Bismarck State College Energy Cluster

DEGREES & PROGRAMS

Electric Power Technology 

Learn powerful lessons about the transmission and distribution of electricity in the utility industry. You’ll acquire a core set of skills and competencies studying the components, design and operation of the electrical system, its equipment, and safety procedures. After completing core courses, you’ll choose one of four program specializations: line construction, substation, metering or system design.

CAREERS

$70K AVERAGE SALARY

Substation Technician Mechanic Operator Meter Technician Electrical Distribution Technician

Energy Services & Renewable Technician  

Prepare for field service technician careers in the rapidly expanding energy industry with an Energy Services & Renewable Technician degree. In this program, you will gain broad technician skill sets required in the conventional and renewable energy industry and other industries that employ automated processes. Receive a broad background in energy production, electrical and mechanical fundamentals, equipment and systems, applied math and safety practices.

CAREERS

$60K AVERAGE SALARY

Pipeline Technician Renewable Technician Generator Technician Wind Technician

Electronics Technology  

Your education will apply directly to the job market. You’ll learn in BSC’s modern laboratory and apply classroom theory. Coursework contains two semesters of digital electronics and classes in alternating current and direct current analysis, solid-state devices and active devices.

CAREERS

$48.6K AVERAGE SALARY

Business Owner Network Technician Repair Specialist Calibration Technician

Electric Transmissions Systems Technology 

Learn all about the electrical power systems in North America, including basic electricity, generation, distribution and transmission, with a strong emphasis on system operations. Courses in this program are approved for North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) continuing education hours (CEHs) combined with college credit.

CAREERS

$90K AVERAGE SALARY

System Operator Dispatcher Power Marketer Energy Trader

Industrial Automation & Robotics 

Our associate degree in Industrial Automation & Robotics will prepare you to install, maintain, repair, operate, and troubleshoot physical machines and control systems used to automate tasks within an industrial process. Using project-based learning, you will complete a solid foundation of electronic, electrical, mechanical, control systems, robotic systems, and their integration to increase the productivity and efficiencies of industrial facilities. Working in industrial automation provides a high-paying career and exciting opportunities for employment throughout the world. (Select courses available online.)

CAREERS

$53.8K AVERAGE SALARY

Industrial Automation Biomedical Technician

Mechatronics Technician Automation Technician

Select programs receive funding from the U.S. Department of Labor; therefore, veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service over non-covered persons. (20 CFR 1010)

Instrumentation & Control Technology

This program combines theory and hands-on training with state-of-the-art instruments, working processes and computerized control systems. You’ll learn to install, test, calibrate and maintain instruments that measure, indicate and control a range of variables. A limited number of students will be accepted to both the online and on-campus program in August.

CAREERS

$80K AVERAGE SALARY

Instrument Technician Electronics Technician

Controls Technician E & I Technician

Lineworker (Electrical)

The only one of its kind in North Dakota, this program is designed to train skilled apprentice lineworkers at the facility northwest of Mandan. You’ll receive intense instruction in all facets of powerline construction, equipment operation and maintenance. Study includes classroom instruction, indoor and outdoor lab work, and courses to prepare for the state commercial driver’s license (CDL) exam.

CAREERS

$80K AVERAGE SALARY

Apprentice Lineworker Lineworker Journeyman Lineworker

Mechanical Maintenance Technology

Are you interested in the installation, maintenance and repair of various types of mechanical equipment? If you answered yes, enrolling in the Mechanical Maintenance Technology program is where you begin. This program is the first of its kind in the region and prepares students for entry-level employment in a large variety of industries.

CAREERS

$70K AVERAGE SALARY

Maintenance Engineer Industrial Technician

Machinery Mechanic Plant Laborer

Credit courses offered through BSC’s National Energy Center of Excellence can be used for industry training purposes. Employees can take one or more courses to develop their knowledge and skills for daily use, while earning credits towards a college degree.

Nuclear Power Technology



This instructor-led program is designed for current and future nuclear power employees. Gain the fundamental knowledge required for non-licensed operator, maintenance, chemistry and health physics positions in nuclear generation systems. An agreement between BSC and Excelon allows you to substitute your education for training. This program is approved by the Nuclear Energy Institute.

CAREERS

$85K AVERAGE SALARY

Nuclear Technician Power Plant Operator Nuclear Power Operator Plant Laborer

Petroleum Production Technology

Get an in-depth look into industry operations and learn about the interrelationships involved with petroleum geology, exploration, drilling, production, transportation and processing. This program is designed to give you skills in operating and maintaining equipment in a safe and responsible manner. Study includes knowledge of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, print reading, troubleshooting, safety, communication and chemical technology needed in petroleum operations.

CAREERS

$80K AVERAGE SALARY

Pipeline Operator Production Operator

Reliability Operator Lease Operator

Power Generation Technology

Prepare for entry-level employment in the operation of modern fossil fuel power plants, gas turbine facilities, and other facilities where steam or electricity is generated. Learn the technical and safety aspects of plant operations, responsibilities of plant operators, and the mechanical and chemical technology needed to work in related industrial operations.

CAREERS

$80K AVERAGE SALARY

Auxiliary Operator Operations Technician Control Room Operator Plant Laborer

Process Technology 



This program focuses on the machines, technology and work required to produce a product such as natural gas, refinery products, ethanol, biodiesel, food products and more. Learn the technical and safety aspects of plant operations, responsibilities of plant operators, and the mechanical and chemical technology needed to work in related industrial operations.

CAREERS

$80K AVERAGE SALARY

Process Operator Refinery Operator

Chemical Technician Plant Laborer

Water & Wastewater Technology 

Prepare for entry-level jobs in all types of water and wastewater treatment plants in this certificate-only program. Learn to apply knowledge of biological, chemical and mechanical processes and hands-on techniques applicable to plant operation. Curriculum includes laboratory testing and analysis for operational control and regulatory compliance with regard to operator responsibility and safety for communities, personnel and the environment.

CAREERS

$50K AVERAGE SALARY

Wastewater Plant Operator Water Treatment Technician

Pretreatment Coordinator

CERTIFICATES

Environmental & Safety Regulations 

Level up your career by earning an additional high-demand skill set with a focus on regulatory issues in the energy industry. The 18-credit Certificate in Environmental and Safety Regulations is designed to provide working industry personnel with the knowledge necessary to function in employee roles that involve safety and environmental oversight.

CAREERS

Safety Director Environmental Lead

Risk Control Manager Safety & Training Specialist

Unmanned Aerial Systems

Gain new opportunities and enhance your current career by obtaining skills in Unmanned Air Systems. With this certificate, you will develop skills to manage and plan flight operations, collect and process imagery data for analysis, and apply skills while working directly with business and industry. The handson learning can be applied to multiple applications, including agriculture, energy, construction, emergency response, aerial videography and photography.

CAREERS

Aerial Videographer UAS Avoinic Technician

UAS Remote Pilot UAS Data Analyst

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

Our flexible, cost-effective, non-credit courses and training sessions are customized to improve job performance, increase productivity, meet licensing standards and advance the competitive edge of your organization.

• Apprenticeship Training topics include mechanical maintenance, metering, relay apparatus, substation electrician, system protection and telecommunications.

• Technical training includes operations, maintenance, instrumentation, automation, switchman training, oil and gas bootcamps, water and wastewater and more!

• BSC (BSC_001) is recognized by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) as a continuing education provider that adheres to NERC CE Program Criteria. Training is offered in multiple formats including online, on site, or in BSC’s high-technology labs. Contact us to hear more about each specific offering.

Operations Management 

Take your current industrial skill set or previous associate degree and improve them by earning a bachelor’s in Automation Management! Courses are delivered through online formats, providing greater flexibility for students and their work obligations. Upon completion of this program, students will be equipped to plan, direct, or coordinate the industrial work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications. These abilities are essential when managing various facilities.

CAREERS

$90K AVERAGE SALARY

Operations Manager Production Control Manager

Manufacturing Coordinator

Energy Management 

BSC has the only Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Management program in the nation. Offered entirely online, this four-year degree is designed to fill the strong industry demand for supervisors and managers. The program helps energy students and current workers maximize their potential for advancement within the industry.

CAREERS

$90K AVERAGE SALARY

Project Supervisor General Manager

Facility Supervisor Plant Manager

Mechatronics Engineering Technology

Prepare to work with smart devices that incorporate mechanical, electrical, computer and software components, such as robots, automated guided systems and computerintegrated manufacturing equipment. As industry advances and the complexity of technical systems continues to evolve, there is a need for qualified individuals to design and develop components and parts to produce safe and efficient automated equipment.

CAREERS

$60-80K AVERAGE SALARY

Production Design Tech

Plant Engineering Tech

Reliability Engineering Tech

Engineering Field Tech

The hands-on training and labs we did in class at BSC made the transition from classroom to work very smoothly. I believe the simtronics program that BSC implements really benefited me. Touring different plants helped me connect the classroom material to an actual plant while in school. The energy center houses a boiler and distillation replica that I trained on, which was a huge advantage for me.

CLEP/AP

The Fast Track program at BSC encompasses the non-traditional ways students may have earned college credit, including:

DUAL CREDIT & EARLY ENTRY

Dual Credit students enroll in a college course to receive both college and high school credit. These courses are usually taken at the high school or via interactive video. Early Entry students enroll in a college course to receive college credit. These courses are usually taken on the BSC campus or online.

MILITARY

BSC awards credit for Military Training Programs as outlined by the American Council on Education (ACE).

With CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), a student can earn college credit for what they already know on any of 34 CLEP examinations.

AP (Advanced Placement) courses are taken in high school. Students can receive college credit if they earn a 3 or higher on the exam.

PRIOR LEARNING

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) provides an opportunity for adults to earn college credit for knowledge and competencies they’ve gained outside the classroom.

-Nicole Bunting, Redwood Falls, MN, Process Technology