Academic Catalogs

Industrial PLC Technician, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_ELIP

Control Number: 41480

Financial Aid Eligible


The Industrial PLC Technician Associate of Science degree is designed to provide students who have completed the PLC Technician Certificate of Achievement the opportunity to earn an associate's degree. Students will leave with the skills and knowledge required to work on the PLC-based industrial control systems commonly found in advanced manufacturing facilities. Students will gain hands-on experience with Siemens and Allen-Bradley controllers. Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to troubleshoot PLC based systems, replace faulty electrical components, and program and commission systems.

Students must complete the Industrial Electronics Technician Certificate of Achievement (13-14 units) as a part of the required coursework. 

Program Outcomes

  1. Students will gain the basic knowledge required to take the CET (Certified Electronics Technician) exam. 
  2. Students will be able to work safely in accordance with NFPA 70E. 
  3. Students will acquire the skills necessary to connect to a PLC, diagnose system problems, backup a program, and restore a program to a controller. 
  4. Students will gain proficiency in reading and creating schematics, wiring diagrams, and ladder logic diagrams for advanced control systems. 
  5. Students will acquire hands-on skills working with HMIs, SCADA, and industrial communication protocols.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education

Required Prerequisites

Industrial Electronics Technician Certificate of Achievement (13-14 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 A112A.C. Circuits3
ELEC A131Automation 1- Industrial Control Systems4
Total Units13-14

Required Courses 

Course Title Units
Required Courses
ELEC A232Automation 2 - Programmable Logic Controller4
ELEC A233Automation 3 - Industrial Networks, HMI, and SCADA4
ELEC A102Safety, Maintenance, and Calibration1
ELEC A103Computer Hardware Configuration & Diagnostics3
or ELEC A290 Electronic Troubleshooting
Total Units12
Requirement Units
Minimum Program Major Units 25-26
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives to satisfy unit requirement Varies
Total Minimum 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 1
or College Algebra
3-4
 
ELEC A111 D.C. Circuits 3
ELEC A102 Safety, Maintenance, and Calibration 1
OCC AS GE Area A1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE Area C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units13-14
Semester 2
ELEC A112 A.C. Circuits 3
ELEC A131 Automation 1- Industrial Control Systems 4
ELEC A232 Automation 2 - Programmable Logic Controller 4
OCC AS GE Area A2 - CHOOSE ONE 2 3-4
 Units14-15
Year 2
Semester 1
ELEC A103
Computer Hardware Configuration & Diagnostics
or Electronic Troubleshooting
3
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 3 3-4
MATH A030
Intermediate Algebra (or Higher)
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
4-6
OCC AS GE Area C1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3
 Units16-19
Semester 2
ELEC A233 Automation 3 - Industrial Networks, HMI, and SCADA 4
OCC AS GE Area B - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
OCC AS GE Area D - CHOOSE ONE 3  
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 4 12
 Units19-20
 Total Units62-68
1

MATH A115 or MATH A120 meet AS GE Area A23 and Math requirement

2

Required if level MATH A100+ will not be taken, if Math A100+ taken, needs to take degree applicable elective units.

3

Mathrequirement needed if not met by HS Algebra 2, OR take 3 - 4 degree applicable elective units if already met, *100-level Math courses satisfy AS Math Requirement and OCC AS GE Area A2
 

4

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS