Electrical Technology

What do the letters EL, EO, MT, BBT and PG stand for?

The first four are the letter designators that represent the programs in the electrical department.

• EL – Electrical Technology A.A.S. degree
• EO – Electrical Occupations certificate program
• MT – Electromechanical Maintenance Technology A.A.S. degree
• BBT – Building Automation Technology B.S. degree

We also have one-half responsibility for the PG, Electric Power Generation Technology, A.A.S. degree. Penn College's School of Natural Resources Management shares the responsibility with us.

How long will it take me to complete these programs?

Each program (EL, EO, MT, and PG) is a two-year course of study. If you would like to complete the BBT program, an additional two years of study are required.

Can I enroll in the Building Automation Technology (BBT) program as a freshman?

Not in the BBT program specifically. The BBT program began as a two-plus-two degree that is designed for students who have completed an appropriate two-year degree in HVAC Technology, Electrical Technology, Electromechanical Maintenance Technology, Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology, Industrial Process Control before entering the BBT program.

Since the inception of the BBT program, students have been afforded the option of enrolling into the Building Automation Technology major as a freshman while declaring a specific technical emphasis for their first two years of study. Students may choose from the following paths: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology (BBV), Electrical Technology (BBL), Electromechanical Maintenance Technology (BBC) and Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology, Industrial Process Control (BBI).

To learn more about this degree, visit the Building Automation Technology Web site.

What do you see as the future of the Building Automation Technology (BBT) degree and why would I invest two additional years in this program?

The industry cannot seem to get enough of these people. For the past few years Siemens Equipment, the world's largest manufacturer of building automation equipment, has flown 15 of our student to Illinois each year in an attempt to recruit them to work for Siemens. The return on the investment of two additional years will be realized quickly.

If I start in one of these programs can I switch to another?

Yes, many students change every year. If you change at the end of the first semester, you can transfer 100% of your major courses.

What kind of jobs can I expect?

While many Electrical/Electronic programs are narrowly focused on a specific area, our programs are broad-based, which provides our graduates with many avenues of employment to explore.

You haven't said much about the PG program. Can you tell me more?

The program is a joint venture with the School of Natural Resources Management, whose professors teach the engine portion of the program. This program started when Caterpillar Power Equipment, the world’s largest provider of power generation equipment, came to the College with a need for people trained in this area. The program started in Fall 2001 and graduated its first class in Spring 2003. To learn more about this program, visit the Electric Power Generation Web site.