Are you a prospective college student seeking to enter the workforce or make a career change? With today’s labor shortages, you have plenty of options. An associate degree can give you a major advantage and numerous prospective career options, as this degree can prepare you to accelerate your formal education or potentially enter the workforce directly. If you’re interested in entering the field of electrical engineering technology, earning an associate degree could be highly beneficial.
Furthermore, the continued advancement of technology means that you can take greater advantage of online learning opportunities. As a result, there are many ways for you to earn an online associate degree in electrical engineering technology. Students who earn this degree online can save money, increase their flexibility, and continue working full-time.
What Is an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology?
An associate degree in electrical engineering technology is an entry-level college degree. By earning this degree, you can gain the knowledge and skills that will allow you to manage electrical systems.
Students who earn an associate degree in electrical engineering technology can design, create, test, and repair various electrical systems. As with any college degree, prospective students have to meet minimum admission requirements. However, once they enter the program, they can specialize in certain skills, enabling them to better position themselves in the job market in a field they wish to pursue.
Why Earn an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology?
In many ways, an associate degree in electrical engineering technology is an ideal starting point for a career in this field.
Benefits
The career opportunities that a person can unlock by earning an associate degree in electrical engineering technology are strong, particularly from the perspective of a return on investment over time. With this degree, you can go into many fields, including electrical technician, field service technician, and maintenance professional.
The skills developed while earning this degree deal with the practical application of the electrical field and focus specifically on designing, repairing, and creating electrical systems. To that end, an associate degree in electrical engineering technology is the cornerstone for future success.
Reasons to Study Online
There are many benefits to obtaining this degree online.
First, online degrees are highly flexible. Many online programs are asynchronous or held in the evening or on weekends. Students can learn on a schedule that fits their needs, allowing them to continue working or raising a family.
Online degrees are also highly cost-effective. Students do not have to worry about transportation, room, board, or any other physical supplies needed with an in-person school.
Finally, online schools have access to diverse resources and global perspectives that may be more difficult to integrate into an online school. As a result, earning your associate degree in electrical engineering technology online is a highly useful way to earn your degree.
How Much Does an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology Cost?
The average tuition costs of earning an online associate degree in electrical engineering vary wildly. The final cost ultimately depends on numerous factors, including the quality of the program, in-state tuition rates, and more. Tuition and fees for an electrical vocational associate degree or certificate program can average around $22,000, according to College Tuition Compare.
These costs don’t consider the ancillary costs associated with an in-person degree such as transportation, food, and child care. Factoring in these costs can often add thousands of dollars to each semester of work, thus making earning an online associate degree in electrical engineering technology more cost-effective.
Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology Curriculum
Like all degrees, earning an associate degree in electrical engineering technology will require students to take a series of core and elective subjects. Core subjects may include math, physics, safety, circuitry, digital electronics, and computer-aided drafting. Other elective options include more advanced and specialized courses in these areas. By taking any of these electives, students can specialize in certain areas.
Virtual labs are also common components of an associate degree in electrical engineering technology. Students will earn hands-on experience in constructing and designing electrical engineering components during these labs. These virtual labs may include physical or digital construction. You can usually complete some of these components online. However, they will usually require some in-person construction.
A robust curriculum is completely integrated with current technology and industry practices, ensuring that students learn the latest technology and are best prepared to enter the job market.
Admission Requirements for Online Associate Degree Programs in Electrical Engineering Technology
Like all academic programs, you must meet certain academic prerequisites for your online associate degree in electrical engineering. You will have had to have graduated high school or earned a GED. Some programs also have GPA requirements, usually around 2.0. Standardized testing is generally not required. Depending on the school, you may also need a letter of recommendation.
From an online perspective, you will need a computer — not just a tablet or phone — capable of meeting all necessary technological requirements to run any program. Such programs include web conferencing and any computer programs that are necessary for you to earn your degree.
Applications are available online at each school’s website. Filling them out is simply a matter of having all of your information available and being able to upload that information. You can usually save in-progress applications, meaning you can go back later to double-check or revise information.
Accreditation for Online Associate Degree Programs in Electrical Engineering Technology
It’s important to check the accreditation status of the school you want to attend. This includes online schools. Accreditation means that a governing body of experts has confirmed that a school has met delineated standards regarding the quality of its faculty, courses, and facilities. Recognized accrediting bodies will accredit schools, with accreditation done by different experts depending on the field type and area of accreditation.
In the case of an associate degree in electrical engineering technology, accreditation is done by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Schools will usually advertise that they are accredited. To see if a school you want to apply to is accredited, visit the ABET website. Most schools also hold regional accreditation from a body such as the Higher Learning Commission.
Career Options for Graduates with an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology
Many potential careers exist for individuals wanting to earn an electrical engineering technology associate degree. Students can begin to work in numerous industry sectors, including electrical repair, computer technology, utilities, heavy repair, and various others. Students who earn this degree can potentially start numerous jobs, including as a computer software engineer, electronics designer, or electronics technician.
It is also worth remembering that earning an associate degree in electrical engineering technology may set a person up for numerous forms of career advancement. Such a degree will likely qualify an individual for many entry-level jobs. However, from there, a person may be able to further their education by obtaining additional qualifications, including a bachelor’s degree. In many cases, a bachelor’s degree in technology may perfectly suit the needs of someone who wants to advance in this field.
With further education and work experience, individuals may be qualified for additional career advancement to increase their skills and earning potential.
Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology Salary and Job Outlook
According to Payscale, the average annual salary of someone with an associate degree in electrical engineering technology is $67,000 annually.
Like all degrees, the salary with an associate degree in electrical engineering can vary wildly. As someone gains more experience, their earning potential will increase. According to Recruiter, the salary can range between $40,000 and $100,000. Areas with higher living costs — such as New York or California — tend to report higher salaries than those with lower ones.
The 10-year job growth projection is as important as the current annual salary. Changes in the job market, including the rise of AI, impact many jobs. As such, anyone interested in electrical engineering will want to keep up with advances and changes in technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, architecture and engineering jobs are projected to see faster-than-average growth between 2022 and 2032.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Information for Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology
Most schools offer a comprehensive array of financial aid options that can help make college more affordable. This aid may come from grants or loans from the school, state government, federal government, or employer. You should speak with each prospective school before completing any applications to ensure you can afford to attend that school.
Furthermore, there are many scholarships specific to electrical engineering technology students. You can find many databases of scholarships on websites such as Scholarships.com and Scholarships360.
The information you put on your application about your financial situation can determine how much aid you get. To that end, you should always:
- File as early as possible and with the most up-to-date information you have.
- Speak directly with the school about financial aid options and let them know if you have any extenuating circumstances.
- Exhaustively examine all federal, state, local, and private options.
- Double-check your work to ensure there are no errors.
Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology FAQ
How Much Can You Earn With an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology?
The average salary for someone in the electrical engineering technology field is around $67,000 per year, according to PayScale. However, that salary can vary depending on factors including location, position, industry, and years of experience.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an Online Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology?
Full-time students can usually earn their online associate degree in electrical engineering technology in around two years. In an accelerated program, a person can earn an associate degree in as little as 18 months.
The time it takes to earn this degree if enrolled in school part-time ultimately depends on how many classes someone can take in a semester. Associate degrees are typically around sixty credits; most college courses are three credits. Generally speaking, students will take more than one course per semester.
Is Getting an Online Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology Worth it?
Getting an online associate degree in electrical engineering is often worth it financially. Obtaining this degree can boost your lifetime earning power.
Furthermore, electrical engineering technology programs can combine academic rigor with hands-on experience. A well-crafted online program can give you the skills and tools necessary to learn useful skills, obtain a well-paying job, and advance your career.
Can I Earn an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology Entirely Online?
Some online programs are better categorized as hybrid programs that are mostly online, as labs may need to be done in person. However, lecture classes, small-group work, and digital work can typically be done online, and some programs have virtual labs as well.
What Careers Can an Individual With an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology Pursue?
Fortunately, there is a wide range of potential careers for someone earning an associate degree in electrical engineering technology.
From an educational perspective, an associate degree is often a starting point. Students can build on this degree to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Alternatively, a student can enter the workforce and enter many sectors, including becoming an electrical engineering technician, repairer, or assistant. Students can also work in many fields, including utility generation, working for an engineering firm, or becoming a technical writer. Specialties in certain types of electrical engineering can allow individuals to develop specific expertise that will make them more employable. These specialties include communications, computer engineering, and control systems.
Explore the Benefits of an Online Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology
The benefits of earning an associate degree in electrical engineering technology online are extensive. You can use such a degree to advance your career, earn a robust salary, and propel yourself toward future career advancement. Online learning can be effective, flexible, and impactful. Launching a career in electrical engineering technology can be an excellent way to ensure you work in a growing, in-demand field.