Powerline Technology General Info
The Powerline Technology program provides you with an opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree often necessary for future advancement in the powerline industry. These positions could include line foreman, line superintendent, operations manager, office manager, sales associate, technician, or member service advisor.
The coursework provides you with additional skills beyond the one-year lineworker training. You will choose a combination of business/management or technical courses. These courses may be taken either prior to or after completion of the Powerline diploma. You must complete the requirements of the NCC Powerline Diploma program.
Future Ready Iowa Scholarships
FREE TUITION / IOWA LAST-DOLLAR SCHOLARSHIP
THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES. Iowa needs people like you to fill exciting jobs in growing industries. To help keep Iowa moving forward, you can get free tuition for programs that lead to high-demand jobs and good-paying careers. Earn a one-year or two-year degree—all with free tuition. For specific details of the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship (including how to apply) and for a full list of every NCC program that qualifies – click here. Contact NCC’s Financial Aid Office at 712-324-5061 or finaid@nwicc.edu for more information.
Award
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
Length
- Four Semesters & One Summer Term
Student Profile
- Analytical
- Desire to succeed
- Good communicator
Program Location
- This is a 1+1 program. The diploma program is on campus. The AAS degree completion may be done online.
Contact Admissions
-
712-301-2573 | 712-301-1401 |
712-301-7033 - 800-352-4907
- Email Admissions
Student Story JEFF CODNER
“I love working outside and keeping the lights on for people. I knew NCC had one of the top programs in the nation and the instructors are really helpful!”
Powerline student Dumont, IA


Requirements for this program
FALL ENTRY | ||
---|---|---|
FALL SEMESTER | 19 | |
MAT104-C | Applied Math Topics | 3 |
PWL168-C | DC Theory | 2 |
PWL169-C | AC Theory | 2 |
PWL170-C | Field Training I | 4 |
PWL172-C | Field Training II | 4 |
PWL189-C | Powerline Trade Fundamentals I | 2 |
PWL190-C | Powerline Trade Fundamentals II | 2 |
SPRING SEMESTER | 19 | |
COM753-E | Technical Communications | 3 |
OR | ||
SPC112-A | Public Speaking | 3 |
PWL174-C | Field Training III | 4 |
PWL176-C | Field Training IV | 4 |
PWL183-C | Line Maintenance | 3 |
FWL191-C | Transformers & Connections | 4 |
WBL110-E | Employability Skills | 1 |
SUMMER TERM | 10 | |
PWL178-C | Field Training V | 4 |
PWL182-C | Underground Distribution | 3 |
PWL186-C | Transmission and Distribution | 3 |
Total Credits | 48 |
SUMMER ENTRY | ||
---|---|---|
SUMMER TERM | 11 | |
MAT104-C | Applied Math Topics | 3 |
PWL168-C | DC Theory | 2 |
PWL170-C | Field Training I | 4 |
PWL189-C | Powerline Trade Fundamentals I | 2 |
FALL SEMESTER | 16 | |
PWL169-C | AC Theory | 2 |
PWL172-C | Field Training II | 4 |
PWL174-C | Field Training III | 4 |
PWL190-C | Powerline Trade Fundamentals II | 2 |
PWL191-C | Transformers & Connections | 4 |
SPRING SEMESTER | 21 | |
COM753-E | Technical Communications | 3 |
OR | ||
SPC112-A | Public Speaking | 3 |
PWL176-C | Field Training IV | 4 |
PWL178-C | Field Training V | 4 |
PWL182-C | Underground Distribution | 3 |
PWL183-C | Line Maintenance | 3 |
PWL186-C | Transmission and Distribution | 3 |
WBL110-E | Employability Skills | 1 |
Total Credits | 48 |
General Education | ||
---|---|---|
Requirements* | 12 | |
Math/Science Elective | 3 | |
Communications Elective | 3 | |
Humanities/Social Science Elective | 3 | |
Elective from any of the above | 3 | |
Business Management Technical Emphasis | 18 | |
Total Credits | 78 |
Frequently Asked Questions

Having an Associate of Applied Science Degree is often necessary for future advancement in the Powerline industry. These positions could include line fore-man, line superintendent, operations manager, sales associate, technician, or member service advisor.
Average starting salrary has been around $24/hour.
You will take traditional classroom general education credits, ranging from math to sciences to humanities. You’ll choose between a Business Management Emphasis or a Technical Emphasis. You will also complete all the necessary coursework for the Powerline diploma program.
It is the only Powerline Technology program in Iowa, allowing you to accomplish your Associate of Applied Science degree. NCC was recently recognized as having the #1 Electrical programs in the Nation!
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.