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Degree Overview: Bachelor’s Degrees in Electronics Engineering

Majors Overview November 12, 2014

Those interested in electronics and what makes them work should look into careers in electronics engineering technology or electronics engineering. Engineering focuses more on concept and theory, and engineering technology works on application; workers in both careers are able to play a significant part in how the world functions. Those interested should look into a bachelor’s degree program in either field.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Electronics Engineering Technology

Students enrolled in this program are taught about the use of electronics technology in the design, testing, and troubleshooting of advanced systems and devices. Students are trained in practical use and basic electrical theory; they subsequently move to increasingly complex platforms, circuit design, telecommunication systems, and electrical systems. Technicians rely on these professionals for direction, and engineers rely on them for assistance in the design, troubleshooting, and maintenance of networks and electronic devices.

Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.

Coursework

Apart from coursework, various labs require students to spend extensive time employing business software. Supervised internships may also be used to impart hands-on education. Coursework may include these topic areas:

•Industrial automation controls
•Network analysis
•Technical mathematics
•Electronic device applications
•Computer programming
•Electric power and machines
•Microprocessor applications
•Digital design

Career Choices

Those that successfully complete the program may find job opportunities working with government contracts, manufacturing firms, electrical and electronics equipment, or business machinery. They may choose from the following career titles:

•Electronic technologist
•Electrical/electronics product specialist
•Control system integrator
•Electronic engineering technician
•Field service engineer
•Product designer

Job and Wage Outlook

The job growth rate for electrical and electronic engineering technicians has been predicted to remain stagnant over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). In May 2012, these experts brought home an average annual wage of $89,630.

Continuing Education Choices

Professional certifications and work experiences are often used to advance the careers of electronics and electrical technologists. Those that graduate from the electronics engineering technology program may seek enrollment in bachelor’s degree programs in engineering.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET), the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA), and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offer certification options to technologists.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Electrical Engineering

Students enrolled in this program complete coursework in math, physics, and engineering science subjects in order to train students to be able to seek employment as electronics or electrical engineers. Specialization can be sought by candidates in numerous areas of electrical engineering, such as systems, wireless components, electromechanical systems, digital signal processing, electronics, and communications.

Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.

Coursework

Coursework covers seminars, lab classes, research, lectures, and programs. Before they graduate, students are expected to participate in senior design courses, wherein an engineering project has to be designed by them based on knowledge and research during the tenure of the program. Coursework may typically include the following subjects:

•Semiconductor devices
•Differential equations
•Signals and systems
•Engineering analysis statistics
•Materials sciences for electrical engineering
•Computer methods in engineering
•Electric and electronic circuits
•Electronic product design
•Analog and digital communications

Career Choices

Access to job fairs, workshops, and internships is given to students to help them gain employment. Those that successfully complete the program may find jobs in office buildings, industrial plants, and laboratories. They may choose from possible career titles such as:

•Electronic engineer
•Software engineer
•Electrical engineer
•Programming analyst

Job and Wage Outlook

A job growth rate of 4% has been predicted for electrical and electronic engineers over the 2012 – 2022 decade (BLS). In 2012, electrical engineers brought home an average annual wage of $87,920, while electronic engineers (other than those working with computers) banked $91,820.

Continuing Education and Licensing Choices

Those that successfully complete the program may seek to join the workforce immediately or opt for continuing education by earning master’s degrees in electrical engineering; some may choose to earn a degree through online programs while continuing to work and gain experience in the field. Licensure is mandatory for engineers that work to provide direct services to the public.

The credential of professional engineer (PE) can be earned through obtaining licensure, which can be accomplished through completion of a training program and gaining four years of work experience, in addition to passing two-stage written exams. Engineers can also obtain certification from numerous certifying agencies to advance their career prospects.

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