Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City, MI

Offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Engineering Technology - Electronics specialization which includes a focus on lasers and optics technology.  This degree provides a focus on the applied aspects of science and engineering technology aimed at preparing graduates for practice in the technology spectrum, including product improvement, manufacturing, robotics, unmanned systems, marine technology and more. 

​The degree offers a core set of engineering technology skills with a specialization in one of several technical concentrations.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Engineering Technology - Electrical
This is a two year program with extensive hands-on training. The first year of the program provides a strong base of core technical skills in the areas of basic electronics, CAD, fluid power, programming and microcontrollers.  The second year of the program builds on this foundational knowledge by expanding into specialized skill sets including electronics, lasers, and photonics.  Internship opportunities and a final design capstone experience are embedded in the program.
Skills of AAS degree graduates
All graduates of the program will have the ability to:
  • Apply the skills and techniques to solve engineering technology problems using project-based learning
  • Communicate effectively
  • Conduct tests and measurements
  • Function effectively as a member of a technical team
Specific skills include:
  • Apply the fundamentals of electricity and electronics
  • Follow safe electrical work practices
  • Construct circuits from schematics and diagrams using proper wiring and soldering techniques.
  • Perform electrical measurements using multimeters, oscilloscopes and other test equipment.
  • Program microcontroller-based systems
  • Use a systems level approach to analyze electronics and electrical devices
  • Perform bench testing and integrating of devices to meet system requirements.​
  • Perform design modifications, circuit improvements, as component protection as designs are developed into working prototypes
  • ​Understanding control circuits, electrical schematics and line diagrams.
  • Interface to Programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
  • Understands the elements of a laser, operation of a helium-neon gas laser, laser physics, optical-cavities, properties of laser light and a survey of laser systems.
  • Follow safety procedures concerning lasers and related equipment
  • Understands operational characteristics of lasers, specific laser types, optical detectors and human vision, principles of optical fiber communications, photonics devices for imaging, storage and display, and laser welding and surface treatment.
The photonic courses are designed as follows:
  • NMC’s first semester course covers the text Fundamentals of Light and Lasers from front to back cover, and includes an additional Module 7, Fiber Optics.
  • NMC’s second semester course covers Modules 1-5 of the Laser Applications text, but is still listed in the NMC catalogue as Element of Photonics due to the class development during the existence of the former text.
Contact Information
Name: Jason Slade
Telephone: (231) 995-1995
Email: jslade@nmc.edu
Address: 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686


Program Website
https://catalog.nmc.edu/programs-az/technical/engineering-technology-electronics-technology/#text

How can I recruit from this college?
The Engineering Technology program provides a highly skilled technician with diverse skill sets.  Our students are interested in working throughout the Great Lakes region and the United States.  “Lunch and learns”, both in-person and virtually, are great opportunities to promote your company and interact with our students.  Companies will typically showcase their industry, highlight skills needed by applicants and answer career related questions.  Afterwards, a company representative can meet with the students one on one to discuss specifics.  Career opportunities can be promoted on the program’s LinkedIN job board, social media accounts and in-class.  The college also hosts virtual and in-person career fairs.  NMC has a robust internship program that can assist your company in identifying potential candidates for internship opportunities.
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