Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology

Overview

Electrical and electronics engineering technology programs prepare people to help engineers who work on electrical, electronic, and communication systems.

Electrical and electronics engineering technology programs teach people how circuits work. Students learn how to develop and test prototypes of systems. They learn how to calibrate instruments and prepare reports.

Electrical and electronics engineering technology programs include topics such as:

Electrical circuitry
Circuit design and layout
Prototype development and testing
Systems analysis and testing
Semiconductor technologies
Instrument calibration
Report writing

Concentrations

In electrical and electronics engineering technology programs, students may be able to specialize in integrated circuit design.

Schools

Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in electrical and electronics engineering technology. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in electrical and electronics engineering technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Very few universities offer graduate degrees in electrical and electronics engineering technology. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science and Programming
English Composition
Physics
Pre-Calculus

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

An associate degree program in this field typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Advanced Digital Electronics
Circuit Analysis
Data Communications
Digital Electronics and Microprocessors
Electric Circuits
Electrical Machines and Control Systems
Engineering Graphics
Engineering Physics
English Composition
Introduction to Calculus
Introduction to Programming
Pre-Calculus

A bachelor's degree program often assumes that you have taken pre-calculus while in high school. It typically includes the other courses listed above, plus the following:

Analog Systems
C++ Programming
Computer Solutions of Engineering Problems
Digital Signal Processing
Electronic Prototyping and Design
Engineering Economics
Linear Integrated Circuits
Network Installation and Maintenance
Ordinary Differential Equations
Senior Project

Things to Know

Many jobs in this field require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and speaking courses will develop your communication skills.

As an engineering technician, your role in the engineering team may be to run tests and help gather data to test a concept created by an engineer.

With a bachelor's degree in an engineering technology, you may be able to work either as an engineer or as a technologist. Your options depend on what state you live in and whether your state requires a license.

If you want a license, you usually need a bachelor's degree from an engineering technology program recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam.

Certifications are also available from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.