Electronics engineering is a branch of engineering which involves the use of mathematics and science to design, create, utilize, and maintain electronic components, equipment, systems, and microprocessors to develop applications in computing and communications. Electronics engineering technicians are educated and trained professionals who are skilled and have the ability to perform these responsibilities. They are able to create assemble, examine, and maintain circuitry; adjust, repair, or replace defective electronic components; read blueprints and diagrams of electronic units; identify issues or problems with equipment defects or malfunctions; and perform preventative measures and calibration of electronic systems.
Students who are interested in pursuing a career as an electronics engineering technician should encompass a number of skills and qualities essential in this field...Read More
Manual dexterity is important since electronics engineering technicians use hand tools and small equipment to create electronic components and systems by hand. Mathematic skills are essential since mathematics is used in the examination, creation, and troubleshooting processes. Electronics engineering technicians must be able to solve problems or issues regarding an engineer’s design therefore problem-solving skills are vital. Electronics engineering technicians must compose reports taken from onsite construction projects including problems or issues, testing results, and evaluation of the project as a whole therefore electronics engineering technicians should have exceptional writing skills.
Electronics Engineering Degree Levels Available
Associate of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering
Obtaining an associate’s degree in electronics engineering will provide students with the knowledge and training needed to acquire entry-level positions in the electronics engineering field. The associate’s degree program in electronics engineering is generally a two-year program and students will take courses in areas such as calculus, physics, algebra, microsystems, technical writing and terminology, troubleshooting systems, digital electronics, and power supplies. Due to the short duration of this program and the opportunity for professional employment upon completion, students are drawn to enroll however an associate’s degree in electronics engineering may be limiting with regards to advancement and salary. Furthering one’s education by attaining a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering will open up more career opportunities for the student.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering
A bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering takes approximately four years to complete and upon graduation, students have acquired a solid groundwork of knowledge, sufficient for professional employment in the electronics engineering field. Digital and control systems, electrical circuits, microprocessors, telecommunications, safety and protection, and C++ programming are just a few of the subject areas covered within these four years. Occupations available to those upon graduation include electronics engineering technician or electronics engineering technologist.
Certification as an Electronics Engineering Technician
Upon completion of the associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in electronics engineering, students are highly encouraged to obtain certification. The Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA) and the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) both offer certification as an electronics engineering technician. There are different prerequisites for the different certifications however all require the applicant to pass a comprehensive examination which assesses the applicant’s skills and knowledge in the electronic engineering field. Acquiring certification lets employers know that the applicant is qualified, knowledgeable, and has the abilities to perform the responsibilities required in this profession.
Admission Requirements
For most colleges and universities, the admission requirements for an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree program in electronics engineering include a high school diploma or its academic equivalent (i.e., GED), a transcript from the high school the student graduated from, SAT or ACT test scores, and an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend along with the application fee.
Tuition and Accreditation
There are numerous factors which affect college and university tuition fees such as public versus private institutions, distance education, government funding, etc. However, below are the average ranges of tuition fees for the two degrees. An associate’s degree in electronics engineering may vary from $ 8,085 to $ 23,871 in tuition fees. A bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering may vary from $ 15,918 to $ 32,617 in tuition fees. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
It is extremely important for students to attend an accredited institution. This tells employers that the applicant graduated from a college or university which provides high-quality education and adheres to certain academic standards. Students who obtain an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering should enroll in a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC).
Average Annual Salary Range for Electronics Engineering Technicians
The average annual salary range for electronics engineering technicians is $ 48,070 to $ 68,070 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, keep in mind that there are various aspects which determine an individual’s salary such as their level of education, the extent of their experience, their field of specialization, and who they are employed by. Therefore, salaries for the same profession may vary from person to person.
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