The Instrumentation Technology Fundamentals Career Studies Certificate (CSC) provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary foundation in modern industrial automation and advanced manufacturing systems. Designed to train skilled technicians for automated production environments, this program combines instruction in electrical circuits, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), hydraulics and pneumatics, and computerized control systems.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award Earned | Career Studies Certificate (CSC) |
| Program Major | Instrumentation Technology Fundamentals |
| Total Credit Hours | 26 Credit Hours |
| Funding Eligibility | G3 Eligible (Tuition assistance for eligible Virginia residents) |
| Stackable Pathway | Credits stack directly into MGCC's Electrical & Instrumentation Technology AAS |
| Program Head | Bryan Smith — bsmith@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2893 |
💰 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 manufacturing programs. Contact Student Services or Financial Aid to verify your eligibility.
What You Will Learn
This career-focused certificate delivers hands-on training across essential industrial automation and mechatronics domains:
- Electrical & Electronics Fundamentals: Master AC/DC circuit theory, industrial solid-state devices, and electrical safety standards.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Program, test, and troubleshoot PLCs and automated control systems used in manufacturing lines.
- Fluid Power Systems: Understand principles of hydraulics and pneumatics, fluid controls, pressure regulators, and automated actuators.
- Control Systems & Instrumentation: Calibrate, inspect, and maintain industrial instruments, control loops, and process control systems.
Career & Academic Pathways
This program prepares students for high-demand technical positions in modern automated manufacturing facilities.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Technician
- Instrumentation Technician
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Automated Systems Technician
- Controls Assistant Specialist
Stackable Degree Pathway:
All 26 credit hours earned in this certificate apply directly toward MGCC's two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Electrical and Instrumentation Technology (E&I).
Curriculum & Course Plan
This 26-credit certificate integrates classroom theory with intensive laboratory testing across electrical and fluid power systems.
👉 View the Complete Instrumentation Technology Fundamentals CSC Course Sequence in the Catalog
Program Contact & Admissions
Ready to build hands-on skills in industrial automation or explore G3 tuition assistance? 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)