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Academics & Training / Programs & Degrees / Fields of Interest / Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics / Utilities Engineering Technology

Utilities Engineering Technology Associate Degree

Program Code: 104681

As a graduate of the Utilities Engineering Technology associate degree program, you're prepared for careers in the utility industry, from power generation through transmission and distribution. Technicians in this field work on the equipment and systems that keep energy flowing safely and reliably from source to use. Typical careers include relay technologist, systems control and relay technician, substation technician, distribution systems designer, and power plant instrument technician.

Follow Your Path

Some credits from the following certificate(s) apply toward this associate degree:

Industrial Maintenance, 904561

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Program Costs & Financial Aid

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

  • Systems Control & Relay Technician: installs, tests, adjusts, calibrates, repairs, and troubleshoots electrical power systems, protective relays, controls, alarms, metering, remote controls and telemetering equipment. Coordinates the installation and modification of protective relays with engineers.
  • Substation Technician: installs, tests, adjusts and repairs power transformers, loads tap changers, potential transformers, current transformers, high voltage switchgears, battery and charger systems and control equipment used in substations. Evaluates transformer oil analysis and conducts high-potential tests, Doble tests, primary injections, breaker trip tests, contact resistances tests, etc.
  • Distribution Systems Designer: designs systems for construction and maintenance of natural gas and electric systems. Develops construction plans, prepares cost estimates, creates material requirements, processes work requests and prepares documents.
  • Power Plant Instrument Technician: analyzes and repairs electrical and instrumentation/controls hardware and software in a power generation plant. Troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs generator excitation systems, synchronization systems, and voltage regulators.
  • Relay Technologist: ensures safe and effective operation of transmissions, distribution and generation facilities by calibrating, testing, maintaining and repairing protective and auxiliary relays, relay systems and associated communication equipment.

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find other opportunities for employment.

  • Utilities Construction Project Manager
  • Power Plant Maintenance Supervisor
  • Substation Design Supervisor
  • Substation Preventive Maintenance Supervisor
  • Electro-Mechanical Technician
  • Electronics Technician
  • Field Service Technician
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Requirements for Program Entry

  • Completed application.
  • High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted).
  • To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
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Curriculum
Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Utilities Engineering Technician associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
Semester Total
16
Second Semester
Semester Total
17
Third Semester
Semester Total
17
Fourth Semester
Semester Total
17
Total Credits
67

Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.

Students completing General Studies courses at NWTC must earn a "C" or better in English Composition to enroll in Technical Reporting.

Students completing College Technical Math 1A must earn a "C" or better to enroll in College Technical Math 1B.

Program Outcomes

  • Identify and apply the necessary safety procedures required to work safely in the electrical and gas utility industry
  • Acquire an understanding of the utility industry from generation through distribution
  • Perform standard testing of electrical distribution equipment
  • Plan, manage and implement utility projects
  • Explore the overall operation and control of utility generation and distribution equipment
  • Conduct nondestructive and predictive testing of electrical distribution equipment
  • Examine and apply knowledge of gas, electricity, electronics, hydraulics, electric motors and mechanical systems
  • Draw and read technical schematics and diagrams
  • Document technical information through descriptive writing, sketches/diagrams, mathematical expression, computation, and graphs
  • Construct ladder diagrams, flow charts, timing diagrams and basic computer control algorithms for machine control
  • Perform electrical/mechanical assembly/disassembly, repair, and calibrate components by selecting tools and equipment and following procedures
  • Implement the basic fastening skills related to machine fabrication and assembly requirements
  • Apply electrical skills to troubleshoot control and operator panels
  • Apply gas diagnostic tools to troubleshoot and resolve system problems
  • Apply programming languages to the control of single programmable controllers and industrial networks
  • Apply computer hardware/software applications to utility systems for design and coordination
  • Apply critical thinking skills to solving problems
  • Effectively communicate and perform in a team environment
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Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer >> EXCLUDEEND

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Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Studies staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor.

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8 week icon

8-Week Advantage

This program will transition to 8–week courses in Fall of 2020.

Graduate Employment

With 33% Employed in Field

METER Scholarship Application

If you qualify, the scholarship program will pay tuition above what you are awarded by FAFSA grants. 92 scholarships are available. Apply Now!

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