Electronics and Automation Technology

Electronics and Automation Technology is an eleven-month program designed to provide entry-level training as well as retraining of the local workforce. The training is accomplished through lectures and labs, computer software simulators, software testing and research. Students begin learning at the component level and move through complex circuits, and then into complete systems. Installation and repair of electronics equipment is stressed. Emphasis is placed on the proper use of test equipment and troubleshooting skills to enhance the students’ ability to find faults, and to make repairs as quickly and safely as possible.

Student learning includes, but is not limited to, introduction to basic electronics, terminology, electronic component nomenclature, circuit configuration, component analysis, and basic circuit design. Students will learn soldering skills and to read schematics. Troubleshooting is stressed at each level and in every class, and the instructor schedules labs to complement classroom instruction.

Students will learn to use oscilloscopes, power supplies, digital multimeters, function generators, transistor testers, Z-meters, microcontrollers, common sensors found in industry, 3D printers, a CNC router, CNC mill and CNC lathe, programmable logic controllers, and ABB, FANUC and other robots.

An Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronic Technology is offered in conjunction with Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) in Bentonville: academics and skills classes from both NWTI and NWACC are combined to earn an AAS. A shortage of skilled technicians in the electronic industry has created considerable opportunity for employment, and because of the high-tech technology used on today’s equipment, there is an increasing demand for certified technicians.

Northwest Technical Institute is open to all persons who have completed high school or its equivalent and meet required entrance test scores. Enrollment is not complete until the following have been received and reviewed by the school:

• Completed Application for Enrollment
• $10.00 Application Fee
• Official transcripts of high school credit and graduation and/or GED scores, and official transcripts of previous post-secondary education
• Accuplacer® or ACT® exam scores (taken within the last three years). A $10.00 fee is assessed before taking the Accuplacer exam at NWTI.
• Immunization records

Federal Student Aid and Northwest Technical Institute reserve the right to evaluate the validity of a student’s high school diploma if the institution or FSA has reason to believe that the diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education. Due to limited space in certain programs, students may be required to complete an admissions interview as part of the selection process.

Minimum entrance scores. Students applying to Automotive Service Technology, Diesel Truck Technology, Electronics and Automation Technology, Information Systems, Industrial Maintenance and Ammonia Refrigeration Technology, and Welding Technology must submit minimum scores from one of the approved exams: ACT® Reading Comprehension 10 and Math 16, or Next Generation Accuplacer® Reading Comprehension 224 and Arithmetic 222 (or Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics 220).

Immunizations. Act 141 of 1987 requires that full-time students born on or after January 1, 1957 provide NWTI with two immunization records dated after the first birthday against measles and rubella, or an authorized waiver (religious or health reasons only) signed by the appropriate official.

Classes meet Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 3:00pm. The program runs two semesters and one summer term. Semester I covers AC/DC fundamentals, solid state devices, computer essentials, digital electronics and technical mathematics; Semester II covers motors, programmable logic controllers, process control, robotics/automation and technical communications; the summer term covers Special Study and Manufacturing Processes.

Application enrollment dates. Applications are accepted February 1 – May 31 for a fall 2026 start.

2026-2027 calendar. New Student Orientation is August 10 and the fall semester begins August 17, 2026 (ending December 14). Spring orientation is January 12 and the spring semester begins January 19, 2027 (ending May 17). The summer semester runs May 19 – June 23, 2027, with graduation on June 24. For financial-aid purposes the academic year is two 16-week semesters and a 5-week summer term.

Estimated cost. The estimated cost of the program, including in-state tuition, fees, books and supplies, is $6,065.

Tuition. For 2026-2027, diploma-program tuition is $85.00 per credit hour in-state and $90.00 per credit hour out-of-state. Fees include a $10.00 application fee, and per-semester administrative ($75), facilities ($75), student support ($170) and technology ($140) fees for full-time students. Electronics and Automation program fees are a $200 textbook fee (fall) and a $225 lab fee (fall and spring).

Financial aid. The Financial Aid Office administers Title IV funding, the Pell Grant, as well as state aid programs; federal aid may cover school expenses, including tuition and fees, books, and supplies. To determine financial need, complete the FAFSA — NWTI’s school code is 014044. The Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be paid back. NWTI chooses not to take part in the Federal Direct Loan program; students interested in an alternative loan can apply for the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan® for Career Training.

Paying your bill. Payments are due the first day of class each semester, but NWTI allows students up to the census date (11th day of class in fall and spring, 5th day in summer) to pay or arrange payment. In extenuating circumstances, a Tuition Installment Plan may be granted for fall and spring, with a 25% down payment. Arkansas citizens aged 60 or older are exempt from tuition for credit courses.

Refunds. Diploma tuition is refunded 100% before the first class meeting, 75% during the first week, 50% during the second week, and not after the second week.

An NWTI Electronics and Automation Technology graduate is qualified for a variety of job positions, including:

• Computer Repair Technician
• Electronic Technician
• Avionics Technician
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Alarm Repair Specialist
• Engineering Assistant

Through the program you will learn to troubleshoot and repair a wide variety of electronic equipment, keep up with the latest in government and industry safety regulations, and work with other employees and customers to obtain and keep a good job in the electronics technology field.

Associate degree pathway. NWTI does not offer associate degrees, but Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) will accept up to 30 hours of elective credit toward an Associate of General Studies or an Associate of Applied Science from this NWTI diploma once the diploma is completed.

Safety procedures are stressed to assist students in safe working practices, and students learn the importance of human relations when associating with employers, peers, and customers. Students are expected to learn electronic component nomenclature, circuit and component analysis and troubleshooting, basic soldering including thru-hole soldering, and programming related to industrial uses.

Labs reinforce the principles and concepts presented in class by providing hands-on practice: students build and test circuits on breadboards, fabricate test-equipment kits, map out PCBs in KiCad, program PLCs from several brands, and build a final project on a CNC lathe, CNC mill, CNC router or 3D printer of their choice.

Dress code. Reasonable and appropriate clothing, appearance, and hygiene are required. No short or torn pants and no open-toed shoes are allowed.