NJATC

College Credits

Community College of Allegheny County

Electrical Construction Technology Degree Program


READ THE IBEW FLYER

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), located in Pittsburgh, PA in partnership with the electrical training ALLIANCE is offering a program for IBEW/NECA Apprentices and Journeymen to earn an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Electrical Construction Technology. This National program allows individuals enrolled in a local JATC apprenticeship program or those who have graduated from a local JATC program, anywhere in the nation to receive up to 40 college credits towards an Associate of Science degree. All individuals qualifying for this program will receive in-state tuition for any remaining credits needed (64 credits needed for AS degree) to complete their degree. Please read the frequently asked questions section to learn more about this program or contact Don Breitbarth at 412.237.4574 or dbreitbarth@ccac.edu.


CCAC’s Electrical Construction Technology (ECT) Associate of Science (AS) Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions

Note: If your apprenticeship training program or IBEW local has a special agreement with CCAC, the terms of that agreement supersede the information found below.

Who is this program for?

This program is designed for IBEW journeymen (wiremen) and apprentices.

If you are currently an apprentice in an IBEW apprenticeship program, you can begin taking your CCAC restricted general elective classes (see #10) before completing your apprenticeship.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals make more money over their lifetime by earning a college degree. In fact, individuals in the construction industry with degrees enjoy wider career opportunities, improved job security, higher job satisfaction, and better benefits.

How do I get into the ECT program?

As an open-admissions institution, CCAC does not require any college entrance examinations, such as the SAT or ACT. For more information about applying to CCAC, visit the admissions webpage. send your final transcripts, including high school, GED, and any college transcripts, to Don Breitbarth at dbreitbarth@ccac.edu.

To be accepted into this program as an IBEW journeyman (wireman), you will need to submit proof of completion of an IBEW apprenticeship program. For information on how to do this, contact Don Breitbarth at dbreitbarth@ccac.edu or 412.237.4574.

How many credits are required to earn the degree in Electrical Construction Technology?

Your apprenticeship training will count as 40 credits toward the degre e once you have successfully completed the JATC program. The remaining 21–24 credits (seven courses) are general education courses. Only 15 of those credits (five courses) must be completed through CCAC, which means you can transfer six to nine credits (two to three courses) to the CCAC program.

What types of courses taken in the past will transfer?

Courses taken previously at other accredited secondary institutions may transfer to fulfill the restricted general elective classes. For more information, see the Credit Transfer webpage. You may also be able to receive credit for your on-the-job training or military experience. See CCAC’s Prior Learning Assessment and Advanced Standing webpage. if you are a veteran, contact Military and Veterans Services.

Is there a minimum number of credits in which I need to enroll each semester?

No. CCAC does not require you to enroll in a minimum number of credits each semester, but it will take longer to complete the degree when taking fewer credits each term.

How do I purchase books and other materials for the courses?

CCAC has an online bookstore. However, you may choose any vendor that carries the course materials.

Will I be paying in-state or out-of-state tuition?

In-state tuition ($236 per credit for the 2020–2021 school year) with no fees will be charged to individuals entering the program independent of their local union. (Individuals living in Allegheny County and veterans will pay in-county rates, currently $118 per credit.) Contact Don Breitbarth at dbreitbarth@ccac.edu or 412.237.4574 for more information.

Are there any payment plans available?

Yes. CCAC Student Accounts can work with you to make sure you are able to manage your payments. To learn more about the college’s tuition payment plan, go to CCAC’s Payment Options webpage.

What kind of support, both technical and academic, is available while I am enrolled in the program?

Technical and academic supports include Blackboard access, CCAC online tutoring, ITS ServiceDesk, online bookstore, online catalog, Online Dean, Smarthinking online tutoring, StudentLingo and virtual advising. Many online services are available at any hour of the day. For information about these services, contact Don Breitbarth at dbreitbarth@ccac.edu or 412.237.4574.

What are the seven restricted general elective classes required to complete the degree?

Students may choose from the following electives, all of which are offered online. (Choice of English, math and physics/physical science classes will be determined by placement testing and class availability. For more information, see CCAC’s Placement Testing webpage.)

  1. ENG 101 English Composition 1 (3 cr.) or ENG 111 Technical English (3 cr.)
  2. ENG 102 English Composition 2 (3 cr.) or ENG 103 Technical Communications (3 cr.)
  3. MAT 108 Intermediate Algebra (4 cr.) or MAT 191 Math for the Industries (3 cr.)
  4. PHY 100 Basic Physics (4 cr.) or PHS 161 Physical Science for the Industries (3 cr.)
  5. PSY 116 Organizational Psychology (3 cr.)
  6. SPH 101 Oral Communication (3 cr.)
  7. Computer Information Technology elective (3–4 cr.)

If I want to pursue a bachelor’s degree after completion of the associate degree, will my credits transfer anywhere in the country?

While any transfer of credits is at the discretion of the receiving institution, CCAC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

CCAC has articulation agreements with the following institutions that provide the student with a seamless transfer to an online bachelor’s degree program at in-state tuition rates.

  • California University of Pennsylvania—Bachelor of Science in Technology Management
  • Clarion University of Pennsylvania—Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Leadership
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology—Bachelor of Science in Applied Management