60 Credits AAS3482, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
The Energy Technical Specialist Associate of Applied Science degree will convey the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in both the traditional and renewable energy fields. Learners will have the option to take courses in windsmith, ethanol, biodiesel, solar power, fossil fuels and power generation.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 60 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $12,867
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $12,867 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (12 Courses)
Select the following courses:
CMAE1514 Safety Awareness (2 credits)
This course is designed to align with the National Skill Standard assessment and certification system for Safety Awareness. The course curriculum is based on federally-endorsed national standards for production workers. This course will introduce OSHA standards relating to personal protective equipment, Hazard Communication, tool safety, confined spaces, electrical safety, emergency responses, lockout/tagout, and others. (Prerequisites: None)
MECA1122 Electricity - Devices and Circuits I (3 credits)
This course provides an exploration of the basics in electricity and electronics. Topics include an overview of direct current, circuit laws, components, and use of test equipment. Students learn the basic technique of troubleshooting electric circuits, including measurement techniques, analysis of faults, and repair procedures. Teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving are emphasized. Hands-on experience and practical applications are included. (Prerequisites: Must have a score of 56 or higher on the Arithmetic portion of the Accuplacer test or Instructor approval)
MECA1220 Mechanical Systems (3 credits)
This course includes an introduction to mechanical drive systems, power transmission systems, chain drives, v-belt and, multiple shaft drives, linear motion assemblies, and auxiliary control functions. The student will study the application of spur, helical, bevel and worm gears as well as the use of keys, pins, and splines to attach gears to shafts. Machine elements such as; displacement, velocity, acceleration, springs, power screws, brakes and clutches will also be topics covered. Computer simulation and 3D software will be used throughout the course. Troubleshooting of mechanical systems will be emphasized. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisites: PHYS 101 or comparable with approval of Instructor)
MECA1222 Electricity - Devices and Circuits II (3 credits)
This course provides an exploration of the basics in electricity and electronics. Topics include an overview of alternating current, circuit laws, components, and use of test equipment. Students learn the basic technique of troubleshooting electric circuits, including measurement techniques, analysis of faults, and repair procedures. Teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving are emphasized. Hands-on experience and practical applications are included. (Prerequisites: MECA 1122))
MECA1250 Mechatronics Systems Operations I (3 credits)
This course will provide the student with the principles of programmable logic controllers (PLC) hardware and fundamental sequence control systems. The student will gain essential knowledge necessary to create and edit basic PLC programs that will include timers, counters and special function blocks. As well as gaining an understanding of interfacing discrete input-output (I/O). The student will also perform fundamental PLC troubleshooting procedures. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisites: MECA 1122)
MECA2110 Sensors and Control (3 credits)
This course will provide students with the principles of measurement and control systems. The student will gain an understanding of different sensor technologies used to measure and detect physical properties used in a variety of electro mechanical, electro hydraulic and electro pheumatic systems. The student, through lab work, will also learn how to use and troubleshoot sensors used in open and closed loop control systems. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. This course assumes the student understands basic electrical, mechanical, and programming concepts. (Prerequisites: MECA 1122)
MECA2120 Fluid Power 1 (3 credits)
This course provides the basics of fluid powered devices and systems found in modern industrial machinery and automation. Topics include proper safety procedures, basic laws of fluid mechanics, standard symbols, pumps, control valves, control assemblies, actuators, maintenance procedures, and switching and control devices. At the completion of this course, the student will be able to apply basic laws of fluid mechanics to design and specify characteristics of a pneumatic system; select and size actuators and control valves, and match the pneumatic components with its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) symbol. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to identify long-term symptoms associated with a lack of preventive maintenance of pneumatic components while demonstrating good safety practices including lock out procedures. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisite: None)
MECA2123 Mechanical Systems 2 (3 credits)
This course includes an introduction to mechanical drives, bearing mechanisms, shaft alignment, shaft coupling, clutches and brakes. Also included is an introduction to industrial rigging using slings, hoists, cranes, scaffolds and ladders. Troubleshooting of mechanical systems will be emphasized. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisite: MECA 1223 and PHYS 101 or equivalent)
MECA2130 Fluid Power II (3 credits)
This course provides the basics of hydraulically operated devices and systems found in modern industrial machinery and automation. Topics include proper safety procedures, basic laws of fluid mechanics, standard symbols, pumps, control valves, control assemblies, actuators, maintenance procedures, and switching and control devices. At the completion of this course, the student will be able to design and specify characteristics of a hydraulic system, select and size actuators, and match the hydraulic component name with its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) symbol. Additionally, the student should be able to identify long-term symptoms associated with a lack of preventive maintenance of hydraulic components while demonstrating good safety practices including lock out procedures. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisite: MECA 2120)
MECA2150 Mechatronics Systems Operations II (3 credits)
This course will focus on advanced principles of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). The student will become familiar with interfacing input and output with automation motion control systems used in manufacturing. Introduction of analog inputs and outputs, internal registers and tables, comparison functions, computational functions, data move functions, subroutines, data manipulation and sequencing functions, high speed counting, analog functions, trigonometric and advanced math functions. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisite: MECA 1250)
MECA2240 Senior Project (1 - 5 credits)
The Senior Project at South Central College (SCC) is an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they know and to showcase their achievement. The project must be successfully completed as a component of the Mechatronics program, which is a required course for all graduating seniors. The Senior Project is a fitting conclusion to a student's education because through this endeavor, one is able to demonstrate accumulated skills in reasoning, research, problem solving, human interaction, organization, and public speaking. This course may also include an internship and will follow the SCC internship guidelines. This course may also be taken in variable increments of 1 to 5 credits. (Prerequisite: MECA 2150 - Mechatronics Systems Operations I or consent of Instructor)
OR
MECA2241 Senior Internship (1 - 5 credits)
The Senior Internship at South Central College (SCC) is an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they know and to showcase their achievement in an industry setting. The internship must be successfully completed as a component of the Mechatronics program, which is a required course for all graduating seniors. The Senior Internship is a fitting conclusion to a student's education because through this endeavor, one is able to demonstrate accumulated skills in reasoning, research, problem solving, human interaction, organization, and public speaking. The internship will follow the SCC internship guidelines. This course may also be taken in variable increments of 1 to 5 credits. (Prerequisites: MECA 2150 - Mechatronics Systems Operations I or consent of Instructor).
RNEW1300 Introduction to Traditional/Renewable Energy (MN West) (3 credits)
This course is offered through Minnesota West Community & Technical College. Please refer to the course description located at the MN West website: www.mnwest.edu
Elective Credits (10 Credits)
Technical Courses (Specialty Emphasis) Select 10 credits from the following Energy Technology Specialty Options. Courses are offered at multiple MnSCU colleges. See your advisor for more information. Windsmith, Ethanol, Biodiesel, Solar Power, Fossil Fuels, Power Generation.
Wind Power
ELWT1100 Wind Energy Fundamentals (MN West) (3 credits)
This course is offered through Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Please refer to the course description located at the MN West website: www.mnwest.edu
ELWT1170 OSHA Standards and Climbing Lab (MN West) (2 credits)
This course is offered through Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Please refer to the course description located at the MN West website: www.mnwest.edu
Solar - See Advisor
Ethanol
RNEW1100 Process Dynamics (MN West) (3 credits)
This course is offered through Minnesota West Community & Technical College. Please refer to the course description located at the MN West website: www.mnwest.edu
RNEW1101 Ethanol Process Fundamentals (MN West) (2 credits)
This course is offered through Minnesota West Community & Technical College. Please refer to the course description located at the MN West website: www.mnwest.edu
RNEW1175 Industrial Water Treatment (MN West) (2 credits)
This course is offered through Minnesota West Community & Technical College. Please refer to the course description located at the MN West website: www.mnwest.edu
RNEW2120 Ethanol Separation Technology (MN West) (2 credits)
This course is offered through Minnesota West Community & Technical College. Please refer to the course description located at the MN West website: www.mnwest.edu
Biodiesel
RNEW1100 Process Dynamics (MN West) (3 credits)
This course is offered through Minnesota West Community & Technical College. Please refer to the course description located at the MN West website: www.mnwest.edu
RNEW1102 Biodiesel Process Fundamentals (MN West) (2 credits)
This course is offered through Minnesota West Community & Technical College. Please refer to the course description located at the MN West website: www.mnwest.edu
RNEW1175 Industrial Water Treatment (MN West) (2 credits)
This course is offered through Minnesota West Community & Technical College. Please refer to the course description located at the MN West website: www.mnwest.edu
RNEW1195 Feedstock, Technology & Regulations (MN West) (2 credits)
This course is offered through Minnesota West Community & Technical College. Please refer to the course description located at the MN West website: www.mnwest.edu
Fossil Fuel - See Advisor
Power Gen
ETEC2546 Power Plant Technology ( St. Cloud TCC) (4 credits)
This course is offered through St. Cloud Technical & Community College. Please refer to the course description located at the SCTCC website: www.sctcc.edu
Required Arts and Sciences (4 Courses)
To complete an AAS degree, students must complete courses in 3 of the 10 MNTC goal areas. These courses do not apply to the 45 technical credits and may appear elsewhere on your degree audit. Select the following courses:
ENGL100 Composition (4 credits)
Composition is concerned with developing, through theory and practice, the ability to communicate in written form for personal and professional reasons. Students will develop writing skills, analytic skills, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete readings, papers, grammar exercises, and in-class activities. Students will complete research and write a research paper. Students will learn methods of writing informatively and persuasively. (Prerequisites: Must have one of the following: (MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher) OR (READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) OR (completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) AND (completion of either ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C [2.0] or higher) (MNTC 1: Communication)
ENGL240 Technical Communication (4 credits)
This course will teach the essential skills of technical communication. It is an introduction to written communication, design production, and design evaluation of technical information. The class emphasizes adapting technical material targeted for specific audiences while using a procedural writing style. Students complete rhetorical and audience analyses, document creation, electronic writing, collaborative writing, and usability testing. (Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or instructor permission) MnTC Goal Area 1 - Communication)
BIOL115 General Biology I (4 credits)
This course covers biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. It serves as an introduction to macromolecules and metabolism, cell biology, Mendelian genetics, and gene expression. This course involves a weekly three hour lab. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher AND either MATH 0085 or MATH 0095 with a C (2.0) or higher.) (MNTC Area 3)
OR
CHEM108 Introduction to Chemistry (4 credits)
A one-semester introduction to the field of chemistry, this course is designed to allow the student to understand how chemistry relates to everyday life and to learn some of the language and concepts of chemistry related to applied health. This course uses a math-based approach. (Prerequisite: [Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher] AND [have a Next-Generation Accuplacer AAF score of 250 or higher or (Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher and Classic Accuplacer Elementary Algebra score of 76 or higher) or completion of either MATH 0085 or MATH 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or ACT Math score of 19 or higher or MCA Math score of 1158 or higher.] (MNTC 3: Natural Sciences)
OR
PHYS101 Introductory Physics (3 credits)
A one semester course covering the basic principles of physics at a conceptual level and with a minimal amount of math. Topics generally included mechanics, simple machines, atomic structure, heat, light, and sound. Lecture and laboratory. (Prerequisites: Next-Generation Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 250 to 300 AND Next-Generation Accuplacer QAS score of 200 to 236 or Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher AND Elementary Algebra score of 0 to 75 or completion of MATH 0075 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.) (MNTC 3: Natural Sciences)
MATH120 College Algebra (4 credits)
College algebra studies functions and their applications. This course focuses on linear functions, quadratic functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and related equations, inequalities, and graphs. Additional topics include inverse functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, sequences and series, and the Binomial Theorem. MATH 120 satisfies the MNTC Category 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning requirement. (Prerequisites: Corequisite enrollment in MATH 0098 OR Completion of MATH 0098 OR MATH 0085 OR MATH 0095 with a grade of C or higher OR Accuplacer score of 56+ in Arithmetic and 76+ in Elementary Algebra and 50+ in College Math OR Next Gen Accuplacer score 250-300 AAF OR ACT Math score 22-36 OR MCA score 1158-1164)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
