Embedded Systems
Associate in Science Degree Electronics · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Embedded Systems Associate of Science degree provides an opportunity for students interested in working in embedded systems to earn an associate's degree. This degree is geared towards students who want to take their programming and circuit building skills to the next level. Students will become proficient in programming a variety of microcontrollers to perform tasks in an embedded application in C-based programming languages. Students who have obtained this certificate will be proficient at the use of multimeters and oscilloscopes to analyze circuit design and troubleshoot problems. Students will gain familiarity with digital communication protocols. This certificate is designed to teach students the skills necessary to build a career working with embedded electronics commonly found in consumer devices, IoT-connected devices, and autonomous vehicles.
Students earning this degree are encouraged to pursue a bachelor's degree in an Electrical Engineering or Computer Science discipline.
Students must complete the Robotics Technician Certificate of Achievement (12-13 units) as a prerequisite to entry into the Embedded Systems program.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will acquire skills necessary to program common microcontrollers using C.
- Students will gain familiarity with different communication protocols to interface between electronic systems.
- Students will be proficient at using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers to analyze circuits.
- Students will acquire the skills necessary to methodically identify problems in circuits and propose solutions.
Requirements
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
Required Prerequisite
Robotics Technician Certificate of Achievement (12-13 Units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ELEC A100 | Electronic Problem Solving | 3-4 |
| orMATH A115 | College Algebra | |
| orMATH A120 | Trigonometry | |
| ELEC A111 | D.C. Circuits | 3 |
| ELEC A121 | Robotics 1- Mechanics & Design | 3 |
| ELEC A122 | Robotics 2- Sensors, Control Theory, and Programming | 3 |
| Total Units | 12-13 | |
Required Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ELEC A102 | Safety, Maintenance, and Calibration | 1 |
| ELEC A103 | Computer Hardware Configuration & Diagnostics | 3 |
| orELEC A290 | Electronic Troubleshooting | |
| ELEC A223 | Embedded Control Systems | 4 |
| ELEC A224 | Digital Communication Systems | 3 |
| Total Major Units | 23 - 24 | |
| OCC AS General Education | up to 21 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirements | varies | |
| Total Minimum Degree Units - OCC AS GE | 60 | |
- Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.
- Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| ELEC A100or MATH A115 | Electronic Problem Solving 1or College Algebra |
| ELEC A111 | D.C. Circuits |
| ELEC A121 | Robotics 1- Mechanics & Design |
| ELEC A122 | Robotics 2- Sensors, Control Theory, and Programming |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 | 3 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| ELEC A223 |
| ELEC A224 |
| ELEC A102 |
| ELEC A103or ELEC A290 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1A- CHOOSE ONE |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| OCC AS GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 5 - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| OCC AS GE AREA 2 - CHOOSE ONE 3 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
- MATH A115 Satisfies OCC AS GE, Area 4
- VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS
- If MATH A115 NOT COMPLETED