POWER AND INSTRUMENTATION
Certificate of Achievement
Program Details
This certification program was developed at the request of the Electronics and Electrical Technology (EET) Industry Advisory Committee. The specific coursework allows working professionals the opportunity to gain new or expanded expertise in their field for promotions, transfers, or alternate employment. Additionally, this certification provides more advanced coursework options for entry level EET students once they complete their basic coursework. Students pursuing their Associate in Science degree in Electrical Technology or the State Electrician Certification, typically find they have completed all or most of the requirements for this Certificate of Achievement. Most of the courses in this program are offered at night on Cuesta's main campus to allow students to complete the program without adjustments to their daily work schedule. Additionally, we find that students and employers are pleasantly surprised to find the level of quality and sophistication in Cuesta's state-of-the-art power/control and wiring laboratories. These laboratories were primarily funded by significant grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and create a true "hands-on" learning environment.
POWER AND INSTRUMENTATION Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2026-2027. Maps for previous years are available on each pathway page. What is a catalog year?
Featured Careers
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Certificate after high school, Associate's degree
- Job growth: Rising
- Low salary: 53,730
- High salary: 120,440
- Average salary: 79830
Biomass Plant Technicians
High school diploma/GED, Certificate after high school
- Job growth: Declining
- Low salary: 59,930
- High salary: 128,760
- Average salary: 99670
Computer Hardware Engineers
Bachelor's degree, Master's degree
- Job growth: Rising
- Low salary: 85,430
- High salary: 223,820
- Average salary: 155020
All Careers in POWER AND INSTRUMENTATION (24)
| Computer Hardware Engineers | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Rising | 155,020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | Bachelor's degree, Certificate after college | Stable | 117,750 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | Bachelor's degree, Some college | Stable | 117,750 |
| Microsystems Engineers | Master's degree, Bachelor's degree | Stable | 117,750 |
| Nanosystems Engineers | Doctoral degree, Bachelor's degree | Stable | 117,750 |
| Photonics Engineers | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Stable | 117,750 |
| Robotics Engineers | Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree | Stable | 117,750 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | Bachelor's degree, Certificate after high school | Stable | 117,750 |
| Wind Energy Engineers | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Stable | 117,750 |
| Electrical Engineers | Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree | Rising | 111,910 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training | Rising | 106,120 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | Certificate after high school, Associate's degree | Declining | 100,940 |
| Biomass Plant Technicians | High school diploma/GED, Certificate after high school | Declining | 99,670 |
| Hydroelectric Plant Technicians | Associate's degree, Certificate after high school | Declining | 99,670 |
| Power Plant Operators | High school diploma/GED, Associate's degree | Declining | 99,670 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | Certificate after high school, Associate's degree | Rising | 79,830 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | High school diploma/GED | Stable | 77,390 |
| Photonics Technicians | Associate's degree, High school diploma/GED | Stable | 77,390 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree | Stable | 73,720 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | Certificate after high school, Associate's degree | Declining | 70,760 |
| Robotics Technicians | Associate's degree, Certificate after high school | Declining | 70,760 |
| Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers | Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED | Stable | 53,990 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED | Rising | 51,860 |
| Geothermal Technicians | High school diploma/GED, Certificate after high school | Stable | 48,640 |
Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Apply fundamental principles of mathematics, physics and chemistry to electrical and mechanical theory and problem solving
- Apply fundamental principles of mathematics, physics and chemistry to electrical and mechanical theory and problem solving
- Display traits of hard work, self-motivation, personal integrity, and positive attitude that will contribute to the success of the project and the company, in addition demonstrate an effort to network with industry representatives.
- Utilize theory and basic skill sets for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting relevant applications and specific technologies needed to support local industries.
