AAS in Electrical Maintenance and Automation
Spokane, USA
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
27 Aug 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
17 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 3,700 / per quarter *
STUDY FORMAT
Blended, Distance Learning, On-Campus
* for international students | 7344 USD additional fees
Introduction
If you are good with your hands, like to solve problems, and have a knack for understanding how things work, consider a career as a construction, utility, or maintenance electrician.
As our world’s electrical systems become more sophisticated, so must the skills of electricians. In this program, you’ll learn to maintain, test, repair, and/or replace complex electrical systems and controls found in modern industrial plants and large commercial buildings. The program includes hands-on training in motors, generators, robotics, power distribution, and other electrical systems.
Whether you are new to the field, or you are an experienced electrician who wants to upgrade your skills, this program opens doors to a variety of challenging job opportunities. Graduates become construction electricians, utility electricians, and technicians in electrical maintenance, production, and power systems.
Career Opportunities
- Electro-Mechanical Technician
- Industrial Engineering Technician
- Electrician
- Electrical and Electronics Installer and Repairer for Transportation Equipment
- Electrical and Electronics Repairer for Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Electrical and Electronics Repairer
- Electromechanical Equipment Assembler
Program Outcome
- Understand the inherent dangers of and be able to work safely around electricity.
- Be familiar with electrical theory, electrical terms, and electrical circuits (AC & DC).
- Be able to identify common electrical materials, parts, and components.
- Understand the theory, operation, and maintenance of AC & DC generators and motors.
- Know basic electronic theory and components and be able to wire, program, and maintain solid-state motor controls (Variable Frequency Drives).
- Be able to design, sire, and troubleshoot conventional motor control circuits.
- Understand the components and be able to design, program, wire, troubleshoot, and maintain Programmable Logic Controllers.
- Demonstrate proper transformer connections and understand the operation of industrial lighting.
- Able to perform electrical conduit bending using trigonometric calculations.
- Understand and apply the fundamentals of the National Electric Code.
Program delivery
As the electrical systems become more sophisticated, so must the skills of the electrical maintenance and automation technician. By mixing the theoretical with practical hands-on lab experiences using modern up-to-date industrial equipment and techniques, the student will be prepared for a challenging career in electrical maintenance.
Students are offered several options within the Electrical Maintenance and Automation program. They may choose to complete an AAS degree with specialized training in one of the following areas: Electrical Maintenance and Automation or Power Systems Maintenance. Electrical Trainee or Electrical Sales option certificates also are offered. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in each course of the major discipline before advancing to the subsequent quarter. Students not meeting this minimum are required to repeat the deficient course before progressing.
Electrical maintenance and automation courses may be taken whenever they are offered and in any sequence as long as the student has fulfilled any prerequisites or has instructor permission. This plan allows a great deal of flexibility for retraining people in industry. Potential students should possess a mechanical aptitude, good reading comprehension skills and the ability to pass a color blindness test.
Curriculum
First Quarter
- Introduction to Computers for Technology
- Applied Written Communication
- Electrical Math
- Electrical Theory
- Safety and Tools
- Materials and Fasteners
Second Quarter
- DC Circuits
- AC Theory
- Motor Maintenance
- Raceways
Third Quarter
- Leadership Skills for Business and Industry
- Solid State
- DC Generators and Motors
- DC Motor Controls
- Transformers and Industrial Lighting
Fourth Quarter
- Employment Preparation
- AC Motors and Alternators
- Introduction to AC Controls
- AC Motor Controls
- National Electric Code
Fifth Quarter
- Advanced AC Controls
- Introduction to Programmable Controllers
- National Electric Code - Article 430
- Programmable Controller Applications
Sixth Quarter
- Solid State Motor Controls
- Wiring Techniques
- Advanced Programmable Controllers
- Programmable Controller Integration
Seventh Quarter
- Optional Summer Courses - Choose 0-18 credits:
- Pneumatic Theory (5)
- Pneumatic Math and Symbols (4)
- Hydraulic Theory (5)
- Applied Hydraulics (4)
- Pneumatic Theory (5)
- Pneumatic Math and Symbols (4)
- Hydraulic Theory (5)
- Applied Hydraulics (4)
Gallery
Program Tuition Fee
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
College doesn't have to break the bank. Quality education at a fraction of the cost.
Spokane College Foundation
Last year, Spokane Colleges Foundation awarded scholarships to 203 students to cover the costs of tuition and books, as well as 452 emergency aid awards to help with testing costs, program fees, and emergency needs.
The Foundation has over 100 scholarships that open each January, as well as others that open for applications in the summer.
The first step to applying for scholarships is to complete our general scholarship application.
Once completed, you’ll be entered into our general scholarship pool to be considered for those scholarships open to all SCC and SFCC students. You’ll also be alerted to additional scholarship opportunities which you may qualify for based on the responses you provided. Many of these opportunities require additional information but have fewer applicants because they have very specific criteria. We encourage you to take the time to apply for all scholarships for which you qualify to increase your chances of receiving an award.
Grants & Sponsored Research
Some of the most innovative programs at Spokane Colleges are made possible through grant and sponsored research funding. We’ve cultivated opportunities in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, provided middle school girls with STEM summer camps, served our community through sustainable environmental science projects, and collaborated with rural K-12 partners on college and career readiness initiatives. Take a look at the stories and learn about opportunities for students and faculty to create new and innovative programs with help from Grants & Sponsored Research at Spokane Colleges.
Student Employment Program
The Student Employment Program provides experiential learning opportunities for students as they work. A variety of student employment positions are available each year. Jobs exist through various funding sources.
Some of the benefits of student employment include:
- Flexible Scheduling – Work hours are designed to fit around your class schedule.
- Time Management – Develop skills in balancing work, academics, and personal responsibilities
- Professional Connections – Build relationships with supervisors and mentors that can support your career growth.
- Real-World Experience – Gain valuable work experience to enhance your resume and develop new skills.
- Financial Support – Earn money to help cover college expenses and reduce reliance on loans.
- Career Exploration – Discover your strengths, interests, and potential career paths through hands-on experience.
Military/Veteran Benefits
Military Tuition Assistance (TA) provides tuition for college courses taken by active-duty personnel. TA requirements, rules, and restrictions can vary by branch of service. SCC encourages all students interested in using TA to contact their respective military branch’s education center, or education and training office before contacting SCC.