Skip to main content Skip to site utility navigation Skip to main site navigation Skip to site search Skip to footer
Menu

Electrical Engineering Technology

Learn the principles in the design and safe operation of power systems and automated control systems.

A woman studies electrical wiring at a desk.
Start Date:
September
Typical Length:
2 Years
Credential:
Diploma

Apply Now

Overview

In this program, you study the design and safe operation of electrical power systems and industrial automation systems.

The program emphasizes electrical power distribution, power system management and control, power electronics, computerized lighting system design, industrial control systems (including programmable logic controllers), data acquisition systems and process instrumentation.

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are an asset in this program, especially when it comes to designing, testing and troubleshooting equipment and systems.

Work experience

  • Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
    • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
  • This program is eligible for an optional cooperative education (co-op) credit course between year one and two.
    • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
    • Co-op takes place in third term and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
    • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
  • Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
  • For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

  • You get hands-on training. You study the theoretical concepts in class and then put the theory into action within the lab and shop environment. When you graduate, you have experience in real-life electrical settings.
  • This program is accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB), a standing committee of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT). CTAB accreditation means that this program has been evaluated against standards designed by industry leaders across Canada and is recognized internationally. Graduates may be eligible for membership with TechNova, the certifying organization for Engineering and Applied Science Technicians and Technologists in Nova Scotia.
  • This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

  • Industrial safety standards require that you have adequate vision and colour perception to operate safely, in the shop and in the field, while performing tasks of this trade.
  • Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2025

Campus Full time/part time Delivery Availability
Ivany Campus
Dartmouth
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Seats available

Admission requirements

Program requirements

  • Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition (Domestic):
$3,620
Tuition (International):
$11,690

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

Career options

  • Graduates of the Electrical Engineering Technology program find employment in the design, maintenance, and control of electrical power systems. From power generation to renewable energy development, distribution and lighting design, automation and control, electrical technologists are on the leading edge of technology, working  where electrical energy is created, transmitted, utilized and controlled.
  • Employment may be found in many industry sectors, including utilities, manufacturing, consulting engineering, industrial automation and control, technical sales, power generation and distribution, and renewable energy.
  • Learn more about labour market information. View career options

Future study options

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

COMM 1245 - Technical Communications I
This course introduces students to the writing, oral presentation, critical thinking and interpersonal communications skills required of technical professionals in the workplace. The fundamentals of clear, concise writing and presenting will be reviewed and refined. Experience will be gained in organizing, writing and presenting technical information. In addition, career development skills and portfolio preparation will be discussed. There will be several opportunities, through assignments and lab work, to develop portfolio components. Students will learn how to collect appropriate work samples and documentation from other courses in the program as well as from other sources.

COMM 2245 - Technical Communications II
This course focuses on the interpersonal, written and oral technical communication skills necessary for working independently and as part of a team in a technical environment. Further skill development in written forms of technical documentation required for the workplace as well as report creation and oral presentation skills will continue to be emphasized. Team building principles, group dynamics and collaborative writing will be discussed. Students will participate in meetings and take responsibilities in a group project from its inception to completion and evaluation. Students will continue to enhance and apply their research skills and project management principles will also be introduced. Successful job interviews and the portfolio will be discussed.

ELTG 1003 - Electrical Principles I
This course will introduce the learner to the basic concepts of electricity necessary for Electrical Engineering Technology. Topics include direct current, voltage, resistance, Ohm's Law, power, equivalent circuit theorems (Thevenin, Norton, Superposition), capacitors and wave-shaping circuits and magnetic circuits.

ELTG 1004 - Introduction to Engineering Mechanics
This course introduces the learner to mechanical engineering fundamentals. Topics include fluids, heat, thermodynamics, statics and dynamics. Learners who successfully complete this course will be able to apply problem solving techniques and experimentation to basic engineering situations.

ELTG 1005 - Engineering CAD
This course provides an introduction to computer-aided drafting (CAD) techniques used in the field of Electrical-Electronic Engineering Technology. This course is intended to develop CAD skills in the preparation of Engineering documents, diagrams, and drawings. This course will also introduce symbols, conventions and types of drawings used in Electrical-Electronic Engineering.

ELTG 1006 - Logic Circuits
This course is intended to provide the learner with a sound knowledge of the standard building block devices found in digital circuits and systems. Learners will be able to analyze given combinational logic circuits to determine output conditions from specified input conditions. Learners will be introduced to the most common logic circuit functions such as gates, flip flops, registers, counters, decoder drivers, seven segment displays, and programmable logic devices.

ELTG 1009 - Electrical Principles II
Electrical Engineering Technology is based on fundamental principles covered in Electrical Principles I. This course builds on these concepts and introduces AC circuit analysis and network theorems. Various types of electronic measuring equipment will be used in laboratory sessions to study three-phase circuits and transformers.

ELTG 1010 - Electrical Diagrams
This course provides an introduction to computer-aided drafting (CAD) techniques used in the field of Electrical Engineering Technology. This course is intended to develop CAD skills in the preparation of Electrical Engineering documents, diagrams, and drawings

ELTG 1011 - Lighting
This course will provide the learner with a sound knowledge of fundamentals of light, colour, vision, characteristics of different light sources, selection of luminaires, and methods for manual and computer-aided calculations for indoor and outdoor lighting. The learner will be able to evaluate various designs for economic and lighting considerations.

ELTG 1014 - Motor Control and Relay Logic
This course provides the learner with a sound practical knowledge of industrial motor control, ladder logic and sequential control system fundamentals. Conventional control circuits for industrial motors will be analyzed, constructed and tested. Sequential control problems will be studied in order to design relay logic controller solutions. Practical design methodology and implementation will be stressed. Controller designs will be tested and verified using simulation software. The learner will also be introduced to the concept of a programmable logic controller (PLC).

ELTG 1022 - Workshop Practices and Introduction to the Canadian Electrical Code
This course is an introduction to workshop practices relating to the Electrical Engineering Technology industry. Topics covered will be tool safety, Canadian Electrical Code introduction and panel design and construction. The learner will also develop knowledge and experience with industry safety regulations and standards, as well as safe work practices.

ELTG 1023 - Industrial Electrical Machines I
This course deals with magnetic and electric circuits (DC, single-phase AC, as well as three-phase AC), along with single- and three-phase transformers. Topics for magnetic circuits include: magnetic field principles, electromagnetically induced voltages (generator action) and the interaction of magnetic fields (motor action). Topics for DC machines include: industrial applications of DC generators and motors, operating characteristics of DC machines, excitation modes, equipment design (rotor/armature and stator), mechanical considerations, losses and efficiency, starting and control requirements. Topics for transformers include: ideal and practical transformers and their equivalent circuits, transformer construction, voltage regulation, losses and efficiency, transformer impedance, equipment ratings, transformers in parallel, dual-voltage distribution transformers, autotransformers, current transformers (CTs) and potential transformers (PTs), as well as three-phase transformer connections and their applications.

ELTG 1100 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

ELTG 3001 - Applied Research Project I
This course further develops the learner’s technical documentation and applied research skills in relation to a major technical design project. The development of the technical design project will be in conjunction with the Utility Power, Electrical Power Distribution II, and Instrumentation/ Advanced PLC courses. Technical documentation, journal keeping, technical research methods, and report writing skills will be reviewed. Learners will submit a proposal and progress reports as well as participate in progress meetings regarding their projects. Learners will arrange for a series of guest speakers to address the class on topics related to the Electrical Engineering Technology field. Career planning, professional development, portfolio preparation, and the interpersonal skills required for professional success in a technical environment will also be covered as learner prepare for the Term 6 Work Term.

ELTG 3003 - Industrial Electronics
The operating characteristics of power semiconductor devices are studied and applied to the analysis and design of common power converter circuits such as diode bridge rectifiers, thyristor bridge rectifiers, and power transistor power converters. Also bipolar and FET transistor fundamentals are studied as they are applied in power converter circuits found in variable frequency ac motor drives and chopper dc motor drives .

ELTG 3004 - Electrical Power Distribution I
This course introduces the learners to power system analysis, power system protection and devices. The learners will be able to calculate three phase short circuit currents under various conditions and select different protective devices, such as fuses and circuit breakers. The learners will be introduced to major types of protective relays and protection methods. This course will also include an introduction to protection and coordination studies, electrical arc flash standards, assessments and mitigation, as well power system analysis software.

ELTG 3008 - Electrical Power Distribution II
This course builds on the concepts and methods introduced in Electrical Power Distribution I. This course intends to provide sound knowledge on design of feeders, branch circuits for lighting and receptacles, branch circuits and feeders for motors, as well as motor control centres. The learner will develop an understanding of various power distribution schemes and apply them to the design of a commercial or industrial facility. This course will further develop the learner’s skills and experience with protection and coordination studies, electrical arc flash standards, assessments and mitigation, as well as power system analysis software. The learner will also obtain increased exposure, experience and expertise with the Canadian Electrical Code.

ELTG 3009 - PLCs and Automation
This course will provide the learner with a sound practical knowledge of ladder logic and PLC hardware and programming. PLC system hardware components will be analyzed in class and utilized in the lab. PLC programming techniques and program development methodology will be studied in class and applied using assignments, projects and laboratory exercises. Industrial PLC's and programming software will be used exclusively to solve sequential control problems.

ELTG 3013 - Process Control and Instrumentation
The purpose of this course is to enable the learner to understand and apply the various aspects of specification, selection, construction, and operation of components and equipment for the measurement and control of quantities such as speed, temperature, pressure, flow and level. The model used during this course is the classic feedback control loop, which includes all the components of a modern process control system. All components of the control loop will be studied individually, ending with the operation of the complete control loop. The classic PID control algorithm will be studied and applied to simulated and real process control applications. Control loop tuning and stability analysis techniques will also be applied.

ELTG 3015 - Auxiliary Systems
This course provides the learner with knowledge and experience with auxiliary electrical systems common in residential, commercial and industrial facilities. This course will provide the learner with knowledge of design and operation and maintenance of structured wiring systems, fire alarm systems and security systems. The learner will also develop hands-on experience with soldering, communication cabling, terminations and residential wiring.

ELTG 3020 - Utility Power Systems
This utility course covers the general knowledge of the operating characteristics and the electrical equipment requirements of large networked power systems and generation sources. Topics include the major electrical power system components, typical voltage levels of transmission and distribution systems, the basic power circuit equation, and phasor analysis. Special topics include the sources of electrical power generation, environmental impacts, and the design of outdoor substations. Operating considerations, fault analysis using symmetrical components, and IEEE standard definitions for protection and co-ordination requirements are also introduced. Transmission design considerations including the technical, economic, and reliability considerations and the operating considerations like stability factors, network analysis; fault analyses are some of the topics studied. Fault protection for lines, transformers, buses and generators using utility standards and given circuit/equipment parameters is covered. Writing a technical report and giving an oral presentation on a proposed utility power system design will allow you to study and model utility power systems.

ELTG 3021 - Advanced PLC for Electrical Engineering
The learner will be introduced to advanced PLC techniques including data structures, and structured programming techniques. Human-Machine Interface (HMI) software will also be used to design and run operator interface graphics on personal computers and industrial operator terminals. Industrial data communications concepts and networks will also be explored.

ELTG 3023 - Industrial Electrical Machines II
This course deals with polyphase induction motors, synchronous generators, synchronous motors, single-phase motors and variable frequency drives and their applications. Topics for induction motors include: principles of operation, equivalent circuits, construction, selection and industrial applications, squirrel-cage motor characteristics and performance, wound-rotor motor characteristics and performance, torque versus speed characteristics. Topics for synchronous machines include: principles of operation, equivalent circuits, construction, selection and industrial applications, excitation, equivalent circuits, active and reactive power control, synchronization, efficiency, transient reactance, starting, load characteristics, power factor control and synchronous capacitors. Topics for single-phase motors include: principles of operation, equivalent circuits, construction, selection and industrial applications, performance characteristics, types of single-phase motors. Topics for variable speed drives include: design and operation, performance characteristics, application for various load conditions, energy efficiency, inverter duty motors, installation and programming of an industrial VFD.

ELTG 3024 - Electrical Principles III
Electrical Engineering Technology is based on fundamental principles covered in Electrical Principles I and II. This course introduces semiconductor devices and their analysis, including solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and variable frequency drives (VFDs).

ENGI 1020 - Engineering Technology Skills
This course provides learners requisite understanding in statistics, business skills and their ethical responsibilities as technologists in matters pertaining to sustainable practices.

MATH 1055 - Calculus l
The course introduces learners to the study of differential and integral calculus. Differentiation topics include limits, slope of the tangent to a curve, differentiation by the delta process, derivatives of polynomials, applications involving derivatives, finding extrema and curve sketching. Integration topics include the concept of integrating polynomial functions and numerically approximating the area under a curve.

MATH 1070 - Applied Math for Engineering Technology
This course provides students with a basic understanding of applied mathematical principles for use by technicians and technology programs. Applied Math l is designed to cover basic algebra, geometry, functional notation, linear equations, quadratic equations, trigonometric functions, exponents, logarithms, complex numbers, analytic geometry and systems of equations. The use of computer software as a mathematical tool will be explored. Students will be encouraged to maintain a math journal that may become part of their personal College portfolio.

MATH 2055 - Calculus II
In this course, learners will use integration to determine volume, centroids, mean and root-mean-square (RMS) values, moments of mass and moments of inertia. Integral calculus will be applied to solve acceleration, velocity, displacement, exponential growth and decay and other rate of change problems. Differential calculus will be used to solve applied engineering problems using transcendental functions.

MATH 3055 - Calculus III
Building on what learners have accomplished in Calculus l and ll, Calculus lll will cover various advanced applications for infinite series expansions to evaluate transcendental functions. Learners will also use first and second order homogenous and non-homogenous ordinary differential equations to solve applied-engineering problems.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1022 - Safety Basics – Working at Heights
The student is introduced to hazards and responsibilities concerned with working at heights in the workplace. Guardrails, travel restraints, roof work, fall arrest components will be discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

In addition to required courses, learners are required to complete prescribed electives for a total of 60 hours (4 credits). The following list of courses will fulfill the elective requirements. ELTG 3012, ENGI 1012, ENGI 3024.

Apply Now

Learn more about this program

Share your details with us and we'll send you a program overview.

Required fields are marked with a red symbol (*)

Thank you for contacting us.

Your program overview is on the way. While you wait, feel free to browse our list of Programs & Courses or visit our Admissions information section.

Explore similar programs

To find other programs and career options that might be a good fit for you check out these areas of interest:

Top