Instrument and Electrical Technician
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
If you have an interest in electrical and instrument controls and want to apply it to a high-paying career, you may want to consider our Instrument and Electrical Technician (I&E) degree. This degree builds an individual’s knowledge on basic electrical systems, programmable logic controllers and skill sets to inspect, operate and repair instrumentation systems. This program prepares students for challenging and rewarding careers in a variety of industries, oil refineries, petroleum fields, natural gas processing, power plants, water treatment plants, food processing, and sustainable energy industries. Some of the largest employers in Billings and the region utilize I&E Technicians, making City College the ideal location to earn your degree. The I&E degree includes foundational electrical, processing, and instrumentation course work, along with hands-on application in the lab and an optional internship opportunity with many of the local and regional employers.
Cost of Attendance
Electrician*
| Median Wage (MT)** | $69,850 yearly |
| $33.58 per hour | |
|
|
|
| Median Wage (US)** | $64,330 yearly |
|
$30.93 per hour |
|
** Bureau of Labor statistics, Office of Employment Projections; MT Dept. of Labor and Industry, Research and Analysis Bureau; (projections through 2026)
As a graduate of our Instrument and Electrical program, you will find employment in a variety of settings, such as:
- oil refineries
- chemical and mineral plants
- water treatment plants
- food processing
- sustainable energy businesses
- many other processing plants
ADMISSION TO CITY COLLEGE
- First-time college students must have high school diplomas from an accredited high school, a GED/HiSET, or passed the MSUB Readiness Exam offered through our university.
- Transfer students will need to submit records from all regionally accredited institutions.
Q: Is this program hands-on?
A: Yes! The bulk of your time in the program is spent working hands-on in our high-tech lab. In addition, our program contains core instrument control, electrical and mechanical classroom work to help build a strong foundation for how the industry works and some general education courses to help not only land your dream job, but to continue growing within your field.
Q: Is this the same thing as a process plant degree?
A: Many of the courses in the I&E program are also in the Process Plant Technology program and many of the same industries will hire I&E technicians as well as process plant operators. Students could explore earning both Associate degree’s to broaden their career options.
Q: When can I start the program?
A: The I&E program admits new cohorts in the fall of odd numbered years. Some courses are offered only every other year. For a student who is looking to begin on an even year or in the Spring – please see an advisor about course options.