Studying Electronics Technology: Degrees at a Glance
We use electronics to conduct business, play, communicate and provide medical care. Earning a degree in electronics technology can teach you the physics and science behind how electronic devices work and the integration of electronic components for a variety of uses. However, getting a job in electronics manufacturing or repair after graduating from any degree program could be difficult. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipated slow growth for electronics repair and engineering jobs and rapid decline for electronics manufacturing work from 2010-2020.
If you want to perform repair or assembly line work, you probably won't need to get a degree, but employers do prefer that you have a working knowledge of electronics. You can get introductory training through vocational and associate degree programs. If you decide to earn a bachelor's degree, most majors include electronics engineering instruction, which can provide you with advanced skills in design and management.
Associate Degree | Bachelor's Degree | |
---|---|---|
Who Is This Degree for? | Mechanically minded individuals with no electronics experience | - People with no electronics experience - Associate degree holders interested in more advanced electronics design and engineering work |
Common Career Paths (with salary ranges for majority of professionals) | - Electronics technician ($25,000-$55,000)* - Electronics equipment assembler ($20,000-$42,000)* - Electronics manufacturing technician ($29,000-$51,000)* - Commercial electronics repairer ($38,000-$48,000)* - Electronics engineering technician ($32,000-$70,000)* - Electronics drafter ($28,000-$47,000)* | - Electronics technician ($26,000-$62,000)* - Electronics manufacturing technician ($25,000-$60,000)* - Electronics drafter ($31,000-$42,000)* - Electronics engineering technician ($36,000-$64,000)* |
Time to Completion | 2 full-time years | 4 full-time years, 8 part-time years or 2 full-time years for a completion program |
Common Graduation Requirements | - Some programs require field work or internships - You might need to supply your own tools | - Might require licensure testing, depending on specialty |
Prerequisites | - Most, but not all, schools require a high school diploma or GED - Geometry and algebra courses - Skills testing - Sufficient vision and motor skills | - Traditional 4-year programs usually require only a high school eduction - Completion programs require an associate degree or previous college coursework - Demonstrated competencies in math, science and communication |
Online Availability | Uncommon, some blended format | Fully online or blended |
Sources: *April 2012 PayScale.com statistics: distinguished by degree earned.