Program Overview

teacher observing students working on electrical circuits

The field of electrical technology is evolving rapidly. From the integration of renewable energy to the rise in popularity and availability of electric vehicles, boundless opportunity awaits those with the technical skills to meet new industry demands. The Associate of Science (AS) Electrical Technology degree program at New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) prepares you to thrive in this dynamic profession.

 

Here, hands-on learning meets personal growth as you study electrical science across various industrial applications, setting you apart from the competition during your job search. Develop an understanding of the latest industry knowledge and technology and prepare to launch a bright future in this 18-month program!

 

Program Highlights

  • Practice in leading-edge industry labs
  • Preparation for entry-level electrician careers
  • Gain the skills to wire and install electrical systems and apparatus according to the National Electrical Code (NEC) safety standards
  • Program offered on the Post Road campus in Rhode Island

 

Why Earn an Electrical Technology Degree From NEIT?

 

We’re not your average electrical trade school — we focus on professional skill-building from day one. Our students learn from the best and receive extensive support as they gain industry knowledge and refine their abilities. 

 

As an electrical technology student, you benefit from:

 

Curriculum That Goes Beyond the Basics

 

Our curriculum goes beyond basic electrical theory by integrating hands-on application. Courses in computer programs allow you to practice circuit calculations and create working models that simulate real circuit conditions, preparing you for the work you’ll do on the job. We also offer the electrical technology associate degree with a focus on renewable energy systems, which allows you to specialize your studies.

 

Practice Your Electrician Skills in the Lab

 

Laboratory projects, ranging from elementary breadboard experiments to advanced PLC ladder logic control circuits, provide you with real-world experience. In our state-of-the-art facilities, you hone the skills to develop wiring techniques and simulate actual job conditions in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. You learn to wire and install electrical systems and apparatus and acquire the mathematical and practical knowledge to support, explain, and troubleshoot a wide variety of electrical projects.

 

A Fast Track to Your Career

 

You can begin your electrical technology associate’s degree classes after earning your high school diploma or GED, as long as you are above 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and pass an aptitude test. Moreover, once you complete your associate degree, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical technology in just six more terms, which can qualify you for mid- to senior-level positions and help boost your earning potential.

 

Learn From Experts

 

Our electrical technology program faculty are more than just leaders in their fields — they are dedicated educators who nurture their students’ academic growth and success. They push students to reach their full potential while offering mentorship and guidance along the way.

 

Electrical Technology Careers

 

The electrical technology associate degree gives you the technical skills to pursue a wide range of fast-evolving career options in the electrical field, such as industrial and manufacturing automation, among many other opportunities.

 

After completing the Associate of Science in Electrical Technology degree program at NEIT, graduates may seek employment in entry-level roles and can work as an apprentice electrician or technician. Some diverse careers open to graduates include:


Commercial/industrial electrician

Construction electricians

Electrical distribution sales

Electrical relay technicians

Electrical research technicians

Electrical technical support

Electro-mechanical technicians

Entry-level controls engineer

Field service engineer

Maintenance electricians

Power system technicians

According to the BLS website, Rhode Island employed up to 2,350 electricians as of May 2023 despite being the smallest state in the US. Nationally, the projected 6% increase in electrician employment through 2032 means ample job opportunities for graduates.

Learn more about electrician trade school and careers in our comprehensive guide!

Electrician Salaries in Rhode Island

Electrician salaries can widely depend on your experience, skill, and quality of services. According to the BLS, the national estimate for the annual mean wage of electricians is $61,590, and the mean hourly wage is $29.61. In comparison, RI’s yearly and mean hourly wages are $68,840 and $33.10, respectively.

Apprentice electricians typically earn $20.57 per hour with $6,000 overtime per year, and independent contractors can earn up to $36.57 per hour with $10,000 overtime per year.

  • Licensure Requirements for Electricians in Rhode Island

    All electricians in Rhode Island require a license to work, which they can get from the Department of Labor and Training (DLT). The usual path to licensure is:

    1. Gain the necessary field experience and classroom training as an apprentice to get a journeyman electrician license. Typically, you need four years (8,000 hours) of experience as an apprentice and 576 hours of classroom training. The journeyman electrician exam covers general trade knowledge, electrical systems, and the National Electrical Code book. The fee to get a journeyman license is $78, with renewal every two years.
    2. After completing two years as a journeyman electrician, you can take another exam to get an independent electrical contractor’s license. The fee to get a contractor’s license is $240, with a renewal every two years.

    RI provides only journeyman and electrical contractor’s licenses. The state does not offer a master electrician license.

    Specialty electrical licenses in RI include:

    • Burner contractor
    • Contractor LPC lighting protection
    • Corporation electrical contractor
    • Corporation fire alarm contractor
    • Corporation oil burner contractor
    • Electrical contractor
    • Electrical sign contractor
    • Fire alarm contractor
    • Installer LPI
    • Journeyperson electrician
    • Limited electrician/manufacturers
    • Limited electrician/non-manufacturers
    • Limited maintenance journeyperson
    • Sign contractor lighting protection
    • Sign installer CF corporation

Explore NEIT’s Campus

Experience our labs and campus communities for yourself by taking a virtual tour of NEIT!

Launch Building Technology Lab

Admissions

Whether you want to enroll right after high school, plan to transfer, or are heading back to school as an adult, we aim to make your admissions process as seamless and easy to navigate as possible. Review our undergraduate admissions requirements for more information.

Visit the NEIT admissions page.

Can Electrical Technology Students Apply for Financial Aid?

Yes! We know that determining how to fund your college education is important — that’s why we provide comprehensive resources about tuition and financial aid, which includes scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and traditional student loans.

Explore financial aid options.

Take the Next Step — Apply to the Electrician Training Program at NEIT

Earn an associate degree in electrical technology at New England Tech and get one step closer to a rewarding career as an electrician. Get started today by requesting more information or beginning your application.

FAQ

  • What Is the Difference Between Electrical Technology and Electrical Engineering Programs?

    Electrical technology programs differ from electrical engineering programs in their curriculum and level of hands-on training. An electrical technology program typically focuses on training students to wire, repair, and maintain electrical systems. On the other hand, electrical engineering programs emphasize the theory and practice of the actual design and development of these systems.

  • What Does an Electrician Do?

    Today’s electricians install, repair, and maintain all electrical systems, including security, climate control, and communications. They use technical skills to perform duties such as installing intercom systems and servicing street lights and electrical control systems. Electrical technicians may work in diverse environments, from residential to commercial projects, according to the relevant codes.

Related Programs

Program Mission

The mission of the Electrical Technology Program (ELY) is to provide a specialized associate degree program to prepare students for entry-level technical careers in diverse electrical, electro-mechanical, technical support, and electrical controls fields. ELY students will develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and appropriate use of construction tools through practical experience in the wiring and troubleshooting of a wide variety of electrical projects. Students will study and learn a background of electrical science, mastery of fundamental mathematical principles, and the knowledge of safety rules and procedures laid out in the National Electrical Code, enabling them to perform the duties of an apprentice electrician or entry-level technician. Graduates will attain a basic foundation of knowledge and skills that an employer can build upon with continuing education.

Program Goals

  1. The ELY program will provide appropriate learning opportunities for students to acquire the theoretical knowledge, applicable skills and attitude necessary to function as an entry-level electrical technician or electrical apprentice.
  2. ELY students who are entering a State-run electrical apprenticeship program: a) Will acquire the necessary skills for transfer into a State program and b) May meet, contingent on applicable law and regulation, some of the requirements (which vary from state to state) necessary to qualify for state electrical journey electrician licensing exams. Continuing education is a component of most electrical apprentice programs.
  3. The ELY program will instill in the student a sense of commitment to the electrical industry’s core values and ethics.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Identify, define, and analyze fundamental principles of electrical circuitry and processes.
  2. Identify, define, and analyze electrical industry materials, tools and equipment
  3. Research, interpret, and apply electrical industry standards for installation criteria and safety considerations.
  4. Function independently and/or interdependently as a team member to accomplish the following: install, maintain and troubleshoot residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
  5. Demonstrate effective oral and written communications using correct technical terminology with supervisors, co-workers, clients, and suppliers.
  6. Perform tasks and duties in a “safe and workmanlike manner” with regards to legal obligations applicable to the electrical industry.
  7. Demonstrate attitudes, values, and behaviors congruent with electrical industry standards and ethics.

The Associate of Science in Electrical Technology degree program merges theory with hands-on practice. Students develop skills over six terms that blend liberal arts courses with technical, laboratory-focused lessons.

Some of the courses include:

  • AutoCAD Electrical
  • Building Construction and Environmental Systems for Electricians
  • Electrical Foundations and Lab
  • Motor Controls and Lab
  • Motor Theory
  • NEC and Residential Wiring Lab
  • Transformers and Lab

For the latest listing of courses offered, please review our University Catalog.

Q&A and Technical Standards

Questions & Answers

  1. When do my classes meet?
    Day Classes: Technical classes normally meet for at least three hours a day for up to five days a week. Classes normally begin in the early morning (7:45 a.m.), late morning (usually 11:25 a.m.), or mid-afternoon. The time slot for your program may vary from term to term.Evening Classes: technical classes meet on the average of three nights a week, although there may be times when they will meet four nights a week. Classes normally begin at 5:45 p.m..In addition, to achieve your associate degree, you will take a total of approximately eight liberal arts courses, which will be scheduled around your technical schedule over the course of your entire program. Each liberal arts course meets approximately four hours per week. Liberal arts courses are offered days, evenings, and Saturdays.At the beginning of each term you will receive a detailed schedule giving the exact time and location of all your classes. The College requires that all students be prepared to take classes and receive services at any of NEIT’s locations where the appropriate classes and services are offered.When a regularly scheduled class falls on a day which is an NEIT observed holiday (Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Memorial Day), an alternate class will be scheduled as a make up for that class. The make up class may fall on a Friday. It is the student’s responsibility to take note of when and where classes are offered.
  2. How large will my classes be?
    The average size for a class is about 20 to 25 students; however, larger and smaller classes occur from time to time.
  3. How much time will I spend in lab?
    Almost half of your technical courses consist of laboratory work. In order for you to get the most out of your laboratory experiences, you will first receive a thorough explanation of the theory behind your lab work.
  4. Where do my classes meet?
    Students should be prepared to attend classes at any of NEIT’s classroom facilities: either at the Post Road, Access Road, or East Greenwich campus.
  5. I have not earned my high school diploma or GED: can I enroll in an Associate Degree Program?
    A candidate for admission to the associate degree program must have a high school diploma, have earned a recognized equivalency diploma (GED), or meet the federal home school requirements.
  6. How long should it take me to complete my program?
    To complete your degree requirements in the shortest possible time, you should take the courses outlined in the prescribed curriculum. For a typical six-term curriculum, a student may complete the requirements in as little as 18 months.To complete all your degree requirements in the shortest time, you should take at least one liberal arts course each term. Students who need more time to complete their curriculum may postpone some of the liberal arts courses until after the completion of the technical requirements. Students are provided up to two additional terms of study to complete the liberal arts requirements without any additional tuition assessment fee. During these additional terms of study, students are required to pay all applicable fees.Students may also elect to complete some of their liberal arts requirements during Intersession, a five-week term scheduled between Spring and Summer Quarters. Students will not be assessed any additional tuition for liberal arts courses taken during the Intersession but may be assessed applicable fees.Students wishing to extend the number of terms needed to complete the required technical courses in their curriculum will be assessed additional tuition and fees.
  7. Is NEIT accredited?
    NEIT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation by NECHE is recognized by the federal government and entitles NEIT to participate in federal financial aid programs. Some academic departments have specialized professional accreditations in addition to accreditation by NECHE. For more information on accreditation, see NEIT’s catalog.
  8. Can I transfer the credits that I earn at NEIT to another college?
    The transferability of a course is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring. Students interested in the transferability of their credits should contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for further information.
  9. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to NEIT?
    Transfer credit for appropriate courses taken at an accredited institution will be considered upon receipt of an official transcript for any program, biology, science, and mathematics courses in which the student has earned a “C” or above within the past three years and for English or humanities courses in which the student has earned a “C” or above within the last ten years. An official transcript from the other institution must be received before the end of the first week of the term for transfer credit to be granted for courses to be taken during that term. Students will receive a tuition reduction for the approved technical courses based on the program rate and will be applied against the final technical term of the curriculum’s tuition amount. No tuition credit is provided for courses which are not a part of the technical curriculum.
  10. What is the “Feinstein Enriching America” Program?
    New England Institute of Technology is the proud recipient of a grant from the Feinstein Foundation. To satisfy the terms of the grant, the College has developed a one-credit community enrichment course which includes hands-on community enrichment projects. The course can be taken for a few hours per term, spread over several terms. Students who are already engaged in community enrichment on their own may be able to count that service towards course credit.
  11. How many credits do I need to acquire my Financial Aid?
    In order to be eligible for the maximum financial aid award, you need to maintain at least 12 credits per academic term.
  12. What does my program cost?
    The cost of your program will be as outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your cost for books and other course materials. Students who decide to take more terms than the enrollment agreement describes to complete the technical courses in their curriculum will be subject to additional fees and possible additional tuition costs. Students who elect to take the technical portion of the degree requirements at a rate faster than the rate prescribed in the curriculum and the enrollment agreement will be assessed additional tuition.Students who require prerequisite courses will incur additional tuition and fees above those outlined in their enrollment agreement.If a student elects to take a course(s) outside of the prescribed curriculum, additional tuition and fees will be assessed.Remember, students who withdraw and re-enter, one time only, pay the tuition rate that was in effect for them at the time of their last day of attendance for up to one year from their last day of attendance. Second re-entrees and beyond pay the tuition rate in effect at the time they re-enter. The most economical way for you to complete your college degree is to begin your program now and continue your studies straight through for the six terms necessary to complete your degree requirements.
  13. What kind of employment assistance does NEIT offer?
    The Career Services Office assists NEIT students and graduates in all aspects of the job search, including resume writing, interviewing skills, and developing a job search strategy. Upon completion of their programs, graduates may submit a resume to the Career Services Office to be circulated to employers for employment opportunities in their fields. Employers regularly contact us about our graduates. In addition, our Career Services Office contacts employers to develop job leads. A strong relationship with employers exists as a result of our training students to meet the needs of industry for over fifty years. No school can, and NEIT does not, guarantee to its graduates’ employment or a specific starting salary.
  14. Where will job opportunities exist?
    Graduates have obtained employment in the local area. However, one of the most exciting aspects of this program is the ability to look nationally for employment opportunities.
  15. Is there any state or federal licensing required in my field?
    Jobs at the technician level currently require no license in the state of Rhode Island. Graduates who wish to work as electricians can expect to meet some type of licensing requirements in whichever state they work. Because of the complex nature of licensing requirements and because these requirements change periodically, we cannot list all the requirements for the various types of licenses in the various states. NEIT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHANGES IN LICENSING REQUIREMENTS THAT ANY STATE LEGISLATURE, INCLUDING RI’s, MAY IMPLEMENT AT ANY TIME. Each student should take personal responsibility for determining the licensing requirements in the specific trade and state in which he or she plans to work. Your instructor or department chair can give you help as needed.
  16. What kind of jobs will I be qualified to look for?
    You will be qualified to look for a job at the technician level, working under an engineer or as an electrical apprentice in a residential, commercial or industrial setting.
  17. Can I get a bachelor’s degree in my field?
    Graduates of the Electrical Technology Program can earn a baccalaureate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology with approximately 6 more terms of study.
  18. Will I be required to wear special clothing?
    Yes. In accordance with OSHA Standard 29CFR 1926.28(a), each student is required to purchase and wear appropriate attire for the workplace when in Lab or Open Lab. Electrical Technology students are required to wear button down or pull-over shirts for all classes (no sleeveless shirts or shirts containing objectionable printing of any type, as determined by the class instructor). Proper work pants include jeans or cotton-blend work pants (no sweatpants, nylon pants, shorts, tattered, too tight or oversized pants). Proper footwear includes no-slip work shoes, boots, or sneakers – no open-toe shoes, slip-on shoes, dress shoes, or shoes with large heels will be allowed. For safety, no dangling jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, or earrings) is allowed. No rings other than wedding bands will be allowed. Safety glasses must be worn in all Lab classes. For more details, refer to the Electrical Technology Department’s Dress Code Policy.
  19. Where can I purchase an optional uniform shirt and what kind do I need?
    Though specific uniform shirts are optional, students may purchase NEIT Electrical Technology uniform shirts online at Alexander’s Uniforms https://aucorporateapparel.com/. At the site’s homepage, click “New England Institute of Technology” from either the icon or the left tab, then select your department from the list. All items are priced to include a 15% discount. If you have any questions, contact Wendy Magnette via email at [email protected] or at 401-654-6500.

    The required uniforms include:
    Hunter Sanmar PC54 Shirt w/ Screen Printing $11.00 (S-XL), $13.00 (2X-5X)
    Hunter Sanmar PC54LS Shirt w/ Screen Printing $15.00 (S-XL), $17.00 (2X-5X)

    You may also purchase your uniform items at Alexander’s Uniforms at one of their three locations (recommended if you are unsure of the size): 1) Rhode Island: Marshall’s Plaza, 1 Lambert Lind Highway, Warwick RI 02886, 860-889-7744, 401-654-6500; 2) Connecticut: 77 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360, 781-762-1449; 3) Massachusetts: 500 Providence Highway, Norwood MA 02062. A Student ID is needed to ensure you receive your 15% discount at checkout.

Technical Standards

These technical standards set forth by the Electrical Technology Department, establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to the program. The successful student must possess the following skills and abilities or be able to demonstrate that they can complete the requirements of the program with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Cognitive Ability

  • Ability to visualize and portray ideas graphically.
  • Good reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to learn, remember and recall detailed information and to use it for problem solving.
  • Ability to deal with materials and problems such as organizing or reorganizing information.
  • Ability to use abstractions in specific concrete situations.
  • Ability to break information into its component parts.
  • Ability to understand spatial relationships.
  • Possession of basic math skills through addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers and fractions using both the U.S. and Metric systems of measurement.
  • Ability to perform tasks by observing demonstrations.
  • Ability to perform tasks following verbal instructions.

Communications Skills

  • Ability to demonstrate and use the knowledge acquired during the classroom training process and in the lab setting.

Adaptive Ability

  • Ability to maintain emotional stability and the maturity necessary to interact with other members of the faculty and students in a responsible manner.

Physical Ability

  • An ability to work in a standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, or lying position for extended periods of time while maintaining high levels of concentration.
  • Ability to lift objects weighing up to 35 pounds.
  • Sufficient upper body strength to carry 20 pounds.
  • Sufficient strength and agility to grasp and maintain tension for long periods of time.
  • Ability to perform learned skills, independently, with accuracy and completeness within reasonable time frames in accordance with procedures.

Manual Ability

  • Ability to manipulate side cutters, diagonal cutters, needle-nose pliers, and other tools.
  • Sufficient motor function and sensory abilities to participate effectively in the classroom laboratory.
  • Sufficient manual dexterity and motor coordination to coordinate hands, eyes and fingers in the operation of tools, wire and other equipment.
  • Good manual dexterity.

Sensory Ability

  • Adequate vision for distinguishing colors, interpretation of gauges, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic equipment (adaptive equipment acceptable).
  • Adequate vision for reading blueprints and other printed instruction, working with tools and equipment, and for maneuvering on job sites, scaffolding, and areas in various stages of completion (adaptive equipment acceptable).
  • Visual ability, if necessary, with correction, to see tools, instruments and wires
  • Acute enough to read small print.
  • Acute enough to read small numbers on instrument