Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology
Majors Overview March 1, 2015Get information about a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Electronic Engineering Technology and its education requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Electronic Engineering Technology
Students enrolled in Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Electronic Engineering Technology are not only taught about basic electronics components, in addition to electrical formulas aimed at calculating current, resistance, and voltage, but also about advanced electrical formulas even as the students build their own circuits. Through hands-on experiences, they learn about soldering and ways of using test equipment, such as computerized data loggers, oscilloscopes, and multi-meters.
Electronics manufacturing is covered in advanced study, thereby providing an overview of modes of creating and using integrated circuits, including microprocessors and controls. Students also learn ways of assisting engineers involved in designing and conducting tests.
This instruction covers failure analysis and product development. There may also be a focus on a particular type of electronics application, such as computing or medical equipment, consumer electronics, or communications.
Education Requirements
While admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, some schools tailor the program to suit the needs of associate’s degree holders. Typically, the basics of electronics theory are taught at the beginning of these four-year programs. Transfer programs provide an additional grasp of electronics repair and design.
Coursework
Coursework includes math courses to build a foundation to grasp advanced electrical formulas, including those for resistance-capacitance, phase, and frequency calculations. The completion of physical science, chemistry and physics courses are also expected of students as these are necessary to help them understand the functioning of semiconductors and electronic components. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Power generation
•Communications technology
•Electronic design
•Microprocessor technology
•Amplifiers
•Digital and analog circuits
•Engineering procedures
Job and Wage Outlook
A job growth rate of four percent has been predicted for electrical and electronics engineers over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, these professionals brought home an average annual wage of $89,630 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Those that complete a bachelor’s degree program may seek continuing education by enrolling in a Master of Science (M.S.) in Electronics Technology or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in the field. Students enrolled in either program learn the knowledge and skills necessary for researching or developing new electronics theories and technologies. Only bachelor’s degree holders are admitted to graduate programs.
Enrolling in a Ph.D. program will suit the needs of those seeking careers in academia or research. The focus of Ph.D. programs is on the discipline of computer or electronics engineering. However, doctoral studies in an interdisciplinary program, with a focus on the physical sciences or business, may be completed by these students.