Overview
Manage electrical energy — from both renewable and conventional sources — as an electrical engineer with training in power systems, electrical design and control and automation.
The Electrical Engineering Technology program offers comprehensive training in power systems, electrical design and control and automation.
The program provides a combination of practical and theoretical education that employers are seeking in the industry, preparing students for careers managing electrical energy from renewable and conventional energy sources.
Graduates work in a variety of settings, including power generating facilities, industrial complexes, substations, laboratories, construction sites, and offices.
Is this the right fit for me?
Journeyman electricians and those with work experience in other related occupations or with related post-secondary education may receive some advance credit after an assessment by SAIT’s Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.
Accreditation
The program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board and the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists at the technologist level.
Graduates are eligible for membership in the following professional association: Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology.
Learn more about our energy and environmental programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities with consulting and design firms in the oil and gas industry, industrial plants, technical sales companies, electrical contractors, utility companies and various manufacturers and distributors. Potential positions include:
- electrical engineering technologist
- industrial control technologist
- power systems technologist
Related careers include:
- design estimating
- power generation distribution
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $7,939
- Year 2: $8,228.50
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $20,784.91
- Year 2: $21,658.32
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 60% in Math 30-1 or at least 75% in Math 30-2, AND,
- at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 75% in English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
- at least 60% in Physics 20
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the macphail.students@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| Summer 2023 | July 4, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | Aug. 26, 2024 |
| Spring 2024 | June 5, 2024 | Dec. 12, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
Depending on the delivery method in which you are taking this program, you'll follow one of two program outlines:
Daytime first year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| COMP-213 | Computing for Engineering Technology | 3.0 |
| ELCT-205 | Electrical Principles | 3.0 |
| ELTR-232 | Digital and Electronic Circuits | 3.0 |
| ENVS-247 | Safety and Environment | 1.5 |
| MATH-237 | Mathematics for Technologists | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 16.5 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-288 | Technical Communications II | 3.0 |
| ELEC-266 | Electrical Practices | 3.0 |
| ELEC-291 | Electrical Analysis | 3.0 |
| ELTR-262 | Power Electronics | 3.0 |
| ENGD-238 | Electrical Diagrams and AutoCAD | 1.5 |
| MATH-280 | Calculus for Technologists | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 16.5 | |
| First Year Total | 33 | |
Daytime year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CNTR-309 | PLC - Premium Unity Pro Applications | 3.0 |
| DSGN-301 | Electrical Design Principles | 3.0 |
| ELEC-302 | Generation and Grid Operations | 1.5 |
| ELEC-306 | Machine Applications | 3.0 |
| ELEC-352 | Rotating Machines | 3.0 |
| ELEC-353 | Transformer Applications | 3.0 |
| PROJ-333 | Technical Project Management | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 Total | 18.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CNTR-358 | PLC - Contrologix Applications | 3.0 |
| DSGN-396 | Industrial Electrical Design | 3.0 |
| ELCM-374 | Industrial Networks & Communications | 1.5 |
| ELEC-361 | Power System Analysis | 3.0 |
| ELEC-364 | Protection and Control | 3.0 |
| PROJ-373 | Capstone Project Course | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 16.5 | |
| Second Year Total | 34.5 | |
| Program Total | 67.5 | |
Evening and weekend first year (a mix of online and in-class labs)
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| *ELCT 205 | Electrical Principles | 3.0 |
| *ENVS 247 | Safety & Environment | 1.5 |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| ELTR 232 | Digital & Electronic Circuits | 3.0 |
| MATH 237 | Mathematics for Technologists | 3.0 |
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMP 213 | Computing for Engineering Technology | 3.0 |
| ELEC 291 | Electrical Analysis | 3.0 |
| MATH 280 | Calculus for Technologists | 3.0 |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 288 | Technical Communications II | 3.0 |
| ELTR 262 | Power Electronics | 3.0 |
| *ELEC 266 | Electrical Practices
|
3.0 |
| ENGD 238 | Electrical Diagrams & AutoCAD | 1.5 |
* Journeyman electricians may be eligible for recognition of prior learning for ELCT-205, ENVS-247, ELEC-266.
Evening and weekend year
Semester 5
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CNTR 309 | PLC - Premium Unity Pro Applications | 3.0 |
| DSGN 301 | Electrical Design Principles | 3.0 |
| ELEC 302 | Generation and Grid Operations | 1.5 |
| ELCM 374 | Industrial Networks and Communications | 1.5 |
Semester 6
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CNTR 358 | PLC - Contrologix Applications | 3.0 |
| DSGN 396 | Industrial Electrical Design | 3.0 |
| PROJ 333 | Technical Project Management | 1.5 |
Evening and weekend third year
Semester 7
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELEC 306 | Machine Applications | 3.0 |
| ELEC 352 | Rotating Machines | 3.0 |
| ELEC 353 | Transformer Applications | 3.0 |
Semester 8
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELEC 361 | Power Systems Analysis | 3.0 |
| ELEC 364 | Protection & Control | 3.0 |
| PROJ 373 | Capstone Project Course | 3.0 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2022/23
The below tuition and fee breakdown will vary for students taking this program as an evening/weekend delivery.
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $180
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,940 | $916 | $553 | $7,409 |
| 2 | 2 | $6,210 | $916 | $553 | $7,679 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $570.85
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $18,838.05 | $916 | $553 | $20,307.05 |
| 2 | 2 | $19,694.33 | $916 | $553 | $21,163.33 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
The above fees are based on a course load of nine (9) or more credits per semester. Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for the UPass. Other fees will be adjusted based on reduced credit load.
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for health and dental benefits.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 for the first year and $500 for the year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $6,369 | $948 | $622 | $7,939 |
| 2 | 2 | $6,658.50 | $948 | $622 | $8,228.50 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $19,214.91 | $948 | $622 | $20,784.91 |
| 2 | 2 | $20,088.32 | $948 | $622 | $21,658.32 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 for the first year and $500 for the year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
PPE is required in various labs. You'll need CSA-approved (green triangle) protective footwear and CSA Z94.3 (class 1) safety glasses with side shields.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The summer booklists will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8451
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca
Academic chair
Rysen Jordan, Academic Chair
Email: rysen.jordan@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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