Electrical Trades, Diploma

Location(s): Carroll, Newton

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The Electrical Trades program prepares students for entry-level positions in residential, commercial and industrial wiring. At the completion of the program, students should be able to install electrical wiring to meet National Electric Code® (NEC code) in residential and commercial settings. In addition, students should be able to install motor-controlled equipment in industrial operations using more complex systems such as Programmable Controllers.

Electrical Trades Diploma

Location: Carroll, Newton

Pathway: Building Trades & Transportation

More information on this Pathway.

Students start Fall semester

Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Graduation Requirements

To earn an Electrical Construction Trades diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 1

CON 337 - Construction Blueprint Reading Credits: 1
ELT 303 - Principles of Electricity Credits: 3
ELT 147 - NEC Residential Credits: 3
ELT 148 - NEC Residential Lab Credits: 3
ELT 370 - NEC Practical Applications Credits: 1
Select 3 credits from Option 1 Credits: 3

Option 1 - Select 3 credits

MAT 772 - Applied Math Credits: 3
Select 3 credits AAS Degree Core Math Credits: 3

Semester 2

ELT 172 - NEC Commercial/Industrial Credits: 3
ELT 173 - NEC Commercial/Industrial Lab Credits: 4
Select 3 credits from Option 3 Credits: 3
ELT 131 - Motor Controls Credits: 3
Select 3 credits from Option 2 Credits: 3

Option 2 - Select 3 Credits

COM 703 - Communication Skills Credits: 3
Select 3 credits AAS Degree Core Communications Credits: 3

Option 3 - Select 3 Credits

ELT 106 - Basic Math for Electronics Credits: 3
MAT 773 - Applied Math II Credits: 3

Semester 3

ELT 217 - Advanced Motor Controls Credits: 3
ELT 178 - Electrical Grounding Credits: 2
ELT 123 - Programmable Controllers Credits: 3
Select 3 credits from Option 4 Credits: 3

Option 4 - Select 3 credits

MGT 145 - Human Relations in Management Credits: 3
Select 3 credits AAS Degree Core in PSY or SOC Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma - 41

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Costs	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3
Books (approximate)	400	400	300
Supplies	125	250

Approximate total for the program: $10,290**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

Install, connect, test and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control and security.
Work with blueprints to install electrical systems in factories, office buildings, homes and other structures.
Follow the National Electrical Code and comply with state and local building codes.
Perform facilities maintenance and upgrades.
Use digital electronic equipment including PLCs.
Troubleshoot and repair electrical motor controls and electrical equipment.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

Self-motivation.
Read and understand blueprints.
Analyze a job, decide what to do, how to do it and what materials and tools to use.
Skillfully use many kinds of hand and power tools.
Work is sometimes strenuous. Must have the ability to climb, stoop, grasp and crouch while working.
Work above the ground without fear.
Have good eye-hand coordination.
Talk about and demonstrate electrical construction trades skills and knowledge.
Punctuality, responsibility and willingness to work with others.
Stand for long periods of time.

What Else Should I Consider about this Diploma program?

Must follow strict safety procedures.
May have to travel great distances to jobsites.
As the population and economy grow, more electricians will be needed to install and maintain electrical devices and wiring in homes, factories, offices and other structures.

Program Competencies

Demonstrate the knowledge and skills for safety requirements performing electrical work and with common tool usage
Apply the National Electrical Code to residential, commercial, and industrial electrical assignments
Interpret blueprints for installation of outlets, load centers, panel boards, conduits, and other equipment in residential, commercial and industrial applications
Demonstrate a working knowledge of industrial motor control systems using motor control diagrams and programmable logic controllers (PLC’s) ladder logic
Calculate load requirements for the design of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems
Complete the layout for installation of low voltage wiring systems including doorbell, intercoms, fire alarms and security systems
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of National Electrical Code grounding system requirements used in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems

Competencies revised date

FY2026

Nondiscrimination Statement

It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov ₍₂₀₂₆₎