Engineering Technology: Data Center Operations Specialization, A.A.S. is an Associate Degree program offered by Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling, VA. Tuition is $12,123 total.
Program Overview
This program is designed to prepare students for employment in data centers or companies that support data center function as a technician, operator and/or technologist. Coursework will prepare students to earn BICSI Installer 1, Installer 2 (Copper) and Installer 2 (Fiber Optic) industry credentials. NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate transfer of career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions.
S. requires 60-61 credits and is offered at the Loudoun and Manassas campuses.
This associate degree totals 61 credits and is offered at NOVA's Loudoun and Manassas campuses.
What sets this Program apart
- Prepares students to earn BICSI Installer 1, Installer 2 (Copper), and Installer 2 (Fiber Optic) credentials
- Data center specialization aligned with Northern Virginia's data center industry
- Builds on the Data Center Operations C.S.C. as a stackable A.A.S. pathway
- Includes hands-on courses in critical site operations and building automation
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 Loudoun and Manassas campuses. 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: Data Center Operations Specialization, A.A.S. plan of study (61 credits). Course selections and electives should be confirmed with an academic advisor.
| Course # | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | 15 | |
| ELE 150 | A.C. and D.C. Circuit Fundamentals | 3 |
| ENG 115 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| IND 123 | Introduction to Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma | 1 |
| IND 137 | Team Concepts & Problem Solving | 3 |
| MTH 111 | Basic Technical Mathematics (or Higher) | 3 |
| SAF 130 | Industrial Safety OSHA 10 | 1 |
| SDV 100 | College Success Skills | 1 |
| 2nd Semester | 15 | |
| CAD 175 | Schematics and Mechanical Diagrams | 2 |
| ELE 146 | Electric Motor Control | 4 |
| ELE 148 | Power Distribution Systems | 3 |
| ELE 233 | Programmable Logic Controller Systems I | 3 |
| ENE 108 | Intro to Data Center Operations | 3 |
| 3rd Semester | 15 | |
| CST 126 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| ELE 189 | Data Cabling Communication | 3 |
| ENE 228 | Building Automation & Energy Management Systems | 3 |
| ETR 281 | Digital Systems | 3 |
| MEC 270 | Computation for Engineering Technology | 3 |
| 4th Semester | 15-16 | |
| ELE 211 | Electrical Machines I | 3 |
| ENE 208 | Critical Site Operations | 3 |
| — | Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| — | Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective | 3 |
| — | ELE 250 Fiber Optic Technology or AIR 121 Air Cond & Refrigeration I | 3-4 |
| Total | 60-61 |
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 61-credit associate degree totals approximately $12,322 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 $12,322 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:
- Data center technician
- Data center operator
- Critical site operations technician
- Building automation technician
- Fiber optic/cabling technician
- Electrical technician
- Facilities technician
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