Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
2020-2021 Catalog and Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Electrical Engineering Technology - Automation


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

The National Center for Education Statistics defines the fields of electrical, electronic, and communications engineering technologies as programs “that prepare individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. Includes instruction in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing, systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation”. Other pertinent electrical engineering technology disciplines include applied electrical skills in the areas of circuit design, maintenance, automation, and systems calibration. The Electrical Engineering Technology program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure gainful employment in manufacturing industries, telecommunications, and healthcare, to name a few. Skills emphasized in the program include, but are not limited to: AC and DC circuitry, programmable logic controller programming, robotics programming, biomedical equipment calibration and repair, and maintenance in an advanced automation setting.

The AAS in Electrical Engineering Technology was developed in compliance with the Complete College Tennessee Act of 2010. Students who begin this program at Walters State Community College and transfer to another Tennessee public community college are guaranteed their credits will transfer toward completion of the AAS degree in Electrical Engineering Technology.

In compliance with the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) accreditation requirements, all students graduating from the AAS in Electrical Engineering Technology must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of management and/or technical coursework at Walters State Community College as a requirement for graduation.

The Electrical Engineering Technology degree program contains three specialization areas. Students are required to choose one specialization area from the three provided: Automation, Biomedical Equipment, and Electromechanical.

Automation Specialization:

In addition to the electrical courses found in the technical core of the degree, the automation specialization contains four unique courses that prepare the graduate to work in the field of industrial automation. From advanced programmable logic controller training through programming of computer controlled machining and robotics equipment, the Automation Specialization provides students with the training needed to work within today’s automated manufacturing environments.

Students with higher education credit that is not readily transferable can still be awarded credit through a departmental transcript review or through departmental proficiency examinations. Students must meet with a program advisor to request the transcript review or proficiency examinations.

This program and its specialization areas are designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.

Degree: Associate of Applied Science

Emphasis: Electrical Engineering Technology

Specialization: Automation

Recommended Full-Time Schedule


The following Recommended Full-Time Schedule is not a substitute for academic advising. You must meet with an academic advisor each semester to be cleared for registration. Consult with your advisor about scheduling and degree requirements. Also, see the current undergraduate catalog (catalog.ws.edu) for a complete list of requirements and electives. Requirements are continually under revision, and there is no guarantee they will not be changed or revoked. Contact the academic division or department for current information.

Factors that affect your progression include required Learning Support courses, your choices regarding campus location, course delivery method, and the days and times selected to take classes.

1General Education electives in each category must be chosen from approved courses listed in the General Education Program .

Learning Support courses must be taken every semester until completed.

First Year


Fall Term (15 semester credit hours)


Second Year


Fall Term (15 semester credit hours)


Spring Term (15 semester credit hours)


Program Degree Requirements - A.A.S. Electrical Engineering Technology - Automation


General Education Requirements (15 hours)


Behavioral/Social Sciences (3 hrs)


      Approved Behavioral/Social Science General Education elective1  3 credits

Humanities and/or Fine Arts (3 hrs)


      Approved Behavioral/Social Science General Education elective1  3 credits

Mathematics (3 hrs)


      Mathematics General Education elective (Select from MATH 1630, MATH 1710, or MATH 1720)         3 credits

Area of Emphasis Requirements (45 hours)


Total Credit Hours 60


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study