College of Agriculture & Natural ResourcesInstitute of Agricultural Technology

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Program Description

The Electrical Technology Certificate Program is an electrical apprenticeship training program with an emphasis on residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial wiring. Students study the latest electrical codes, electrical fundamentals, various electrical installations, motor controls, and solid state electronic applications. Throughout the program, students are also provided training in energy efficiency and alternate power systems.  This program provides the advanced technical training that is important for a successful career in the electrical field.  The diverse and intensive educational experience allows graduates to manage new technologies and electrical codes, to solve problems, and make safe and efficient electrical installations in an ever changing field.

This world-class electrical apprenticeship-training program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. The program is also recognized by the State of Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes.

Academics

The Electrical Technology Program combines a sound theoretical foundation with an applied hands-on internship to prepare students for a wide range of careers. Students will take courses in wiring, AC and DC machines, electrical applications, electrical systems planning, automation and controls, communications, and first aid. Elective courses will be chosen based on a student’s background and experiences with help from the program advisor.

To see courses required by this program, visit the Electrical Technology certificate listing in the MSU course catalog.

Internship

All students in the Electrical Technology Program must complete an internship in order to graduate. The internship allows students the opportunity for the practical application of the knowledge and skills gained on campus to the work force. The internship also provides the opportunity for students to gain work experience under the supervision of both the employer and the MSU program coordinator.  The internship period is five months in length and is completed between the second and third semesters.  Paid internship opportunities are available across the United States. Students are still enrolled at MSU while completing their internship. 

Facilities

The lab is located in 114 Farrall Hall and is over 4,000 square feet. It is equipped with electrical systems that are found in agricultural, commercial, and industrial facilities and well as electrical systems that serve all residential homes. The Farrall Hall lab also has programmable logic controls, variable frequency drives, and all of the standard AC and DC motors that are used in the field.  The latest instrumentation is available for student use.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are employed in diverse fields:

• Manufacturing facilities
• Alternate energy generation
• Electrical inspectors
• State government
• Electrical contractors
• Universities and hospitals
• Equipment service personal

Graduates have the skills of field personnel with the knowledge of a technician.

Admission Requirements

The Electrical Technology Certificate Program is for students who have a desire to work in a variety of career fields within the agricultural industry. To be admitted into the program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least a 2.0 GPA.  ACT or SAT scores are used as needed in the admission process.  This is an excellent program for recent high school graduates, workers seeking to retrain or retool, and those seeking a career change or to explore new options.  Your next step to enroll in this program is to apply for admission on the IAT apply page - APPLY NOW!

For more information visit the Department of Biosystems Engineering.