Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Technology, AAS
Develop a high-demand skill set in the field of instrumentation controls. Your role will be crucial in maintaining the safe and efficient operation of industrial processes through the precise measurement and control of systems.
You can join this growing career field by earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Technology. San Juan College's two-year program equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to make automated equipment function effectively for various industrial applications. Learn how to install and maintain the devices that will take the measurement of the process, as well as program and troubleshoot control systems with the Instrumentation Control program at SJC.
Why Complete an Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Technology Degree?
Instrumentation control is an essential part of many industries. It facilitates process automation, optimizing productivity, accuracy, stability, and reliability of any industrial application. Workers in this field, such as instrumentation technicians, use control systems to regulate and monitor properties such as temperature, pressure, speed, and flow.
Technicians also understand electrical technology as many instruments and control systems rely on electricity for their operation. This fulfilling career also provides opportunities to work alongside design engineers in developing and maintaining control systems.
Because of its many uses, instrumentation control is used in industries from manufacturing and energy production to aerospace and food production. By earning an instrumentation controls and electrical technology degree, you'll learn how to ensure accurate, reliable, and consistent measurement for whatever is being monitored.
Why Earn an Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Technology AAS at San Juan College?
Be Career-Ready
The instrumentation controls and electrical technology program is designed to provide you with fundamental instrumentation control knowledge and skills. We'll make sure you're ready for a high-paying entry-level job in this field. You will learn:
Participate in Hands-on Training
At SJC, we provide real-world training for our students. The Instrumentation Controls program places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, with practical activities constituting more than 70% of the core curriculum. Our laboratory bays, which span over 5200 square feet, provide a vast space for students to gain experience.
Affordable Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Technology Program
Because of SJC's affordable tuition rates, our associate degree to become an instrumentation controls technician is a great investment. You'll receive a rigorous, hands-on education that will prepare you for your future career. Find out if you can get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You'll Learn in the Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Technology Degree Program
Gain the fundamental knowledge you need for an exciting career in instrumentation control. You'll study important principles and applications that will be relevant to your future career. Through your courses, you will:
- Analyze DC and AC electrical circuits
- Communicate technical information professionally in written, verbal, and presentation forms
- Demonstrate industrial measurement and calibration skills
- Learn and follow the general industrial safety guidelines
- Tune, analyze, and troubleshoot industrial processes
- Understand, wire, and troubleshoot motor control circuits
- Wire industrial electrical circuits safely
- Write basic Allen-Bradley programmable logic controller (PLC) programs and troubleshoot PLC systems
Many employers prefer a two-year AAS degree as a credential for their high-paying entry-level instrumentation control technician position. General education courses equip you with fundamental skills in reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking. The Energy Pathway courses introduce you to a variety of industries, providing additional knowledge and skills that supplement your technical core classes and expand your technical understanding.
Careers and Outcomes
The skills you gain from the Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Technology AAS provides numerous career opportunities across various industries. Whether it involves producing new products from raw materials, converting energy from one form to another, or enhancing existing products, it is crucial to regulate and manage process variables using instruments.
Industries that employ people with instrumentation control skills include:
- Aerospace
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Natural gas & Refineries
- Petrochemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Power generation
- Renewable energy
- Semiconductors
- Water treatment
As a graduate of the Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Technology Associate of Applied Science, you can find a position as:
- Instrumentation and electrical technician (I&E technician)
- Instrumentation and controls technician (I&C technician)
- Measurement technician
- Automation technician
- PLC technician
- Controls technician
Previous graduates have worked for companies such as:
- Amazon
- Blue Origin
- Boeing
- Chevron
- DJR Energy
- Freeport McMoRan
- Intel
- Phillips 66
- Samsung
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
Graduate Spotlight
"My instructors from the School of Energy were some of the nicest most helpful people. They kept me accountable and they all were always so eager to help me with any questions/problems I had. I owe my success to all of them."
Launch Your Career in Instrumentation Control
Next Steps
To enroll in the Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Technology program, you must first apply to San Juan College. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time!
If you are already a student at San Juan College, talk to your advisor about our Associate of Applied Science degree for the Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Technology program.
