WHY UM-HELENA?

 

UM-Helena prepares students for careers in maintenance and repair of electronic equipment.  The college's Electronics program focuses on a range of small lab classes to optimize instructor and student interaction to enhance the learning experience.  Relevant hands-on experience is provided in well-equipped laboratories, on tasks involving computers, communication equipment, programmable logic controllers, industrial instrumentation, and bio-medical instruments.

 

UM-Helena is also a testing center for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radio Telephone Operator License authorized by the National Association of Radio and Telecommunication Engineers.  Upon completion of the Electronics program, students can receive technical certification from the National Association of Radio and Television Engineers (NARTE) without examination. 

“I’ve enjoyed working with all of the instructors here.  They’re very qualified and up-to-date on the latest technology.  The practical approach to education at UM-Helena has been very good for me.” — Jim Verbanac, Helena

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

 

With three different Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Electronics Technology options, there are many choices for students with an interest in technology.  After a common first-year curriculum, students are offered a specialization in one of the following areas:

 

Biomedical Electronics is designed to prepare students for work on the electronic equipment found in medical facilities.  The program is academically intense and requires high math and science skills upon entry into the program.

 

The Computer Systems emphasis prepares students for work in the computer and network repair field.  This option emphasizes software applications and operating systems, networking, and computer-specific topics.  UM-Helena is a Cisco Networking Academy with certified instructors at both the local and regional levels.

 

The General Option prepares students for a broad range of entry-level electronics jobs, including instrumentation/control systems, solar power systems, communications, and basic personal computer maintenance.  Emphasis is placed on individual and small group projects in addition to the academic curriculum.

 

WHERE CAN THIS TAKE ME?

 

Graduates of UM-Helena’s Electronics Technology program find employment in many areas, including radio and television broadcast stations, computer systems, two-way radio and microwave systems, and biomedical electronic systems. 

 

HOW CAN I EARN MY DEGREE?

 

Most Electronics students study a common first-year curriculum before selecting a program option.  Once an option has been selected, students take more specialized classes. 

 

Common First-Year Curriculum

·          Electronics Fundamentals

·          Electronics Lab/Occupational Related Safety

·          Technical Math for Electronics

·          Microcomputers

·          Electronics Circuits

·          Digital & Microprocessor Fundamentals

 

Common Second-Year Curriculum

·          PC Troubleshooting—A+

·          Technical Communication or English Composition

·          Electronic System Service

·          Introduction to Sociology or Career Development & Human Relations

 

Biomedical Electronics

·          Biology I with Lab

·          Instrumentation Systems

·          Anatomy & Physiology I or II with Lab

·          Physical Science II with Lab

 

Computer Systems

·          Network Fundamentals

·          Router Technology

·          Operating Systems and Web Administration

·          Routing and Switching

 

General Option

·          Land-Based Communications

·          Radio Frequency Communications

·          Instrumentation Systems

·          Robotics & Control Systems