Engineering Technology: Engineering Technology Technician, C.S.C. is a Career Studies Certificate program offered by Northern Virginia Community College in Manassas, VA. Tuition is $5,456 total.
Program Overview
This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in technology companies and related industries that require technicians/technologists trained in engineering technology, mechatronics, automation, electronics and robotics. Coursework will prepare students to earn the BICSI Installer 2 (Fiber Optic) and OSHA 10 industry credentials.
There are no required prerequisites for this certificate. The one-year, 27-credit Career Studies Certificate is offered at the Manassas campus.
This Career Studies Certificate totals 27 credits and is offered at NOVA's Manassas Campus.
What sets this Program apart
- Prepares students to earn BICSI Installer 2 (Fiber Optic) and OSHA 10 industry credentials
- Hands-on focus on mechatronics, automation, electronics, and robotics
- Completable in one year with no required prerequisites
- Stackable into the Engineering Technology, A.A.S.
General Requirements
- Open AdmissionNOVA is an open-admission institution. Applicants must be a high school graduate or hold a GED, or be 18 or older and able to benefit from college study.
- Apply to NOVASubmit the free NOVA (Virginia Community College System) application for admission to establish a student record.
- Placement & AdvisingComplete placement (the Virginia Placement Test or qualifying scores/transcripts) and meet with an advisor to plan your courses.
- ResidencyVirginia residents qualify for in-state tuition; documentation of Virginia domicile may be required.
Application Process
- 1Apply to NOVASubmit the free online application for admission — NOVA has open admission.
- 2Placement & OrientationComplete placement (or provide qualifying scores/transcripts) and new-student orientation.
- 3Plan Your Financial AidMeet with financial aid and complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and Virginia state aid.
- 4Advise & RegisterWork with an academic advisor to build your schedule and register for your program courses.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- A credential that reflects real, job-ready skills
Accreditations
Program Schedule
This program is offered at NOVA's Manassas Campus. Courses may be taken full- or part-time, and new cohorts begin each fall and spring semester, with selected courses offered in summer. Exact term dates are published on NOVA’s academic calendar.
Curriculum
The Engineering Technology: Engineering Technology Technician, C.S.C. plan of study (27 credits). Course selections and electives should be confirmed with an academic advisor.
| Course # | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | 13 | |
| CAD 175 | Schematics and Mechanical Diagrams | 2 |
| ITE 152 | Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications | 3 |
| ELE 150 | A.C. and D.C. Circuit Fundamentals | 3 |
| MTH 111 | Basic Technical Mathematics (or Higher) | 3 |
| SAF 130 | Industrial Safety OSHA 10 | 1 |
| SDV 100 | College Success Skills | 1 |
| 2nd Semester | 14 | |
| ELE 146 | Electric Motor Control | 4 |
| ELE 250 | Fiber Optic Technology | 3 |
| IND 123 | Introduction to Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma | 1 |
| IND 137 | Team Concepts & Problem Solving | 3 |
| MEC 140 | Introduction to Mechatronics | 3 |
| Total | 27 |
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of Attendance
NOVA charges tuition per credit hour. At the current in-state rate (about $202 per credit), the 27-credit Career Studies Certificate totals approximately $5,454 in tuition for Virginia residents; out-of-state and out-of-country rates are higher. Tuition does not include the technology fee, books, tools, or program supplies. Current per-credit rates and fees are published on NOVA’s Tuition & Fees page.
Financial Aid
NOVA participates in federal Title IV student aid. Aid available to those who qualify includes:
- Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
- Virginia state aid, including the G3 (Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back) program for eligible high-demand fields
- VA education benefits (GI Bill®) and military tuition assistance
- Scholarships and institutional payment plans
About $5,454 in tuition for Virginia residents (roughly $202 per credit hour); out-of-state rates are higher and books, tools, and fees are billed separately.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in the field. Building on the program’s hands-on coursework, graduates pursue positions such as:
- Engineering technician
- Mechatronics technician
- Automation technician
- Electronics technician
- Robotics technician
- Fiber optic installer
What to expect as a Northern Virginia Community College student
NOVA serves a large, diverse student body across Northern Virginia, offers strong veteran and military support, and provides advising and financial-aid help to plan your path. Courses can be taken full- or part-time, with new cohorts each fall and spring.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- A credential that reflects real, job-ready skills