In a world where almost everything you touch is electronic, the demand
for people to design, develop, test and repair this technology is increasing.
Those skills are what students of electrical and electronics engineering technology
programs work on developing.
Programs go by different names, depending on the school. Sometimes it's
called electrical or electronics technology. Some schools have separate electrical
and electronics engineering technology programs to focus on more specialized
areas.
Programs can be two or four years long, depending on if you want to
be a technician or a technologist. Most two-year programs offer graduates
an associate's degree, and students are considered engineering technicians
upon graduation.
Four-year programs usually include further opportunities for specialization,
co-op programs and more courses in liberal arts. Graduates of these programs
are technologists. They usually make higher salaries than technicians.
Core programs include courses in basic mathematics, DC/AC circuit analysis,
soldering, transistors, basic microprocessors and troubleshooting, among
others.
After finishing the core curriculum, many students choose to further
specialize in areas such as avionics, marine electronics, microwave telecommunications,
industrial electronics, air conditioning and heating or even PC repair.
All programs require excellent math, science and communication skills.
It's also important to develop good problem-solving skills.
You may choose to become certified. This is not always required,
but it will make you more marketable. Certification usually involves passing
an exam.
Many programs in the U.S. are accredited by the Technology Accreditation
Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC-ABET).
Non-accredited schools aren't necessarily inferior, but with an accredited
school, you'll be certain it's meeting the profession's standards.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Engineering
Technicians
EETimess
Read about the latest news, products and opinions in electronics
IEEE Spectrum Online
A magazine, news, blogs and more for tech insiders
IEEE
Check out this professional association for the advancement of
technology