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Program Overview
The Electro-Mechanical and Engineering Foundations technical diploma gives students who are undecided about their academic goals and interests an opportunity to explore several specialized technical and engineering fields, leading to a variety of degrees/diplomas:
Two-Year Applied Associate in Science (AAS) Programs
- Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC)
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electro-Mechanical Technology
- Electronics
- Mechanical Design Technology
One-Year Technical Diploma Programs
Less than One-Year Technical Diploma Programs
Associate in Science (AS) Program
Apprenticeships
This program is recognized by the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards as a Certified Pre-Apprenticeship for the following Registered Apprenticeships:- Biomedical Equipment Apprenticeship
- Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship
- Maintenance Mechanic / Millwright Apprenticeship
- Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
- Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship
Certificate
Get Started
For more information regarding the Electro-Mechanical and Engineering Foundations Technical Diploma, please contact Program Director Craig Peterson at cwpeterson1@madisoncollege.edu or 608.616.3325 to begin exploring your future.
Program Details
Students in the Electromechanical & Engineering Foundations program can attend full or part time.
Electromechanical & Engineering Foundations classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Madison – Truax
- Madison – Commercial Avenue
- Fort Atkinson
- Portage
Careers
Graduates are ready for entry-level positions in maintenance and service work.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-449-100Safety for Industry
This course reviews basic safety standards as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Designed for workers going into industrial occupations, it focuses on the hazard recognition and control process. Those who successfully complete the requirements set forth by OSHA will receive an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry completion card. Students may still pass the class without earning an OSHA card.1 credit10-462-102Introduction to Logic & Troubleshooting
The course introduces basic troubleshooting tools, methods and techniques. Students will learn about interpreting schematics, Boolean logic, truth tables, and number systems. The course uses software simulations and labs to introduce relays and relay ladder logic. Students apply common troubleshooting techniques and root cause analysis.1 credit10-462-104Fluid Power 1 for Industry
Provides students with the fundamentals of fluid power (hydraulic and pneumatic) and a considerable literacy in the principles of pneumatics and hydraulics. Students will attain an understanding of basic pneumatics principles and practical circuits applying the recently learned principles. The course is intended to gain a general understanding of components and terminology as well as principles and functions. This course has a heavy emphasis on recognizing fluid power components, component symbols, units, equations, and terminology.1 credit10-462-323Controls 1
Studies basic principles related to electro-mechanical systems as well as DC Controls. Introduce various electro-mechanical devices used in Industrial Control applications including Relay controls2 credits10-601-330Refrigeration Fundamentals
This course is an introduction to basic refrigeration systems. Topics include terminology, the refrigeration cycle, safety, refrigerants, lubricants, and environmental issues. Presents applications of HVAC components, refrigeration controls, condensers, heat exchangers, dampers, blowers, and compressors. Use common and high tech tools of HVAC industry to aid in preventive maintenance/repair. Use of virtual interactive troubleshooting programs to reinforce troubleshooting skills. Reinforce documentation of work procedures and complete refrigerant tracking reports. Cover in depth existing and newly developed refrigerants. The learner will operate, evacuate, charge and repair basic refrigeration units.2 credits10-804-107College Mathematics
This course reviews key math concepts in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, measurement, and data. Topics include simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities with one variable, proportions, and percent applications, and working with geometric figures. It covers the Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometric ratios, and unit conversions between U.S. customary and metric systems. Data analysis focuses on organizing and summarizing data, central tendency, and measures of dispersion. Emphasis is on problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.3 credits20-806-294Engineering Seminar
The course offers students interested in engineering careers an orientation experience. Assignments and activities will be focused on academic and career planning and exploration. Students will become familiar with different engineering programs and career paths at Madison College and 4-year institutions.1 creditSecond Semester10-457-100Metal Repair Techniques
This course covers safety, layout and measurement, grinding, drill press, lathe operation, filing, threading, properties of metals, oxy-acetylene welding, brazing and cutting, and SMAW, GMAW and FCAW.2 credits10-605-270AC/DC Circuit Techniques and Principles
Provides students with hands-on experiences with instruments such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, signal generators and other measuring equipment. Covers circuit analysis for series and parallel circuits, Ohms Law, Kirchoff's current and voltage laws, linearity, superposition, Thevenin's theorem, Circuit analysis using Nodal and Mesh Analysis and concepts of AC signals, RC, LC and RLC circuits, filters, resonance. Concepts are reinforced with hands-on experiments coupled with mathematical analysis.3 credits10-606-231Introductory Engineering Graphics
A freshman course which provides the undergraduate engineering student with a background in descriptive geometry, orthographic projection, engineering drawing techniques, and computer-aided engineering graphics. Topics covered include point-line and plane relationships in projection; multi-view engineering drawings; auxiliary and section views; mechanical fasteners; engineering drawing applications. (Designed for engineering transfer students as the equivalent of ME 231 at UW-Madison.)3 credits10-620-100Introduction to PLCs
Introductory study of PLC Programming overview (parts, principles of operation, size and applications), PLC components (I/O modules, specifications, CPU, memory, programming options), Number systems and codes (binary, decimal, hexadecimal, BCD, ASCII, binary arithmetic), Fundamentals of Logic (binary concept, AND, OR, NOT functions, Boolean algebra, logic gates, word level instructions), Basics of programming in RSLogix500 (memory organization, program scan, programming languages, instruction addressing, XIC, XIO, OTE instructions, creating ladder logic), PLC installation practices, editing, and troubleshooting (enclosures, electrical noise, grounding, voltages, program editing, program monitoring, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, connecting to your PLC to your PC)1 credit10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
- Program capacity: 50 spots each Fall and 5 spots each Spring. It shares this capacity with other programs that have a similar curriculum.
- Estimated Wait Time: No estimated wait time
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Learn more in the After You Apply section on this page.
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
3. Residency Requirement
Per Wisconsin Statute TCS-10 because this program has a limited capacity:
- Non-district state residents
- May only be considered after January 1 for the upcoming fall term
- *Minnesota residents are considered non-district state residents for admission purposes
- Out-of-state residents (except Minnesota residents*) are offered a place in the program after district and state residents, if there are still spots available. Acceptance into the program is on hold until a month before the semester begins to determine if there is space in the program. Out-of-state residents are not eligible for admission to a program that has a waiting list.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Electro-Mechanical & Engineering Foundations career.
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After You Apply
This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and high program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program.
A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
- Students on the waiting list receive priority in future terms based on the date they complete all application requirements.
- Priority does not guarantee a spot in the program.
- You may remain on the waiting list if you continue to follow the steps to notify Madison College of your continued interest.
Learn more about waiting lists and Admission to Programs with Limited Capacity.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Career Outcomes
As a student in the Electro-Mechanical and Engineering Foundations Technical Diploma, you will:
- Compare and contrast the roles of technicians and engineers in the workforce.
- Develop industry recognized skills such as communication and teamwork.
- Acquire critical thinking and troubleshooting skills through the application of logic.
- Measure and analyze voltage, current, resistance for direct current as well as single- and three-phase alternating current (DC/AC) sources.
- Create and troubleshoot basic programs for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
- Understand safety standards for industry as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and receive an OSHA 10 card, an Industry recognized credential.
- Interpret engineering drawings.
- Lay out, measure, and fabricate components and assemblies.
- Prepare for further study in an Apprenticeship, Technical Diploma, Applied Associate of Science, or prepare for transfer into an Engineering bachelor’s degree through University Transfer – Engineering Pre-major.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2025 Number of Program Graduates 2 Number of Surveys Sent 2 Number of Surveys Returned 1 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 1 Percent Available for Employment 100.0% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 0.0% Available for Employment
2025 Graduates Employed 1 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 1 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3 Number of Satisfaction Responses 1 Very Satisfied (4) 0 Percent Very Satisfied 0.0% Satisfied (3) 1 Percent Satisfied 100.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 1 Preparation for Getting a Job 1 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 100.0% Career Change 0 Percent Career Change 0.0% Improvement of Existing Skills 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 0.0% Preparation for Further Education 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education 0.0% Personal Interest 0 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% Other 0 Percent Other 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 1 Before Enrollment 0 Percent Before Enrollment 0.0% While Attending the College 0 Percent While Attending the College 0.0% After Training at the College 1 Percent After Training at the College 100.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 1 In College District 1 Percent In College District 100.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% Salary Trend 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 1 Average Monthly Wage $4,429 Average Hourly Wage $25.75 Average Work Hours per Week 40.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions MCD Inc Maintenance Technician * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
