Radio, TV, telephones, airplanes, computers, automobiles, office machinery, home appliances and medical equipment are just some examples of the inventions made by engineers and technicians. If you wish to pursue a career in electrical engineering, read on for more details.
What is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is a field that involves the interplay of electricity and magnetism, mathematics of circuits and systems and engineering tools of analysis and design. Students who pursue a program in this concentration learn how to design, develop, build and test electrical and electronic devices such as electronic amplifiers, embedded computer systems, solar power generators, laser sources, and intelligent systems. Forbes has placed electrical engineering in its list of The Best-Paying College Majors of 2012.
What is an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering?
An associate in electrical engineering is an undergraduate program designed to provide you with the basic knowledge of the field. You will learn about the fundamentals of electric circuits, solid state electronics, and their application in the electronic circuits and control systems. The program can prepare you for entry-level work as an electrical engineering technician, who assists engineers with the development or performance issues of electrical systems and electronic devices.
You can also transfer credits from this degree to a baccalaureate in engineering technology program. In addition to traditional schools, some online institutes also offer associate degrees in this discipline. Distance-learning options can be useful for students who reside in remote locations as well as individuals who are engaged in full time work. Before you enroll in an online program, you must ensure that the respective institute has been accredited by a recognized body.
What types of courses are included in an associate’s degree in electrical technology?
An associate program in electrical engineering covers a variety of topics that may help students learn about the principles of designing, maintaining and installing electrical devices and systems. Some of the courses that you may find include:
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Computer-aided drafting
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Electric circuits and systems
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Composition
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College algebra
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Mechanics
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Advanced circuits and systems
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Electronics
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Technical writing
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Precalculus
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Digital electronics
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Digital logic
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Computer programming
What career options can you avail with an associate in electrical engineering?
Students with an associate in electrical engineering may qualify to work as electrical engineering technicians and find opportunities in industries including:
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Architectural, engineering, and related services
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Navigational, measuring, electro medical, and control instruments manufacturing
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Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
The BLS reported that employment growth for electrical engineering technicians will most probably be experienced in engineering services firms since companies seek to outsource these services in order to reduce costs. It also reported them as having had a median annual pay of $57,850 in 2012.
While as a technician you will not be responsible for designing products or systems, job satisfaction comes from hands-on involvement. Nevertheless, a bachelor or a more advanced degree may help you become an electrical engineer. Graduate degrees are also available for those who wish to seek advanced level positions.