Academic Catalogs

Embedded Systems, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_ELES

Control Number: 41487

Financial Aid Eligible


The Embedded Systems Associate of Science degree provides an opportunity for students interested in working in embedded systems to earn an associate's degree. This degree is geared towards students who want to take their programming and circuit building skills to the next level. Students will become proficient in programming a variety of microcontrollers to perform tasks in an embedded application in C-based programming languages. Students who have obtained this certificate will be proficient at the use of multimeters and oscilloscopes to analyze circuit design and troubleshoot problems. Students will gain familiarity with digital communication protocols. This certificate is designed to teach students the skills necessary to build a career working with embedded electronics commonly found in consumer devices, IoT-connected devices, and autonomous vehicles.

Students earning this degree are encouraged to pursue a bachelor's degree in an Electrical Engineering or Computer Science discipline.

Students must complete the Robotics Technician Certificate of Achievement (12-13 units) as a prerequisite to entry into the Embedded Systems program. 

Program Outcomes

  1. Students will acquire skills necessary to program common microcontrollers using C. 
  2. Students will gain familiarity with different communication protocols to interface between electronic systems. 
  3. Students will be proficient at using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers to analyze circuits. 
  4. Students will acquire the skills necessary to methodically identify problems in circuits and propose solutions. 

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education

Required Prerequisite

Robotics Technician Certificate of Achievement (12-13 Units)

Course Title Units
Required Courses
ELEC A100Electronic Problem Solving3-4
or MATH A115 College Algebra
or MATH A120 Trigonometry
ELEC A111D.C. Circuits3
ELEC A121Robotics 1- Mechanics & Design3
ELEC A122Robotics 2- Sensors, Control Theory, and Programming3
Total Units12-13

Required Courses 

Course Title Units
ELEC A102Safety, Maintenance, and Calibration1
ELEC A103Computer Hardware Configuration & Diagnostics3
or ELEC A290 Electronic Troubleshooting
ELEC A223Embedded Control Systems4
ELEC A224Digital Communication Systems3
Required Course Units11
Requirement Units
Minimum Program Major Units 23-24
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives to satisfy unit requirement Varies
Total Degree Units 60

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
ELEC A100
Electronic Problem Solving
or College Algebra
3
ELEC A111 D.C. Circuits 3
ELEC A121 Robotics 1- Mechanics & Design 3
ELEC A122 Robotics 2- Sensors, Control Theory, and Programming 3
 Units12
Semester 2
ELEC A223 Embedded Control Systems 4
ELEC A224 Digital Communication Systems 3
ELEC A102 Safety, Maintenance, and Calibration 1
ELEC A103
Computer Hardware Configuration & Diagnostics
or Electronic Troubleshooting
3
OCC AS GE Area A1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units14
Year 2
Semester 1
OCC AS GE Area A2 - CHOOSE ONE 1 3-4
OCC AS GE Area B - CHOOSE ONE 2 3-4
OCC AS GE Area C1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE Area C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE Area D - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units15-17
Semester 2
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 16
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 4 3-4
Intermediate Algebra 4
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
 
 Units19-20
 Total Units60-63
1

Required if 100-level+ MATH will not be taken to meet Math competency. If MATH A100 or higher will be taken, then student needs to take 3-4 degree applicable elective units 

2

No lab required

3

VARIES TO MEET MIN 60 UNITS

4

Math A030 or higher OR take 3-4 degree applicable elective units if math competency was met through completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better; *100-level Math courses satisfy AS Math Requirement and OCC AS GE AREA A2