Degree Specifications

Course Curriculum

Non-Technical:
Elementary Algebra, Survey of Math, Technical Skills Development, Natural Science Elective, College Writing 1 & 2, and Communication Theory & Practice.

One course must also be completed in each of the following General Education Requirements: Personal & Social Responsibility, and Societies & Institutions.

Technical Courses:
Power Plant Fundamentals, Power Plant Mechanical Equipment, Power Plant Electrical Equipment, Intermediate Power Plant Systems, Plant Operator Practice, Power Plant Instrument and Control Systems, Advanced Power Plant Systems, and Plant Supervisor Practice.

In addition, students will receive training to prepare them for the Third Class Stationary Engineers License, and actual field experience in the plant.

Course Delivery

Classroom course work will be delivered on campus, via distance learning to local community college partners, and via the web. Due to the nature of the course offerings, students must be available for both daytime and evening coursework, and must provide their own transportation to the power plant locations. School holidays are observed.

Laboratory Work

Students will participate in field based experiences at local power plants one day every other week. In addition, lab activities will be conducted on the YSU campus. These activities develop the essential, hands-on skills necessary to function as a Plant Operator. Heavy emphasis is placed on safe work practices and procedures in the plant environment.

Field Experience

Following Semester 2, students may participate in a ten-week (forty hours per week) compensated and evaluated power plant field experience with FirstEnergy, AEP, or Reliant Energy. Students will be assigned to a work crew and utilize skills learned during their first two semesters. This summer field experience generally begins in June and ends in August.

Selection Process

Step 1:
An information session will be held at YSU to introduce prospective students to career opportunities in the power generation industry. Please refer to our website at www.eng.ysu.edu and click on “Power Systems Institute” for the date, time and location of the information session.

At a second information session, students will be given the opportunity to tour a generating plant facility, and receive more information on power plant work and expectations.

Step 2:
Participants must apply for and be admitted to YSU. Please contact the Office of Admissions at 330-941-2000 for additional information regarding specific admission requirements.

Step 3:
Prior to advisement and registration, Youngstown State requires placement testing in English, reading, & math. Based on the results, students may be required to enroll in developmental coursework prior to entry into the program. Students requiring developmental coursework may be admitted into the program only after successful completion of the coursework. YSU admissions personnel will inform you of the date and time of the required placement tests. Contact the Office of Admissions at 330-941-2000 for more information regarding the admission process.

With successful completion of Steps 1-3, students may be selected for entry into the 21-month degree program in the fall semester (August).

Program Tuition & Lab Fees

Tuition, lab fees, and books will be approximately $8,000 per year. See the Youngstown State Undergraduate Bulletin for student fees and charges information. Financial Aid information can be obtained from the Youngstown State Financial Aid Office at 330-941-3505.

Potential Employment

Based on a student’s grades, skills, and attitude, employment opportunities may exist in the power generation industry with companies such as FirstEnergy, AEP, Reliant, and others upon graduation. Those interested must pass the POSS/MASS test to be eligible for consideration. The test may be offered at various times during the school year. Current starting salaries in the industry range from $17 to $19 per hour. Overtime is also compensated.

Many companies offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package including: health and dental care, life insurance, pension plan, 401K plan (including Company matching program), as well as continuing education reimbursement. In addition, the industry also provides a competitive compensation package designed to recognize and reward growth and performance that achieves individual, group, and corporate objectives.

Company Profile

To obtain more information on FirstEnergy, American Electric Power, or Reliant Energy, please refer to their websites at:
www.firstenergycorp.com
www.aep.com
www.reliant.com

For More Information

Youngstown State University