Click on a Major to view printable requirements page.

Majors:
Electronics
Electronics technology
Digital electronics
Computer maintenance

Industrial Manufacturing Technology AAS
Industrial manufacturing technology Certificate;
Computer-aided design, architectural studies;
Computer-aided design, mechanical; Industrial electronics and controls; Machine processes;
Quality; Welding and fabrication

Degrees:
Associate of Applied Science
Certificate

Electronics
The Highland electronics technology associate of applied science (AAS) and digital electronics and computer maintenance certificate (Cert.) programs open the door to electronics careers requiring knowledge of electronic components and systems, computers, software, sensing and controls, design, testing and instrumentation, and industrial maintenance. Students study basic and advanced solid state and digital electronics, computer programming and interfacing, sensors and automation controls. Graduates enter the workforce with skills necessary to succeed. With additional experience and education, they may advance to supervisory or other positions.

Since electronics technicians typically install, repair, maintain, calibrate and modify electrical, electronic and computer systems, prospective technicians should enjoy working with computers, hand tools and electronic test instruments.

Industrial Manufacturing
The industrial manufacturing technology program (AAS) and computer-aided design, industrial electronics and controls, machine processes, quality, and welding and fabrication programs (Cert.) adjust to the increasing technological demands of industry and broadening scope of abilities needed by today’s manufacturing professionals. The program includes a core of competencies essential to a variety of disciplines and advanced studies in specialty areas.

A manufacturing technician working in the areas of electronics, computer-aided design or machining and fabrication is qualified in a variety of technical positions. A technician’s expertise is used to support others. Many technicians work with engineers on design and testing projects. Some technicians support manufacturing processes and machines on the production floor. Technicians operate, install or repair machinery in a challenging and frequently changing work environment.

Possible Career Paths:
Typical occupations for graduates in the industrial manufacturing or the electronics program include: electronics technician, manufacturing technician, CNC machine operator, CAD drafter, test lab or design technician, tool and die maker, machinist, field service technician, maintenance technician and customer service technician.

Occupations specifically for the industrial manufacturing discipline include: CNC machine operator, CAD drafter, tool and die maker, and machinist.

The average wage for drafters is $20,800–$31,670. The median salary for electrical and electronics engineers who have a bachelor’s degree and work experience is $40,000–$53,310. Engineering technicians with an associate’s degree average Illinois wages are: $27,770–$36,590. Industrial machinery mechanics’ average salary is $23,000–$37,600 in Illinois. Machine forming operators’ average wage range is $20,800–$26,700. A machinist’s median wage in Illinois is $23,600–$33,600. Welders receive a median salary of $19,760–$29,330.

*Illinois’ Annual Openings 1998-2005:
Drafters: 200
Electrical and electronics engineers with bachelor’s degree and work experience: 866
Electrical and electronics technicians with an associate’s degree: 581
Engineering technicians with an associate’s degree: 266
Industrial machinery mechanics: 542
Machine forming operators, metal/plastic: 409
Machinist: 577
Welders and cutters: 492

Our Electronics and Industrial Manufacturing Technology Faculty:
Scott Anderson drafting/CAD faculty
Eric Dietmeier, drafting/mechanical technology faculty (CAM)
Steve Gellings, electronics faculty

Electronics and Industrial Manufacturing Scholarship Opportunities:
Eduard Buss Business and Technology Scholarship
Marion Byram Scholarship
James A. Davis Memorial Scholarship
RGB Scholarship

View all of our scholarships here.