Advanced Manufacturing

Program Information

Electrical wiring is an integral part of industry, commercial enterprises, and residential homes. The Electrical curriculum integrates basic electrical skills and high-tech instrumentation for a wide range of industrial employment. The term “instrumentation” refers to instruments used to measure and control manufacturing conversions or treating processes. Knowledge of electricity and process control gives a person a more marketable skill to offer all industries. These fields expand into SMART instruments, PLC/DCS interface and AC variable frequency motor controls. The Electrical Technology program is designed to teach the basic principles of electricity, the National Electric Code, and the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. Electrical/Instrumentation Technology is designed to teach basic instrumentation for measurement and control in manufacturing. Through the various courses, a student will gain knowledge and practical hands-on experience in both technologies for servicing, troubleshooting and monitoring these systems and equipment.

Occupational Choices

Employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers of commercial and industrial equipment, which represents about half of this profile’s 2021 employment, is projected to grow by seven percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations. As the industrial sectors of the economy expand, these workers will be needed to service and repair equipment.

Employment of powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics installers and repairers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2016 to 2026, slower than the average for all occupations. Although the installation of new, energy-efficient technologies will likely spur demand for some new workers, slow employment growth in the utilities industries is expected to temper demand for these workers.

Employment of electric motor, power tool, and related repairers is projected to decline 1% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Improvements in electrical and electronic equipment design, as well as the increased use of disposable tool parts, are expected to result in slow employment growth. Overall job opportunities should be good for qualified workers who are familiar with electronics, especially those with an associate’s degree in electronics.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electricians, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm (visited March 03, 2023).

Average Full-Time Wage

The median annual wage for electricians was $60,040 in May2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,730 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $93,650.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electricians, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm (visited March 03, 2023).

Additional Requirements

  • Student must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Student must have an official copy of high school transcript or GED certificate and transcript from other colleges on file in the admissions office.
  • Student must take the ACCUPLACER test.
  • Student must be able to perform simple mathematical computations correctly.

Awards Available

Associate of Applied Science
Automotive/Advanced Manufacturing
Electrical
Electrician
Instrumentation

Short Term Certificate
Automotive/Advanced Manufacturing
Electrical
Entry Level Technician Concentration
Instrumentation Concentration

Program Contact

Edward Abrasley
Program Coordinator/Instructor
334-420-4369
Location:  Patterson Site - Bldg. M

As part of ongoing planning and evaluation, the College regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each program.

Estimated Program Length & Cost *

Award Length Credit Hours Tuition/Fees Books Tools Supplies
Associate Degrees 6 Terms 74 $12,062 $1920 $600 $300
  6 Terms 73 $11,899 $1920 $600 $300
Short Term Certificates 3 Terms 26 $4238 $1000 $600 $300
  3 Terms 29 $4727 $1000 $600 $300

* Tax not included.  Prices are subject to change without prior notice; cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers.  Cost of general education books is in addition to the total listed above.  The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term.  Enrollment in transitional level general education courses will alter the length of the program.