In the world of manufacturing, constant technology change brings with it more complex systems of assembly, control measurement, and material processing of manufactured products. The Electro-Mechanical Technology program provides training in electrical and electronic controls, robotics, utilization of computers and computer-based controls, as well as the knowledge of how these controls integrate with hydraulics, pneumatics and other mechanical drive elements to form automated systems.

  • Overview
  • Is This Program for You?

    Are you mechanically inclined and comfortable with computers? Do you have good math skills? Answering “yes” could mean that a rewarding career awaits you in the Electro-Mechanical field.

    Students entering the Electro-Mechanical Technology program should:

    • Have an interest in math and science.
    • Enjoy problem solving.
    • Think creatively.
    • Enjoy working with their hands.
    • Have good hand-eye coordination.
    • Enjoy working with people.
    • Have good communication skills.
    • Are detail-oriented.
    • Be interested in becoming an electrician.

    Program Basics

    • Associate degree, requiring a minimum of two years to complete.
    • Classes are offered, daytime, face to face, and on campus.
    • High school articulation courses accepted.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Classes start in January and August.

    Related Degrees

  • Curriculum & Costs
  • Cost of Attendance (COA) 24-25

    Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

    Category Amount
    Tuition and Fees $4,820
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $9,148
    Books and Supplies $1,466
    Personal Expenses $3,608
    Transportation $4,018
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $600
    Loan Fees $84
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $23,744
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $11,872

    Based on Wisconsin Residents.

    Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

    Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

    These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

  • Requirements
  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Submit Application
    • To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
    • Admissions Preference Policy

      Priority for program acceptance will be given in this order until May 1, 2024:

      1. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College District Residents (permanent address is in one of Southwest Tech’s 30 school districts the College serves) Southwest Tech District Information
      2. Non-District State Residents
      3. Out-of-State Residents

    Helpful Academic Background

    • Math and science
    • Written and oral communications
    • Electricity, electronics or mechanics

    Program Fees

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

    Additional requirements

    Students must have eye wear protection (safety glasses with side shields or wrap around safety glasses over prescription glasses) and must meet OSHA Z87.1 or greater while they are conducting operations that are deemed hazardous in nature. These glasses can be purchased at the College Bookstore.

  • Outcomes
  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

    • Perform work safely
    • Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems and devices
    • Repair electrical and mechanical systems
    • Communicate Technical Information
    • Setup, Install, and Integrate electrical and mechanical systems and devices

    Technical Skill Attainment (TSA)

    This TSA scoring guide will be used to document your attainment of technical program outcomes for the Electro-Mechanical Technology Degree. To meet the requirements on the scoring guide, you will be asked to draw upon the skills and concepts that have been developed throughout the program and are necessary for successful employment in your field. Results will be used to inspire continual improvement of teaching and learning in Wisconsin Technical College System. In addition, this assessment will provide feedback to you about your performance.

    If you are unable to access documents here, please contact Technical Skill Attainment Team (tsa@swtc.edu, 608.822.2464)
  • Career Opportunities
  • Recent graduates of the Electro-Mechanical Technology program are employed in a diverse range of industries and occupations. The list below contains just a few examples of opportunities in one of the fastest growing career fields.

    Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

  • Transfers
  • Prior Learning
  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

    Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

    For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

    At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

    Electromechanical Technology Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

    Course # Course Title
    Challenge Exam
    (Demonstration)
    Challenge Exam
    (Standard)
    CLEP
    Credential
    Portfolio
    10-150-126Premises Cabling TechnicianYes
    FOA Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT)
    10-620-156Fiber Optic Cabling TechnicianYes
    FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT)
    10-801-136English Composition 1Yes
    CLEP Test - College Composition
    10-801-197Technical ReportingYes
    10-804-113College Technical Math 1AYes
    CLEP Test - College Math
    10-804-114College Technical Math 1BYes
    CLEP Test - Pre-Calculus
    10-809-172Introduction to Diversity StudiesYes