If you want to develop the latest electronic gadget at a tech company or are simply fascinated with the inner workings of processors and circuits, an online electronics associates degree could be a strategic first step.
Getting started on this two-year degree is a beneficial way to dive into the field of electronics engineering. Your coursework will explore theoretical knowledge while giving you plenty of hands-on practice.
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Upon graduation, you can decide whether you want to directly join the workforce as a technician or continue on with a bachelor’s degree to become a licensed engineer.
Online Electronics Associates Degrees
The world of electronics engineering has countless applications. Electronics professionals find themselves working across many industries, from consumer goods and healthcare to industrial-scale electronics.
This degree encourages you to integrate your knowledge of math and science to find new solutions to electronic problems. An online electronics associates degree can help you explore the design and operation of processors, circuits, and all of their components. If you like the idea of creating, building, testing, and improving new electronics systems, this could be a fitting field to pursue.
As an electronics engineering associates student, you can learn how to build your circuits into computer systems and their hardware. If you’re interested in robotics and artificial intelligence, this program may help you build a foundational knowledge for these fields as well. At the associate-level, electronics professionals tend to pursue technician positions, such as:
- Electronics engineering technician
- Electrical engineering technician
- Electro-mechanical engineering technician
- Electrical and electronics installer and repairer
Your online degree will include traditional lectures to help you understand the theories involved in electronics engineering. You may then apply your knowledge through hands-on projects and experiments. This type of program will likely include an exploration of leading-edge technology as well as help you develop advanced problem-solving skills.
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When you earn a credible electronics associate degree online, you don’t have to lose out on any of the practical experience of attending a traditional, face-to-face program. Online associates programs are designed for you to complete projects and lab experiments while being 100% remote. There may also be hybrid programs that combine remote and on-campus learning.
Earning your online associate’s in electronics engineering can be a strategic stepping stone, no matter your career goals. With this degree, you can enter into the workforce upon graduation or continue on to earn your bachelors degree.
Electronics engineering often overlaps with electrical engineering and computer hardware engineering. If any of these fields sparks your interest, an online associates in electronics engineering could be a foundational first step in developing your skills and knowledge.
Electronics Engineering Technology Careers & Salaries
Most professionals with an associates in electronics engineering start off as engineering technicians. This type of position usually only requires an associate’s degree and can be pursued upon graduation.
There are also other electrical and electronics technician positions that associate-degree holders may pursue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here’s a range of positions related to the study of electronics engineering.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Electronics Engineers | $104,820 |
| Electrical Engineers | $100,420 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers — Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | $93,420 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $63,640 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $62,760 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers — Commercial and Industrial Equipment | $61,730 |
| Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers | $60,370 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $60,360 |
| Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers | $46,910 |
| Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers — Motor Vehicles | $40,670 |
Although a bachelors is required for full engineering positions, credits from an engineering associate program can often transfer into a bachelor program. Work experience is also required for more senior or leadership roles.
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If you enter the workforce as a technician upon graduation, you can always choose to pursue your bachelor’s while working or even later on in your career.
Electronics Engineering Associate’s Curriculum & Courses
No matter which school you choose, there are many core courses you are likely to come across in an electronic engineering technology associates degree program. Many of your courses will have a lecture component as well as hands-on lab hours.
Let’s take a look at some common course offerings in an electronics engineering associate’s program:
- Introduction to Electronics: One of the first courses for electronics students, this class will introduce fundamental electronics topics and theories to be built upon during your course of study.
- DC Electronics: Building on the introductory course, this class will dive deeper into understanding direct current electricity.
- AC Electronics: Some schools will offer this course specifically to explore alternating current and its related topics.
- Solid State Electronics: In this course, you’ll begin to explore semiconductor theory and transistors in more depth.
- Industrial Electronics: This course will help you understand and explore the design and construction of circuits and semiconductors.
- Integrated Circuits: This course will prepare you to understand and operate integrated circuits in their digital systems.
- Digital Electronics: This course explores digital circuits and electronics in more depth and detail.
- Microprocessors: You’ll become better acquainted with the structure and design of the microcomputer in this course.
- Electronic Communications: This type of course will help you better understand the theory and operation of different circuit systems as well as how they communicate with each other.
- Internships in Electronics: Many schools will offer internships as an opportunity to earn credits while gaining real-world experience in the field of electronics.
You can contact the electronics department at the school you’re planning to attend for a list of required courses.
Online Electronics Associates Degree Admissions Requirements
Here are some common admissions requirements for an associates in electronics online program:
- Completed application. An application asks for your basic information and might contain a few short answer questions, but you generally don’t need a separate essay to apply to an associate’s program.
- Official transcripts or GED equivalent. Your transcripts will show your completed high school coursework and GPA.
- Placement test. Most community colleges don’t require SAT or ACT scores, but they might have you take a placement test to determine the appropriate coursework for you.
To find out more, you can contact the admissions team at the school you wish to attend.
Accreditation
As you research schools for your online associate degree in electronics engineering, you might come across a tab or section on a school’s website describing their accreditation status.
A degree that’s earned from an accredited school will be widely recognized by employers and other credible colleges and universities. Regionally accredited universities are regularly reviewed to ensure the quality of their student services and educational offerings.
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You can contact your school of choice to find out more about their accreditation status. You can also verify a school’s accreditation status by utilizing the database of schools on the website of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Earning your associates degree in electronics technology doesn’t have to break the bank. Many community colleges and associates programs are publicly funded and are more affordable for in-state residents.
Many colleges strongly recommend filling out a FAFSA as part of the application process. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps students access government funding and financial aid packages. Depending on your income and personal situation, you might qualify for grants, loans, or work-study opportunities.
You can also explore any need-based or merit-based scholarship opportunities offered by your school or outside organizations.
Is Electronics a Good Degree?
Yes, electronics is a good degree for many undergraduate students. Earning an associate’s in this field is a strategic way to keep your options open as you gain more knowledge and experience in the field of electronics. When you graduate, you can decide the next best step for you.
You have the option to directly apply to enter the workforce upon graduation as an engineering technician. Most electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians earn between $39,840 and $99,210 each year (Bureau of Labor Statistics). If you have enjoyed the coursework and want to become a full-fledged engineer, you can choose to continue on to earn your bachelors degree.
What Degree Do You Need for Electronics?
An associates degree in electronics technology or a related field is usually the key requirement when applying for electronics engineering technician positions. After earning an associates in this field of study, you should be qualified to enter the workforce and start gaining experience right away.
Electronics professionals may pursue work as electronics or electrical engineering technicians as well as electronics installers and repairers. An bachelors degree is required, though, to sit for the professional engineering exam and become a licensed engineer.
If you’re interested in the job opportunities and higher salaries available to engineers, you can often transfer your associate credits to a bachelors degree program.
What Is an AA in Electronics Engineering?
An AA in Electronics Engineering is an associates degree that can help prepare you to enter the workforce as an engineering technician.
This degree is often offered as an Associate of Arts (AA) in Electronics Engineering or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Electronics Engineering. This technical, 2 year degree is designed to give you both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice to get you started in the field of electronics.
An electronics engineering associate degree helps you qualify to enter the workforce as an engineering technician or to transfer to an engineering bachelors program.
What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Electronic Engineering?
Graduates with an associate degree in electronic engineering usually go down one of two paths. First, you might enter the job force as a technician. Positions at this level often include electrical or electronics engineering technician and electrical or electronics installer and repairer.
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Second, you might choose to continue onto a bachelors degree to advance your qualifications. A bachelors is often required to become a full-fledged engineer and pursue licensure. If you choose to start gaining professional experience as an engineering technician, you can always choose to pursue your bachelors degree later on. Some students even decide to pursue their bachelors online while they work as a technician.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Electronics Associate’s Degree?
If you choose to pursue your online associates degree in electronics technology full-time, you can generally graduate in 2 years. If you choose to speed up your program by choosing to study during traditional breaks in the school year, you might be able to finish your degree program sooner.
On the other hand, part-time studies will often take longer. For more precise information on your program options, you can contact the school where you wish to enroll. They will be able to provide you with different options that best suit your schedule and needs.
Is an Associates in Electronics Degree Worth It?
Yes, an associates in electronics degree is worth it for many students. An associates can qualify you to enter the engineering field as a technician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electronics engineering technicians are expected to experience steady job growth over the next ten years.
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Your associate’s degree or technician experience can also serve as a strategic stepping stone, and your credits can often count toward a bachelors program. By extending your studies and receiving a bachelors in engineering, you could qualify for even more opportunities. For instance, a bachelors is a common requirement for electrical and electronics engineers.
Universities Offering Online Associates in Electronics Engineering Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
The Associate of Science in Electronics Technology program at Colorado Technical University is designed with working students in mind. It offers flexible start dates and online courses. Graduates of the program often pursue entry level roles in the field of electronics technology or continue to a bachelor’s in electrical or computer engineering.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
East Coast Polytechnic Institute University offers an Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering. The program is designed for students interested in the design, testing, and building of systems and machinery. Classes can be attended either in person at one of several campuses or online.
ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At Eastern New Mexico University, students in the Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology program can potentially complete their degrees in just 2 years. The program aims to provide the flexibility of online learning along with the engagement and connection of traditional classroom formats. It consists of recorded and live lectures and virtual labs and provides students with access to online resources.
Eastern New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Hillsborough Community College offers an Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology. The curriculum is designed to help students develop the skills needed to excel in entry-level electronics engineering technician roles. The program requires the completion of 68 credit hours and utilizes a hybrid attendance model. On average, it can be completed in 2 years of full-time study.
Hillsborough Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Indiana Tech’s Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology program emphasizes the technical and theoretical skills required to excel in the field of technology. All classes and labs are 6 weeks long and held online. The curriculum covers core topics such as electronic circuits, digital circuits, electrical machines, and technical writing.
Indiana Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Lone Star College offers an Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering. The program aims to prepare students for careers in electronics, telecommunications, autonomous systems, and information processing.
Most students can complete their degrees in just 2 years. The curriculum covers the core requirements for most bachelor’s programs in electrical engineering. Class can be attended online or at one of six campuses, and most students can finish their degrees in just 2 years.
Lone Star College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lorain County Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology. This 2 year program can be completed on campus or online. The curriculum implements engaging lectures and hands-on experience to prepare students for careers as engineering technicians. Key concepts covered include electrical circuits, electronic fabrication, technical mathematics, and electrical power and devices.
Lorain County Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Madison Area Technical College offers an Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. Graduates often pursue careers as engineering assistants, test technicians, field service technicians, and maintenance technicians. This 64 credit program can typically be completed in 2 years with full-time attendance and is offered in a hybrid on-campus and online format.
Madison Area Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Miami Dade College offers an Associate in Science in Electronics Engineering Technology. It is designed to prepare students for a variety of technician roles in the field or continued education at a 4 year university. Major courses include Digital Circuits, Microprocessors, Direct and Alternating Currents, Analog Communications, and Computer Hardware Service.
Miami Dade College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Midlands Technical College offers an Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology. The curriculum covers how to use critical thinking skills, design and build systems, conduct standard system tests, and problem solve complex technical problems. The program can typically be completed in 5 semesters. Students can attend online, in-person, or in a hybrid format.
Midlands Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pittsburgh Technical College offers an Associate in Science in Electronics Engineering Technology. The program aims to graduate students who can help meet the growing demand for skilled technicians. The degree spans 7 quarters of coursework and an internship. Students in the program can choose either a general track or an Industrial Instrumentation focus.
Pittsburgh Technical College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
South College offers an Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. The program boasts knowledgeable and passionate instructors, a flexible online format, and a curriculum crafted to prepare students for a variety of entry-level engineering roles. Courses cover topics like digital electronics, circuits, industrial safety, programming, and quality assurance.
South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Associate in Science in Electronics Engineering Technology program at Thomas Edison State University spans 60 credit hours and can be completed online. In addition to electronics engineering specific-courses, students must take courses that cover general education requirements. Topics covered include intellectual and practical skills, civic leadership, human cultures, and scientific knowledge.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Massachusetts—Lowell offers an Associate in Electronic Engineering Technology. The program consists of 22 courses that aim to teach students broad skills and knowledge in the field of electronic engineering technology. The program is available in on-campus and online formats, and students can adjust their course load according to their own scheduling needs.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of the Virgin Islands offers an Associate of Science in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology. The program’s curriculum provides introductory instruction in fundamental computer engineering concepts and technical design skills. Courses are conveniently held online and begin every 8 weeks. The program can typically be completed in 2 years.
UVI is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Getting Your Electronics Engineering Associate’s Degree Online
An online electronics engineering associates degree could allow you to dive into the world of electronics engineering without making a four-year commitment.
This degree can help prepare you to work as an engineering technician and start gaining professional experience in the field. Plus, an associate’s degree contains approximately half the credits needed for a bachelor’s degree. You could choose to pursue this next degree at any time, and your associate credits are likely to transfer if they were earned from an accredited school.
With so many accredited program options available online, you can start your educational journey in electronics engineering all from the comfort of your own home. The sooner you start exploring associate programs in electronics engineering, the sooner you may find the one that’s right for you.
