Building Automation Technology
School of Construction & Design Technologies
Lifelong Education Center, Rm. C156 · (570) 327-4518
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I enter this program?
- What is a two-plus-two bachelor’s degree?
- What are the math requirements for this program?
- What is the summer internship?
- Is the internship paid and how long does it last?
- Who will help me secure an internship?
- What are the building automation labs like at Penn College?
- What do the job opportunities look like for the building automation field?
- What are the types of jobs that I should expect to get when I graduate?
Q: How do I enter this program?
A: You may enter the two-plus-two Building Automation Technology bachelor’s degree if you have completed an associate’s degree at Penn College or another institution in HVAC technology, electrical technology, electronics technology, computer technology or architectural technology.
Q: What is a two-plus-two bachelor’s degree?
A: A two-plus-two bachelor’s degree accepts students in their third year after they have completed an appropriate associate’s degree.
Q: What are the math requirements for this program?
A: Math 180 and Math 182 are required. Math 182 must be completed by the end of the students’ sixth semester.
Q: What is the summer internship?
A: Students in the Building Automation Technology program must take an internship in the controls and building automation industry. This internship is normally taken during the summer between their third and fourth year.
Q: Is the internship paid and how long does it last?
A: It is a paid internship and must be at least 350 hours in length.
Q: Who will help me secure an internship?
A: It is the student's responsibility to secure the internship. We have many industry contacts and are in touch with control companies, contractors, and institutions that have provided internships for our students. We will make every effort to assist you in finding an internship.
Q: What are the building automation labs like at Penn College?
A: Lab equipment includes a complete VAV system with Ethernet networked control to a 20-ton, water-cooled scroll chiller and 12 VAV terminals with DDC controls. A variable speed drive provides VAV AHU fan capacity control. You will also work with Siemens DDC fan coil controllers, variable speed drives that control a chilled water pump and cooling tower fan.
A networked Web-based, hardwired and wireless Ethernet building automation control lab is used for courses in building automation programming, networking, commissioning, energy management and system integration.
Q: What do the job opportunities look like for the building automation field?
A: Job opportunities remain extremely strong with a shortage of technicians and system engineers in this field.