Railroad Engineering Technology, AS

Program Description

Railroad Engineering Technology will prepare students for employment in the railroad industry within a career path for maintaining and repairing railcars through a degree orientation in electromechanical equipment.

Graduates will be prepared for technical application exams commonly administered by railroad companies for entry-level maintenance of equipment positions. The program reflects current skills needed within job positions that require electromechanical knowledge and skills.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates should be able to:

1. Demonstrate and have an understanding of typical railroad rules and regulations, including changes that are a result of accidents and imposed by Homeland Security
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of career opportunities within the railroad industry with an Electromechanical-oriented degree
3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the operation of railcar electromechanical systems
4. Conduct entry-level troubleshooting and repairs of electromechanical systems on railcars
5. Be prepared to take an application exam on electromechanical skills for employment in the railroad industry

Railroad Engineering Practicum Information: Practicum experiences may be assigned during daytime, evening or weekend hours; assignments are subject to change based upon availability of practicum sites and numbers in groups; practicum sites could be within an hour radius of the college and may require a mandatory parking fee; students must make their own travel arrangements during the program. Practicum learning experiences are planned as an integral part of the railroad engineering technology courses, and are held at a variety of railroad settings, such as the Shoreline Trolley Museum/Branford Railway and the Railroad Museum of New England/Naugatuck Railroad. This program is offered at the Gateway Campus.

Criminal Background Checks & Toxicology Screening: Practicum sites may now require criminal background checks and/or toxicology screening (drugs/alcohol) be completed on any student who will be attending a practicum rotation at those sites. Students must follow instructions for obtaining a background and/or toxicology screening at the college if necessary. Students who are found guilty of having committed a felony/misdemeanor and/or are found to have a positive toxicology screen may be prevented from participating in practicum exercises. Those who cannot participate in a practicum at an assigned facility, may not be able to complete the objectives of the course and of the program. Specific situations are reviewed by college personnel.

Degree Requirements

• Railroad Engineering Technology: Signaling and Communications, AS