GER 101 German I Details 4
An introduction to basic German grammatical structures, pronunciation and vocabulary. The course emphasizes development of communicative competence in German; hence the focus on listening comprehension, reading, speaking and writing skills. The course also addresses various cultural aspects of the German- speaking countries and thus develops students’ cultural awareness. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
GER 102 German II Details 4
This course is a continuation of German I, building on the skills acquired during German I - basic grammatical structures, pronunciation and vocabulary. Focus of the course will be the further development of communicative competence in German. The emphasis will be on listening comprehension, reading, speaking and writing skills. The course also addresses various cultural aspects of the German-speaking countries and continues to develop students’ cultural awareness. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: GER 101 with a grade of "C" or above
HUM 101 Introduction to Humanities Details 3
Study of human values, self-perceptions, and aspirations expressed in drama, film, music, literature, painting, sculpture, and architecture with an emphasis on history, techniques, meaning, and evaluation of individual works. IAI: HF 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
HUM 200 The Art of Being Human Details 3
An interdisciplinary course that incorporates aspects of Western European, Far Eastern and Third World art, music, philosophy, religion, drama, and literature. The humanities are treated as a process leading to the enrichment of human experience. IAI: HF 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 101 Introduction to Philosophy Details 3
Introduction to basic problems, procedures, and systems of philosophy and the development of powers over independent analysis on the student with a constructive attitude toward knowledge. IAI: H4 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 111 Logic/Critical Thinking Details 3
This course covers inductive and deductive methods in logic. It is designed to assist students in methods of logical analysis and reasoning. IAI: H4 906.
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 121 Ethics Details 3
A study of values. This course is designed to assist students in the development of a philosophic understanding of human nature, moral philosophy, and principles of ethics that will help them assume individualized responsibility in a democratic society. IAI: H4 904.
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 201 Major World Religions Details 3
A study of the great religions of the world today. IAI: H5 904N.
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 211 Philosophy of Religion Details 3
A philosophical approach to a study of one's religious experience. IAI: H4 905.
Prerequisites: (none)
RST 101 Introduction to the Bible Details 3
A study of Jewish and Christian scriptures from a historical viewpoint with emphasis on literary genres in the Bible and the relationship to Western culture. Students enrolled in this course may not enroll in RST 111 or RST 112. IAI: H5 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
RST 111 Introduction to the Old Testament Details 3
Jewish scriptures from a historical viewpoint with emphasis on literary genres in the Bible and the relationship to Western culture. Students enrolled in this course may not enroll in RST 101. IAI: H5 901
Prerequisites: (none)
RST 112 Introduction to the New Testament Details 3
A study of Christian scriptures from a historical viewpoint with emphasis on literary genres in the Bible and the relationship to Western culture. Students enrolled in this course may not enroll in RST 101. IAI: H5 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
RST 175 Foundational Religious Texts Details 3
The humanistic study of the foundational documents of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Course looks at the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and the Qur’an, as well as secondary sacred texts that are used by each tradition to explain the meaning of these primary texts. IAI: H5 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
SPN 101 Elementary Spanish I Details 4
Fundamentals of grammar and pronunciation, with emphasis on reading, writing, and conversation. Also incorporates geography, customs, and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
SPN 102 Elementary Spanish II Details 4
Continuation of Elementary Spanish I, continuing to emphasize development of proficiency in the language in five areas: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural understanding. In class, students will be actively engaged in communicating in Spanish and learning about the Spanish-speaking world. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: SPN 101 with a grade of "C" or better
ART 115 Art Appreciation Details 3
Designed to expose/cultivate an awareness of art in our culture with some emphasis on contemporary times. IAI: F2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
ART 120 Art Survey and Appreciation II Details 3
A course designed to provide an understanding of the history of the visual arts and the role it plays in serving humankind. Using visuals from books, Web sources, some video clips, and museum trips (virtual or real), students will explore why art is created, its function in society, how it affects us, and how it can enrich our lives.
Prerequisites: (none)
Locations:
Class Setting Options: Available via Internet only.
DRA 103 Introduction to Drama Details 3
The broad concepts of the aesthetics and form of drama as evidenced in the living theater. Includes reading of plays and the study of dramaturgy with general discussion of elements of the play and theater. IAI: F1 907.
Prerequisites: (none)
DRA 125 Acting I: Movement and Voice Details 3
Intensive training of the physical instrument, utilizing a variety of traditional and non-traditional techniques.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 102 Music Appreciation Details 3
A non technical course designed for the non music major, to develop within the listener an appreciation for music. Includes brief historical background of music and the leading composers of various periods. IAI: F1 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 121 Introduction to Music Literature Details 3
A study of the terminology, vocabulary and structure of music literature and style through the history and examination of selected composers and materials. IAI: F1 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various Social/Behavioral Science Details 3
AA degree-seeking students choose 9 credits (three courses) from at least two different subject areas. AS degree-seeking students choose 6 credits (two courses) from two different subject areas. AAS degree-seeking students desiring a social and behavioral science course may choose any course from this list. AFA degree-seeking students in music performance select from the general education core list.
Various Written Communication Requirement Details 3
Courses that fall under Written Communication.
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
ENG 102 Rhetoric and Composition II Details 3
A continuation of ENG 101; provides further practice in writing at the college level for a variety of purposes and audiences, using both fixed and open or developing forms. Research paper required. IAI: C1 901.
Prerequisites: completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or above
ENG 191 Business Communication Details 3
This course instructs students in the techniques of composing effective business letters, memoranda, electronic communication, resumes and cover letters, and reports. It covers introductory business communication principles including intercultural communication, teamwork strategies, business etiquette, meeting strategies, business presentations, and employment communication.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score.
Third Semester Details
CAD 230 Introduction to the Manufacturing Processes Details 3
Acquaints the student with the following areas of manufacturing processes: material control, production control, material handling, quality and cost controls, purchasing procedures, and the J-I-T process. Students will qualify to sit for the MSSC-M3 - Manufacturing Processes and Production Certification.
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 135 Programmable Control Details 3
A practical and theoretical approach to the installation, programming, and maintenance of programmable control (PC) equipment. The course develops skills in the application of PC equipment and computers in manufacturing processes. Practical laboratory activities are provided. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: IMT 120 or consent of department
ELE 205 Commercial Electricity Details 3
Theory and laboratory assignments in commercial wiring, conduit, blueprint reading, safety, and the National Electrical Code as they apply to commercial circuits. Students will plan, lay out, install, and troubleshoot high- and low-voltage circuits and devices used in commercial buildings. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: ELE 125 or consent of department
ELE 220 Electrical Applications II Details 3
Provides the advanced skills and knowledge that the electrician uses in solving electrical problems found in day-to-day situations. Students develop skills in applying electrical theory to the solution of these problems. In addition, students develop material lists, cite appropriate codes and identify potential safety hazards associated with specific jobs. Practical laboratory activities are provided. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: ELE 125 or consent of department
Various Oral Communication Requirement Details 3
CMN 104 may only be chosen by AAS degree-seeking students who do not plan on receiving a bachelor's degree from a four-year institution.
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
CMN 104 Interpersonal Communication Details 3
An introduction to the basic theories and concepts relevant to face-to-face interaction. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in the creation, maintenance, and termination of social, romantic, familial and professional relationships. IAI: MC 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
Fourth Semester Details
ELE 225 Industrial Electricity Details 3
An introduction to industrial wiring, blueprint reading, troubleshooting, and the National Electric Code. Theory and lab assignments in bus systems, unity substations, panelboards, sub feeders, conduit, and special equipment. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: ELE 205 or consent of department
ELE 230 Specialized Electrical Circuits Details 3
The introduction of specialized electrical circuits, such as emergency lighting, security, communications, fire alarm, and data processing systems. Students will apply knowledge of blueprints, codes and safety precautions in the solution of installation problems. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: ELE 205 and ELE 220, or consent of department
ELE 235 Electrical Systems Analysis Details 3
A comprehensive program of laboratory experiments and report writing to master the principles and operation of machines and devices that generate, transform, and use electrical power. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and assessment of complex electrical circuits. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: ELE 135 or consent of department
MFG 104 Quality/Continuous Improvement Details 3
This course provides an introduction to controlling and improving quality in a manufacturing setting. It explores ways that manufacturers use data and analysis to improve quality and introduces students to lean manufacturing techniques. Course content is based on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician curriculum. Students will qualify to sit for MSSC-M2 - Quality and Continuous Improvement Certification through the MSSC.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various General Education Requirement Details 3
Any course that falls under John Wood Community College's list of approved General Education courses for communications, natural science, mathematics, humanities, or social & behavioral science may be taken. Students should always discuss with their advisor which general education course would be best for to them to take to best achieve their particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.