Electro-Mechanical Technology

Associate of Applied Science: Electro-Mechanical Technology

AAS Degree: 97 credits. Advising Guide

Career Description

The Electro-Mechanical Technology (EM-Tech) program provides a solid combination of mechanical, electrical, and programming skills that give our graduates a foundation to start work as technicians in a broad range of industries: wind, solar, hydropower, avionics manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, engineering, and others. 

Our graduates get jobs as electrical and mechanical engineers, semiconductor fabricators, wind turbine and power plant technicians, UAV operators and  service techs for mills, semiconductor plants, breweries, the agriculture industry, for companies right here in the region like Insitu, the US Army Corps of Engineers, HP, and Bonneville Power. 

Electro-mechanical technicians perform a variety of job duties:

• operate and maintain equipment
• perform mechanical and electrical component repair to correct malfunctions following manufacturing requirements
• comply with project environmental health and safety programs
• perform preventative maintenance in accordance with OEM maintenance manuals

Electro-mechanical technicians use electrical and electronic theory to design, build, repair, calibrate, and modify components, circuitry controls, and machinery.

Course of Study

The Associate of Applied Science degree provides a basic level of knowledge and skills in programmable logic controllers, industrial control systems, semiconductors, and higher levels of math. Students must also meet Associate degree comprehensive requirements and Associate of Applied Science degree requirements.

Students interested in transferring to Oregon Institute of Technology or Embry Riddle Aeronautical University may start their studies at Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC). Upon completion of their AAS degree in EM-Tech, students can transfer to one of these partner universities and complete a degree in a related engineering field. Students interested in this option are recommended to meet with a CGCC academic advisor and an advisor from their planned transfer institution after their first year of study at CGCC.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, students will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and semiconductor devices concepts to install, test, service and repair electromechanical, power electronics, power generation, and power transmission systems.
2. Demonstrate proper and safe use of an ohmmeter, voltmeter, ammeter, oscilloscope, and other electrical instrumentation to measure electrical properties in an electrical circuit.
3. Interpret electrical and fluid power schematic diagrams and ladder logic diagrams.
4. Program a PLC using industry recognized programming languages using hard wired and networked digital and analog devices.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of closed loop control of electro-mechanical systems.
6. Effectively interpret and communicate technical information using graphs, charts, tables, and data sheets.
7. Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot electro-mechanical systems.

Prerequisites

• MTH 65 Beginning Algebra (4 credits) completed with a “B” or better, or equivalent placement
• WR 115 Introduction to Expository Writing (4 credits) or IRW 115 Critical Reading and Writing (5 credits) or equivalent placement