The Electrical and Instrumentation Technology (E&I) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree at Mountain Gateway Community College prepares students for high-wage careers maintaining, troubleshooting, and designing electrical and automated control systems in modern industrial environments. Graduates gain hands-on expertise in circuit schematics, motor controls, industrial instrumentation, and automated system maintenance.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award Earned | Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) |
| Program Major | Electrical & Instrumentation Technology |
| Program Length | Four Semesters (2 years of full-time study) |
| Funding Eligibility | G3 Eligible (Tuition assistance for eligible Virginia residents) |
| Program Head | Bryan Smith — bsmith@mgcc.edu |
💰 G3 Program Eligible — Low or No-Cost Tuition
This program qualifies for Virginia’s G3 Financial Assistance Program (Get a Skill, Get a Job, Get Ahead). G3 provides tuition support and financial assistance for eligible Virginia residents enrolling in high-demand technical and industrial programs. Contact Student Services or Financial Aid to verify your eligibility.
What You Will Learn
This career-focused degree delivers comprehensive technical training in electrical systems, automation, and industrial instrumentation:
- Electrical & Controls Design: Read and produce circuit schematics, wiring layouts, and control diagrams for complex industrial machinery.
- Industrial Instrumentation: Calibrate, test, and maintain sensors, transmitters, valves, and automated process control systems.
- Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Diagnose and repair electrical faults, motor control circuits, and automated production line equipment.
- Building & Systems Automation: Work with commercial HVAC controls, power distribution systems, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Career Opportunities & Target Employers
Graduates enter a dynamic job market with high demand across diverse regional industries:
Potential Career Pathways:
- Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Maintenance Technician
- Industrial Controls & Automation Technician
- Electrical Controls Designer
- Field Service & Systems Repair Specialist
Diverse Industrial Work Settings:
- Product & Automotive Manufacturing
- Commercial Breweries & Food Production Facilities
- Paper Mills & Wood Products Manufacturing
- Alternative Energy & Nuclear Power Plants
- Building Automation & HVAC Equipment Manufacturing
- Petroleum Processing Plants & Shipyards
Curriculum & Course Plan
The 4-semester schedule balances general education requirements with intensive hands-on labs in electrical theory, motor controls, instrumentation, and industrial safety.
👉 View the Complete E&I Technology AAS Course Plan in the Catalog
Program Contact & Admissions
Ready to build a technical career in industrial automation and instrumentation? Contact our Program Head or Student Services:
Bryan Smith — Program Head, Electrical & Instrumentation Technology
Email: bsmith@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Warren Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)